The Saint James – A Private Member Club
- Par Excellence
- Real Estate
A Parisian Escape into a World of Aristocracy and Fantasy
Capturing the same tranquility and charm of a countryside chateau, the Saint James Club Paris is an ultra-luxury escape into the heart of the 16th Arrondissement. When guests are escorted through the wrought iron gates and onto the chateau’s cobblestoned pathway, they’re being transported into a capsule of time that is Paris during the late 1800s.
The stone drive is lined with topiaries and curves around an opulent tiered fountain, wreathed with delicate flowers that seem to bloom in welcome of each guest. It is easy to close one’s eyes and imagine they are living within the same time as when this home first opened its doors almost 100 years ago. It is only when you take notice of the luxury vehicles that line the pathway, you become aware you’re enjoying the exquisite architecture of Paris during the second Empire in real time.
The estate that is now the home for the Saint James Club, was built in 1892 as a residence for the Thiers Foundation. The land where the club resides was actually the site of Paris’ first air-balloon landing field and was later bought by the widow of French President, Adolphe Thiers. Thiers’ widow wanted to create a foundation in the late president’s memory as an honor to his philanthropy.
The foundation worked to support gifted students with scholarships and housing and would go on to do so until the 1980s. In 1987, renown luxury club owner, Peter de Savary, rebirthed the chateau as the Saint James Club. Since 1991, the chateau has been run as a private club and hotel and in 2011 it joined the prestigious association, Relais & Châteaux.
The Saint James Club has been closed to the public recently, due to renovations, and is finally ready to open its doors to the public once more. PAR EXCELLENCE received the exclusive invitation to enter the opulent threshold and take in the breathtaking beauty that is the revived Saint James Club.
There is a notable air of exclusivity and importance upon crossing the threshold of the estate, due to its operation as a members-only club, that also runs as a hotel for members and non-member guests. There are only 50 suites within the club, offering an intimate and personalized stay for each privileged visitor.
Contingent on their tier of membership, guests of the Saint James Club may enjoy the restaurant, spa, fitness center and private meeting rooms at a discounted rate. Members may also enjoy elite concierge services with event planning capabilities and access to 190 additional clubs worldwide.
Bellefeuille is the club’s Michelin-starred restaurant, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner to members and guests. Non-guests can enjoy the decadent menu and exquisite décor for dinner only with a reservation. The dining room of Bellefeuille is adorned with décor inspired by nature and a period marble fireplace ties the room together under an antique mirror, reflecting the property gardens. The floor to ceiling windows, which open to the terrace and club gardens, provide an abundance of natural light into the restaurant during breakfast and lunch hours. In the summer, guests can enjoy the pergola and flow into the pristine gardens of the property.
A short stroll from Bellefeuille, members can wander into the Library Bar. The shelves of the wood carved library are filled with the worn leather-bound books, once belonging to French President Thiers, the bar is a piece of historical beauty in its own right. The winding staircase leads guests into the room where the Foundation’s gifted scholars would work during the late 1800s up until 1985.
Designer Laura Gonzalez has preserved the historical elements of the library, with cherry red walls and refurbished mahogany furniture. Members can indulge in personalized cocktails from skilled mixologists, while enjoying the intimate and luxurious setting of the Library Bar.
The decadence and prestige details are not missed when it comes to the club’s Guerlain Spa. A Burgundy stone staircase welcomes guests into an expansive escape with Greco-Roman details and vaulted ceilings allowing for a waterfall of rich sunlight to cascade into the 400 square meter space.
The Guerlain spa offers a wellbeing area, a fitness center, and only three treatment rooms, ensuring intimacy for each experience. Spa guests can indulge in the crystalline swimming pool, whirlpool, hammam and sauna before and after their lavish treatments.
To be a member of the Saint James Club, it to be a part of a historically preserved piece of an aristocratic Paris. The process to join the illustrious community of club members, includes an in-depth referral and application process. In order to be considered as a new member, you must be recommended personally by an existing club member. With a recommendation, you will find it much easier to be offered an invitation to visit and meet with Club Management.
Hear From The Saint James
If you would like to join the Saint James Club and do not know any existing members to request a referral, please contact us and we will consider submitting a referral for you. Upon a review of your business and profile, we will determine if your membership would add value to the overall community and will contact the Saint James Club management team on your behalf.
While surrounded by the bustling activity of the city streets, the Saint James Club serves as an escape into a luxurious reality where time fluctuates from the modern Paris of today to the Paris of the past, rich with nobility and art.
