Le St James Hotel

43, Avenue Bugeaud 75116 Paris

Your own mini Versailles; Le St James is not only the sole Parisian château you can stay in, but it’s lavish to a degree that any latter-day Louis XIV would appreciate. Located in the discreet, well-heeled 17th arrondissement in the city’s west, when you pass through its gates you can’t help feeling like you’ve entered a country estate, rather than a city hotel. The decor drips in decadence: a theatrical, redcarpeted, grand staircase; marble tiling – then there’s the hot air balloon theme. Built on the site of Paris’ first hot air balloon airfield, cheeky nods to this form of aviation are dotted around the hotel, from the colourful wallpaper that lines the stairs, to the gazebos in the back garden (shaped like hot air balloons, no less). As for the bedrooms, each is entirely unique, but all are flamboyant; one mimics a Middle Eastern garden with leafy wallpaper and floral detailing; another seems themed around blue Delftware. You can waft away evenings in the library bar, or dine in the (very French) in-house restaurant. But, of course, being in a demanding quarter of Paris, you have a host of chichi restaurants at your fingertips. As much as you might feel a world away from the city’s hectic streets, stroll down the street and you’ll turn a corner to a lovely view of the illuminated Arc de Triomphe. It’s expensive, but can you really put a price on such a Parisian getaway? AEM. Doubles from £250.