Receptions in the cash room, cocktails in the vault: since the end of 2008, Potel & Chabot has been operating from the former headquarters of Crédit Foncier de France, proving that there is life after banking. And the fifth "Pavilion managed by the famous caterer and "event creator is no fifth wheel. "It took us several years to complete this project, with a colossal investment, particularly in the kitchen," explains Stéphane Tourvieille, director of the Pavillon Cambon Capucines. We wanted to create a coherent whole by opening up communication areas between the different parts. But we didn't touch on the essentials: our lease obliges us to return the premises in the condition in which we found them.. The Architectes des Bâtiments de France are adamant on this point: there's nothing innocuous about this place.
Let's set the scene again: we're in Paris, on the corner of rue Cambon and boulevard des Capucines, closer to Place Vendôme than Place de la Madeleine. We are then on the site of the former residence of the Maréchal de Luxembourg, on which architect Charles Mewes built a new headquarters for Crédit Foncier de France in 1914. We are also right next to the Hôtel des Vieux, the Hôtel d'Evreux and the Hôtel de Castanier, all three of which date back to the 18th century and are listed as historic monuments. And finally, we are located in a unique architectural ensemble, recently sold for 250 million euros to the Emir of Qatar.
In short, we're not just anywhere, as underlined by the promise in the venue's promotional brochure: "You will discover how contemporary creation extends and complements the heritage of the past to give the Art of Reception its most beautiful setting"..
Adopted by the luxury world
And this showcase is first and foremost the Grand Salon Mewes, installed in what was once the counter room of Crédit Foncier de France. With its listed columns, mezzanine framed by Christofle ironwork, ashlar staircase and glass roof hovering more than eight metres above a marble floor, this is a space that is clearly out of the ordinary. With a clientele to match: "Fashion, luxury goods and cosmetics often use our spaces. In 2009, we had four major perfume launches. And last January, Chanel held all its haute couture shows here".says Stéphane Tourvieille.
The major luxury brands have quickly adopted 46, rue Cambon, but the setting also attracts other eyes and other markets, with some 25 events organised every month. The 85th gala dinner of the Grand Prix d'Amérique was held here. It was also here that Standard and Poor's celebrated its 150th anniversary. And it was here that Eva Longoria and Tony Parker received the benefactors of their charity. "Par coeur Gala.
So it's in this historic location that a large number of high-end events end up, eager to take over walls that call for creativity and bold staging. For example, we recently saw a client organise an aperitif on the mezzanine, before suddenly lifting the curtain at dinnertime to reveal the tables in the living room. The 'wow' effect is guaranteed.
The grand salon is undoubtedly the best showcase for the pavilion, but it is not the only space that can be exploited. Set back from the mezzanine, the Escoffier and Castanier lounges offer a perfect blend of contemporary decor and a view steeped in history. In the basement, the Rossini lounge, installed in the former vault of the Crédit Foncier, has a particularly ingenious system of retractable armchairs that can transform a reception room into a 371-seat auditorium in a matter of seconds. The appeal of this offer lies not only in its location, but also in its ready-to-use product: "reception, gastronomy, floral decoration: we take care of everything to do with the table. But we also have an integrated control room, with all the necessary audiovisual resources at our disposal".All in one, you might say...
Technical data
Pavillon Cambon Capucines
46, rue Cambon - 75001 Paris Tel: 01 47 20 04 05 - www.poteletchabot.com
Spaces available for hire
Grand Salon Mewes
700 m2; up to 650 people for conferences and 700 people for cocktails or seated meals.
Mewes Mezzanine
400 m2; up to 350 people for cocktails and 300 for a sit-down meal.
Salon Capucines
Up to 90 people for cocktails. Often used as a sub-committee room or for press breakfasts and lunches.
Castanier and Escoffier lounges
For meetings, cocktails and meals for 5 to 60 people. Communicating lounges with a view of the interior garden and the Hôtel d'Evreux.
Salon Rossini
Fully modular auditorium with 371 seats and cocktail lounge for up to 370 people.
