Own a Piece of the Prestigious Ritz Paris

Imagine owning a piece of the legendary Ritz Paris. A rare and unique opportunity is approaching with an exclusive auction sale. Before we delve into the details of this special event, let’s take a moment to explore the fascinating history of the Ritz Paris, a beacon of luxury and elegance since its inception.

Born on February 23, 1850, in Niederwald, Switzerland, César Ritz came from a modest farming family as the youngest of thirteen children. His early years were marked by academic difficulties and a failed apprenticeship as a sommelier due to his clumsiness. Despite trying various trades, his fortunes changed when he moved to Paris in 1867, just before the Exposition Universelle. In Paris, Ritz began working in restaurants and hotels, gradually rising from waiter to maître d'hôtel. His interactions with high society, including figures like the future King Edward VII, shaped his vision for luxury hotels.

In 1880, Ritz acquired a luxury hotel in Trouville-sur-Mer. Although this venture failed, it taught him the crucial importance of exceptional dining experiences. This lesson led to his collaboration with Auguste Escoffier, a renowned chef who was instrumental in revolutionising hotel dining. Together, they introduced the kitchen brigade system, which modernised hotel kitchens and elevated French cuisine to international acclaim.

Ritz's innovations in hospitality, such as personalised service and en-suite bathrooms, along with his collaboration with Escoffier, established the Ritz Paris as a leading example of luxury. His legacy includes the Ritz-Carlton brand, which continues to symbolise the pinnacle of luxury in the hospitality industry.

The birth of the Ritz Paris

In 1877, César Ritz married Marie-Louise Beck, whom he had met in Lucerne. Together, they formed a formidable partnership, combining his business acumen with her impeccable sense of design. Two decades later, in 1897, they embarked on the creation of the Ritz Paris.

They purchased two adjoining townhouses at Place Vendôme, built in the early 1700s, and enlisted architect Charles Mewès to transform them into a luxury hotel. The Ritz Paris opened its doors on 1 June 1898, with Escoffier at the helm of the kitchens.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Ritz Paris was revolutionary. It became the first hotel to offer en-suite bathrooms and toilets in every room, along with lifts and telephones – innovations that were groundbreaking at the time. This set a new benchmark for comfort and convenience in the hospitality industry.

The Ritz quickly became synonymous with high society. Its name even entered the English language: “ritzy” came to mean “stylish” or “luxurious,” and the phrase “to put on the Ritz,” meaning to dress extravagantly, was popularised in Irving Berlin’s famous song, performed by artists such as Fred Astaire and Ella Fitzgerald.

In line with its ethos of luxury, the interiors of the Ritz Paris drew inspiration from grand French palaces like Versailles. Every detail was carefully curated, and nothing was considered too lavish for its discerning guests. Escoffier’s innovations extended beyond the kitchen; he introduced à la carte dining and was the first to offer freshly baked bread as part of the hotel’s signature experience.

Although César Ritz was the public face of the hotel, his wife Marie-Louise played an equally vital role in its success. A passionate designer, she was responsible for many of the Ritz’s most distinctive features. She introduced the first bar dedicated to women in a hotel, designed the wide staircases to accommodate ladies’ gowns and heels, and implemented indirect lighting for a softer atmosphere. She even selected the peach-coloured towels, chosen to flatter the complexion of the guests.

Marie-Louise also conceived the idea of the Ritz’s famous “Gallery of Shops,” an arcade of high-end boutiques that allowed guests to shop in privacy, without leaving the comfort of the hotel.

After César Ritz died in 1918, Marie-Louise managed the hotel with remarkable tenacity until 1953, navigating the male-dominated business world with poise. Under her leadership, the Ritz Paris continued to attract a dazzling array of guests. Writers, artists, and socialites were frequent visitors, including luminaries such as Colette, Jean Cocteau, Cole Porter, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Coco Chanel, the iconic fashion designer, famously made the Ritz her home for 34 years, from 1937 until she died in 1971. Marcel Proust, who often stayed at the Ritz, found inspiration for his masterpiece In Search of Lost Time from the hotel’s refined clientele. To honour him, the Ritz’s elegant afternoon tea salon bears his name. Ernest Hemingway, another frequent guest, once declared, “When I dream of the afterlife in heaven, the action always takes place in the Paris Ritz.”

In keeping with its tradition of innovation, the Ritz underwent an extensive four-year renovation between 2012 and 2016. This meticulous restoration introduced modern amenities to its 142 rooms and suites while maintaining its timeless grandeur. Today, the Ritz Paris stands as a symbol of luxury and elegance, seamlessly blending the past with the present.

A special auction in September 2024

While staying at the Ritz Paris may not be within everyone’s reach, there is now a unique opportunity to own a piece of its illustrious legacy. From 25 to 27 September 2024, Artcurial will host an exclusive auction featuring iconic furniture and accessories from the Ritz Paris. This rare event marks a significant chapter in the hotel’s storied history, offering collectors and enthusiasts the chance to acquire exquisite antiques and elegant décor that have adorned the Ritz’s suites and public spaces for decades. This auction presents a special opportunity to bring a touch of the Ritz’s renowned style into homes around the world, allowing individuals to own a fragment of its distinguished heritage. Some of the items available: