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    Home • Blog Posts

    Teatime Tour of the Shangri-La Palace Paris

    Published: Nov 26, 2015 · Modified: Jun 8, 2023 by Jill Colonna19 Comments

    Historic tour of the Shangri-La Palace Hotel Paris, followed by a light French-Asian lunch with dessert at the Bauhinia restaurant that also does a wonderful afternoon tea on weekends.

    Cast iron original gates to Prince Roland Bonaparte's Palace, Shangri-La Hotel Paris

    When I heard about the sublime Teatime at the Shangri-La in Paris, I knew it would be special - but I had no idea just how interesting a tour of the historical side of the palace would be too.

    It's much more than just a hot-spot for photographers on Instagram, getting the perfect shot with a balcony view on the Eiffel Tower. Originally built in 1896 for Prince Roland Bonaparte, known as the Palais d'Iéna, this French Historical Monument is worth a visit in itself. Let me give you a tour to whet your appetite followed by lunch at La Bahuinia restaurant with a taste of dessert and their teatime pastries.

    Entrance to Shangri-La Palace hotel Paris

    Parisian Palace Renovations

    As soon as you walk into the welcoming lobby of the Shangri-La Hotel, it's evident that it's one of the most elegant Palace hotels in Paris. It was a palace. Step back to 1896 when Prince Roland Bonaparte (1858-1924), the grand-nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, moved in to his residential home, the Palais d'Iéna after four years of construction.

    Today, thanks to the Shangri-La Hotel - who bought the palace from the French Centre of Foreign Trade in 2006 (it previously belonged to the Suez Canal Bank Company from 1925 amongst others) - the palace opened in 2010 after a mammoth four-year renovation project respecting its French heritage and, since 2009, much of the building is listed as a National Historical Monument.

    ornate staircase with lights and statue

    Chantilly Inspired French Staircase

    The Palace retains its mix of 17th and 19th century eclectic styles plus is given a clever, contemporary luxury feel with all the comforts of a modern Palace hotel.

    It's no coincidence that the main grand Staircase of Honour looks so regal: it was designed by the Moreau brothers of the Château de Chantilly. The bronze statue of a child holding a torch leads us upstairs to the residential salons.

    On the first floor with its giant reception rooms, the original marble continues throughout, as does renovated, original wooden flooring and stained glass.

    Shangri-La Paris Hotel original marble from Prince Roland Bonaparte's Palace

    Grand Salon, Shangri-La Paris

    The impressive main reception or banquet space is the Grand Salon, decorated in Louis XIV style. Across the landing is yet another terrace looking over at the Eiffel Tower. It's enough incentive to get married again, even to the same husband!

    This trumeaux mirror reflects yet another mirror which previously framed a large portrait of Prince Roland's Grand Uncle, Napoleon I (his brother was Roland's grandfather, Lucien Bonaparte).

    Bonaparte Family's Signs and Symbols

    Imperial signs of Prince Roland are reminders of the Bonapartes, with eagles and bees of the first and later second empire in the architecture throughout the palace.

    Look out for golden bees around the Chimneys - and you'll see them flying around many lush curtains and other furnishings. Incidentally, Josephine Bonaparte had silks with bees in her residence in Reuil Malmaison, west of Paris.

    Prince Roland Bonaparte's ornamental symbols in the Palace Iena

    Who Was Prince Roland Bonaparte?

    Prince Roland was the last male descendent of the Lucien Bonaparte line but he was foremost an explorer, geographer and botanist. He was named president of the Geographical Society in 1910 - a position he held until his death in 1924 at age 66 - plus nominated President of the Scientific Academy.

    Forced to abandon a military career due to new legislation in 1886 banning the relations of French rulers to serve in the armed forces, Prince Roland was primarily a botanist. He cultivated the world's largest private herbarium (2nd largest in France and 7th in the world), comprised of more than 2.5 million samples: about 300,000 herb and fern species. They were eventually moved to Lyon as there wasn't enough space within Paris' Natural History Museum!

    Botanist drawings of Prince Roland Bonaparte's herbarium collection

    Examples of his botanical collections are showcased in the lifts taking us to the 65 hotel rooms and 33 suites - many of them with unique views of the Eiffel Tower.

    I was given a sneak peek at the spacious and bright Chaillot Suite, called after the Chaillot Hill upon which the hotel is located, and is the smallest of the three signature suites. That would do me fine, imagining myself as Julia Roberts sitting elegantly on this wrap-around balcony enjoying the Paris skyline sipping on something festive when the sun goes down and the City of Lights sparkle. But I dreamily digress.

    Balcony of the Chaillot Suite, Shangri-La Palace Hotel Paris

    Room With a View on the Eiffel Tower or Asian Guimet Museum

    Prince Roland wasn't keen on the new Eiffel Tower built for the World Fair in 1900. So his private apartments (now the Suite Impériale, listed Monuments Historiques) are on the other side of the building.

    Is it coincidence that his apartments instead face the Guimet Museum? Guimet houses one of the largest collections of Asian art in Europe.

    Gardens at the Iena Palace overlooked by the Eiffel Tower Paris

    Their other restaurant, the Shang Palace, is the only Cantonese restaurant in France with a Michelin Star. But for teatime and for a light lunch or dinner, the social hub venue is here at La Bauhinia.

    La Bauhinia Restaurant

    What is La Bauhinia?

    La Bauhinia takes its name from the iconic five-petalled orchid flower that graces the Hong Kong flag.

    This is a contemporary restaurant with a 1930s-era vibe. Executive Chef, Christophe Moret offers French and South-East Asian cuisine on the savoury side.

    exotic restaurant entrance

    Murano Chandelier Inspired by the Eiffel Tower

    Even during the darkest of French winter days, the Murano chandelier shines natural light directly from the dome above.

    During the courtyard renovations, this glass/steel Eiffel Tower inspired dome was discovered completely by surprise, designed by architect Maurice Gras. It was found behind a false dropped ceiling put in place by the building's former corporate residents. But who would want to hide that?

    Menus at La Bauhinia, Shangri-La Paris

    In summer, La Bauhinia restaurant serves outside on the terrace. It's in the courtyard hidden away with the Eiffel Tower looking on in the back. To celebrate Lucie's birthday (2021), we had an exotic Thai salad as a starter, served with a scrumptious passion fruit vinaigrette and toasted peanuts.

    I couldn't resist a glass of Bandol Rosé from Tempier - difficult to buy in boutiques due to its popularity but easier in French hotels. It's one of the few fabulous French rosé wines that ages well and not the kind of rosé you'll want to add ice cubes!

    glass of rose wine in garden with Eiffel Tower

    Calling all Pad Thai fans! This is a staple on the menu and one of the more spicy offerings. It's not served on a banana leaf boat like I had in Bangkok but I'll let them off! This time I enjoyed a lighter main for lunch, chicken satay with lots of vegetables.

    That way I could still have a little room for dessert.

    Shangri-La Parisian Pastries for Dessert & Teatime

    Pastry chef, Maxence Barbot serves up the lightest, seasonal French pastries for dessert.

    Teatime is now on Saturdays and Sundays (3-6pm), when an iconic 3 tiers of cakes and savouries is served.

    To be honest, 3 tiers of cakes and savouries for teatime in the afternoon is just too much for me. Instead, like the French, I prefer a light lunch followed by a pastry and pot of tea like this.

    strawberry cake on white plate

    So, from the dessert menu, and also from the teatime cake stand, is the Fraise mara des bois et Calisson mousse. The Calisson is the speciality of Aix-en-Provence: oval iced marzipan confiseries.

    Chocolate fans plunge in to L'éclat chocolat. I'll leave you with the cross-section view of my daughter, Lucie's choice, which was served for her 19th birthday cake with a candle. Quick snap before it was all lovingly demolished.

    chocolate caramel cake on white plate

    Beautiful with a pot of blue tea or thé bleu, served with some soft, chewy nougat - a speciality from Montélimar.

    tea cup and teapot with exotic orchid

    Vive la France, its heritage and cheers to the French art of living! From Prince Roland's palace. Cheers! Looking for more tea nearby? Stop off at my favourite historical tea shop of Theodor near Paris's Trocadero.

    Shangri-La Palace Hotel Paris
    La Bauhinia Restaurant
    10 Avenue d’Iéna
    75116 Paris

    Disclaimer: I was not given compensation for this post and all writings and views are my own. With sincere thanks to the Shangri-La Paris for the tour of the hotel. Our meal, however, was paid for by myself.

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    Jill Colonna standing in a French patisserie lab holding a giant whisk over an oversized mixer bowl

    Meet Jill Colonna

    Jill is both Scottish and French and author of the book and blog, Mad About Macarons since 2010. Here she shares over 30 years of experience of living the healthy food life with her French family in Paris - via easy recipes and local food guides in France.

    More about Jill

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    1. Kim - Liv Life

      December 06, 2015 at 4:20 am

      Oh Jill! What an amazing day and a spectacular location. And Vegan treats?? Oh yes please!!
      We've all had you on our minds since the attacks and while I'm sure it's difficult to keep moving, I'm so happy you had this day!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        December 06, 2015 at 5:44 pm

        Thanks Kim. Really appreciate your kind words. Am so glad that Paris is enjoying the festive atmosphere again.

        Reply
    2. Parisbreakfast

      December 01, 2015 at 6:35 pm

      Absolutely sumptuous!
      Though I don't think Prince Roland would appreciate being called 'clever clogs' somehow...
      But what do I know.
      Pass the Pad Thai Please!

      Reply
    3. Liz

      November 30, 2015 at 6:53 pm

      What an exquiste hotel! I'd be walking around gawking like an obvious tourist! And it looks like the menu there offers some very tasty treats!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 30, 2015 at 10:50 pm

        Liz, we are so alike. I may live here but I must have looked like a tourist with my jaw open, while the classy folk just took it all in for granted.

        Reply
    4. David

      November 28, 2015 at 4:27 pm

      What a beautiful restoration! Love the photos detailing the Bonaparte legacy there! The food looks amazing, and I am impressed with the vegan treats!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 30, 2015 at 10:49 pm

        Isn't it exceptional David? I thought the food was great, including the vegan genius, and then the Bonaparte history (of which the Roland part I had no idea!) was just a real bonus.

        Reply
    5. Francis

      November 28, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      Great !

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 30, 2015 at 10:47 pm

        Merci Francis x

        Reply
    6. Thomasina

      November 28, 2015 at 2:36 am

      Wow Jill. This blog should really tempt folks back to Paris. What a great experience. I must go there too. Great photos. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 30, 2015 at 10:47 pm

        I'm trying Thomasina 😉

        Reply
    7. Cheryl Turner

      November 27, 2015 at 6:47 pm

      What a beautiful treat, Jill. Thank you for sharing those gorgeous photos. Sigh. . . I wish i were there.

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 30, 2015 at 10:47 pm

        I wish you could have been there with me Cheryl!

        Reply
    8. Jill Colonna

      November 27, 2015 at 10:06 am

      Christina, it was the other way around for me - was loving the lunch but was just as taken in by the history and the architecture that I just wanted to share it! Thanks for enduring the torture 😉

      Reply
    9. A

      November 26, 2015 at 11:27 pm

      Amazing just amazing Maison - am speechless

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 27, 2015 at 10:08 am

        Too funny. So speechless that I didn't quite even get your name...

        Reply
    10. Alisa

      November 26, 2015 at 11:15 pm

      Loved reading your writing - every delicious word. So gorgeous is the hotel and you!

      Reply
      • Jill Colonna

        November 27, 2015 at 10:07 am

        What a lovely thing to say! Thank you Alisa x

        Reply
    11. Christina @ Christina's Cucina

      November 26, 2015 at 6:02 pm

      I don't know if I can keep receiving your emails with all these enticing posts, Jill! It's truly torture!

      I would love to visit the Shangri La hotel, JUST to soak in that history and see all the ornate decorations and the architecture, but then you tempt us with a lovely lunch, to boot! And what a view of the Eiffel Tower from the hotel! (I love the last photo!) I suppose I just need to keep adding to my "list"!

      Reply

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