The Eiffel Tower is a pretty impressive thing, isn’t it? What with its ability to attract countless thousands of visitors each year, and then have them climb up and down it all day every day. Well done Gustave Eiffel. There is of course one major problem with his tower, and that is that the top of it is much too far off the ground, causing some people to suffer nausea, dizziness and severe fear of death.
Acrophobics, and those who have suffered all the Griswold-esque tourists that they care to, may like to add Hôtel Vernet to their travel itineraries, as it boasts a rather lovely glass ceiling designed by Mr Eiffel himself, at a much less frightening height. Eiffel’s ceiling is not the only reason to pay this place a visit either; interior designer François Champsaur has done a fine job on the recent restoration that was undertaken to mark the building’s 100th birthday. Art Nouveau meets contemporary chic in a skilful combination reflecting the venue’s heritage, and among the many highlights are the abstract carpet and ceiling fresco designs by Jean Michel Alberola.
