New Cheval Blanc hotel for Paris

Luxury goods group LVMH has unveiled its plans for a new Cheval Blanc hotel in Paris.

The group is continuing to expand its luxury hotel and restaurant chain named after its Saint Emilion premier cru classé property, Chateau Cheval Blanc.

The Paris venture, due to open in 2014, is part of LVMH’s €450m restoration of La Samaritaine, a department store next to the Louvre.

LVMH, headed by billionaire financier Bernard Arnault, opened the 5-star hotel Cheval Blanc in the Courchevel ski resort in 2006 (pictured).

Operated by LVMH Hotel Management, and with a two-star Michelin restaurant called 1947, after the chateau’s most renowned vintage, it has recently been named one of eight ‘Palace’ hotels in France.

LVMH Hotel Management is also set to open two Cheval Blanc hotels in Oman and Eygpt.

The Maison Cheval Blanc in Oman will be located on the island of Al Soda, while the development in Egypt is on the private island of Amoun in Aswan.

‘It makes perfect sense to carry out these types of brand extensions’ Jean-Luc Coupet, an investment expert at Wine Bankers told Decanter.com.

‘Ultra high-end tourism fits perfectly with the wine’s image. Each one reinforces the other.’

Written by Jane Anson in Bordeaux