So for those seeking a French Connection with a city both historic and history-making, Washington, D.C. may not be at the top of your list.
And you’d be wrong. When last I visited (a mere 2 months ago), the city exuded: “I am Important! History! Knowledge! Power Live Here.” Perhaps the drama was somewhat self-created, with the knowledge that a little piece of Paris was already in town. And I’m not talking celebutard Paris H. But it did seem the French language was thick in this walker-friendly city, unless my imagination was running on overtime.
I’ve visited multiple times and heard every language I can think of and some I never knew existed, but this time D.C. seemed to contain more French-speakers I’ve ever heard.
A French Perfumier in D.C.
Not only was a particular parcel of Georgetown’s hotel real estate abuzz with the arrival of a real live, French Perfumier, he was also someone about whom I’ve written four years ago for this very site.
I don’t expect you to remember (but hope some do) when I last wrote about Parisian Blaise Mautin (in the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome review), the movie-star gorgeous perfumier on the brink of celebrity in the "scentsational" world. Well, he’s arrived. Mes amis, Blaise had crossed the Atlantic to announce his latest project, exclusively created for the European-style Park Hyatt Washington that is.
French Perfume at the Park Hyatt Washington
While I was in attendance during a press conference that attracted scores of print and broadcast journalists, Blaise individually showed his beautifully designed and packaged scented candles and allowed us to inhale some of his ambrosia-delightful new perfumes he created.
He told the tale of how he was inspired to leave the famous retail stewardship from which he hails. The Au Nain Bleu, is the city’s oldest, “old-fashioned” toy shop and is as famous, but more exclusive, than F.A.O. Schwarz and caters to the hoi polloi in addition to the rich and famous.
This multiple-generational establishment and beloved landmark store in the middle of Paris (408 rue Honore), has sent packages addressed to Californians whose celebrity-names you’d recognize, but I promised Blaise I wouldn’t divulge any. Gotta protect my sources, right? Reluctant at first to see this entrepreneurial side of their son, Blaise’s parents were less than enthusiastic. Nowadays, they are quite proud of their progeny. And rightly so.
So now, not only was Blaise the focal point of the press conference, I knew him “back when.” Nowadays, Blaise is commissioned to create personal scents for those who can afford not to ask: “How much?”
A Hotel with French Class
Regardless of l’adventure de Blaise, I urge visitors who crave a romantic treat to at least dine at the gorgeous Park Hyatt hotel for the taste au Paris. But should you decide to book a room, do it beforehand, online. Yes, yes, it’s pricey. But for a special occasion, why not? Think of it as dining in Paris and saving on the airfare!
You’ll find the rooms are contemporary, comfortable and cleverly designed. Especially the HD television in the wall-between-living-and-bedroom—it spins, well, it turns, so you can watch from either side. That’s cool.
Not only does Blaise supply the Hyatt with its signature scent (found in all the amenities), he is also designing personal fragrances for clients with major bucks. And now we’re about to spring into Cherry Blossom season, may the polyglots start their conversations! (A bad allusion to a Nascar event….sorry folks!)
Back to "French-D.C." - Remember, D.C. this is where it all started — as in the rumblings of Democracy and all the controversy that’s unleashed on the modern world. Yes, Philadelphia has the Bell, but D.C. has The Mall, and it thankfully has nothing to do with shopping.
French history and D.C.’s evolution will be forever intertwined, never so much accentuated by a streaming host of French-inspired activities, restaurants, museums, hotels and spas. Oh, those spas! Too many to review, too little time (besides, we have an entire About.com Spa site dedicated to my favorite thing...)
If a true faux-French hotel experience is what you’re after, check no further than the tres chic Park Hyatt in la-de-dah Georgetown. This particular Hyatt is a higher-end brand, meaning: more money will be carefully extracted from your credit accounts. But, if you want a true celebratory allusion to all things Francaise, this is the place to stay.
Next: Another Chic Hotels, French Spas and French Things to Do in D.C.