L’Orangerie du George V: a renaissance in gastronomy The story of L’Orangerie is first and foremost one of transformation. It is the story of a space whose identity had to be strengthened to match the cuisine of chef Alan […]
Renovation – Art Deco Style
Four Seasons Hotel George V – Restaurant L'Orangerie - Paris - France
L’Orangerie du George V: a renaissance in gastronomy
The story of L’Orangerie is first and foremost one of transformation. It is the story of a space whose identity had to be strengthened to match the cuisine of chef Alan Taudon, crowned with two Michelin stars.
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‘You can create the most beautiful décor in the world, but if it doesn’t work, it’s useless. – Pierre-Yves Rochon
The project therefore began with a technical and functional study, well before tackling the decoration. The Orangerie, a veritable glass box grafted onto the Grande Galerie of the Four Seasons George V, had to be rethought in its entirety: service flow, acoustics, lighting, table layout, etc. ‘Luxury means that you can enjoy the best of both worlds,’ says Pierre-Yves Rochon. The luxury is that you don’t see the service. You only feel the moment.
A concept born of cuisine
The interior design echoes chef Alan Taudon’s vision, which puts the emphasis on plants. So it wasn’t the interior design that dictated the project, but the kitchen that inspired the overall concept.
The choice of materials, colours and layout stemmed from this approach: natural tones (beige, cream, white) to enhance the dishes, wood and marble to structure the space, and bench seating for greater intimacy and comfort. Even the tables were designed especially for the venue, with an organic shape inspired by petals, to match the gestures of the service.
‘The table had to match the chef’s cooking. We designed it so that every element of the service – plates, glasses, cutlery – would fit in perfectly.
A décor that accompanies the culinary experience
One of the major challenges was to soften the acoustics in this entirely glazed volume. A fabric shell, designed by Atelier Philippe Coudray, was installed under the glass roof to absorb sound and create a hushed setting. The lighting, designed in collaboration with Stéphane Carratero, was designed to remain imperceptible, modulating the atmosphere throughout the day.
In this setting, the porcelain tree by Art et Floritude is a structuring element of the décor, but not the central element. This luminous sculpture, made up of 600 hand-crafted porcelain roses and camellias and 10,000 bougainvillea leaves, adds a discreet, poetic presence to the narrative of the space.
‘It’s not a decorative work, but an echo of the spirit of the place. It wasn’t meant to impose itself, but to extend the conversation between nature, light and the kitchen.
Luxury down to the last detail
Pierre-Yves Rochon’s approach does not stop at the most visible elements. Every detail has been carefully considered:
– The glass and bronze display cabinets, designed by Giorgetti and inspired by residential furniture, showcase the crystalware and wine service, in keeping with the gastronomic experience.
– The staff uniforms, in natural tones, blend into the surroundings to reinforce the overall harmony.
– Service accessories, such as trays and bag holders, have been custom-designed to blend in perfectly with the décor.
‘This is true luxury. A place where everything has been thought out so that nothing interferes with the experience.
With this renovation, L’Orangerie is now fully asserting its identity: a sensory setting designed to showcase Alan Taudon’s cuisine and offer an experience where architecture, service and gastronomy merge in absolute harmony.
Crédits Photo : ©PhilippeGarcia
