Last Updated on 22 December 2025 by Vanessa
When you think of luxury accommodations, Le Bristol hotel in Paris easily tops the list.
This five-star icon from the prestigious Oetker Collection has been stealing hearts since 1925. Celebrities, fashion icons, politicians, and movie stars flock here, and for good reason.
Woody Allen even filmed scenes from Midnight in Paris right inside these walls!
However, it’s not the historic architecture, dreamy interiors, and Michelin-star dining that made me visit this hotel. It’s the hotel’s furry celebrity—Fa-raon—a gorgeous Birman cat who has stolen the spotlight from even the biggest A-listers.
So, on my recent trip to Paris, I couldn’t resist. I made a detour to Le Bristol with one mission: to meet the Fa-raon. Camera in hand, I snapped his royal portraits and chatted with the staff to uncover why this kitty is such a legend.
Ready to peek inside Fa-raon’s glamorous world? Let’s dive in.
Meet Fa-raon, the cat that lives a fancier life than you at Le Bristol hotel in Paris
Fa-raon’s adoption story
In 2010, Le Bristol’s CEO, Didier Le Calvez, decided to adopt a resident cat for the hotel.
The Birman breed was the perfect choice because its gentle nature and elegant creamy coat complements the hotel’s luxurious interiors.
Fa-raon, named after the French word for “pharaoh,” made his grand entrance into the world of luxury hotels.
The cat has been roaming the corridors of Le Bristol ever since.
And visitors love his regal presence.
A day in the life of Fa-raon
Fa-raon loves to meander down the luxurious corridors of Le Bristol. He greets new guests from the stairs near the entrance and naps in the garden if the Parisian weather permits.
His favorite pastime? Perching on the glass showcases in the lobby.
Although he loves socializing with guests, Fa-raon knows his boundaries. He doesn’t enter the restaurants and stays away from the swimming pool area overlooking the Sacré-Coeur.
Nevertheless, there are many opportunities to meet him.
Fa-raon also has his little hiding spots. He loves to tuck himself away behind desks and screens or under a chair, particularly at the Standard, or behind the reception desk. The Castellane Lounge is one of his favorite places for a siesta.
His living arrangements at Le Bristol are nothing short of princely. He has a room of his own, accessible through a cat door, where he can retreat whenever he desires privacy or rest. This space is decorated with drawings of Faraon created by the children who have stayed at the hotel.
Fa-raon’s rise to fame
Ever since Fa-raon arrived at the hotel, journalists have been enquiring about him and photographers have been requesting shoots. He’s now one of the most mediatized cats in the world.
This fluffy feline is famous, and the staff knows it.
Meeting and photographing Fa-raon happens similarly as interviewing a Hollywood star.
I was given no more than 10 minutes to catch this feline celebrity on camera, all the while being supervised at all times. When I asked about some funny anecdotes, the press officer answered, “That is confidential information.”
Fa-raon surely knew how to pose. He stayed calm and showed his best profile, obviously used to the attention.
And not only the media love him. Regular clients of Le Bristol often bring him kibble and other presents.
“Fa-raon is a true member of the Bristol family,” the press officer said.
Kleopatre
In case you’ve visited Le Bristol hotel in Paris before, you may have been wondering what happened to the second cat: Kleopatre.
Le Bristol wasn’t always home to just Fa-raon. There used to be a second Birman cat named Kleopatre. While she resided at Le Bristol for several years, she eventually moved to Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, Germany, in early 2017.
Today, Le Bristol and Brenners Hotel & Spa remain the only two hotels in the Oetker Collection to have resident cats, making them unique and unforgettable destinations for feline lovers.
Embracing the Fa-raon experience
At some point, reading about Faraon just won’t be enough. Book Le Bristol through Booking.com or Agoda and experience the hotel (and the cat) in person.
Unfortunately, you can’t just pop into Le Bristol to meet Fa-raon. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. This five-star hotel offers plenty of ways to soak in the luxury and to spot the hotel’s famous feline resident.
For example, you could book afternoon tea at Café Antonia, sip cocktails at Bar du Bristol, or wander through the dreamy Jardin Français.
Hungry? The restaurants, Epicure *** & Café Antonia, are open to everyone for breakfast and lunch/dinner.
That means you have plenty of opportunities to meet Fa-raon.
So next time you’re in the City of Lights, treat yourself. Who knows? You might just meet Paris’ furry celebrity.
Bring your own pets to Le Bristol in Paris
One thing that makes Le Bristol a favorite among guests? Its pet-friendly policy. This isn’t just a hotel for humans—it’s a five-star paradise for pets, too. Here, your furry friends get the royal treatment right alongside you.
A true pet oasis
Le Bristol knows pets are family, so leaving them behind feels wrong. That’s why the hotel rolls out the red carpet for them.
From the second your pet trots through the doors, the staff showers them with attention and special touches to keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching.
Rooms and suites aren’t just human-friendly—they’re pet-approved. Think plush beds, food and water bowls, and even custom pet amenities.
Whether you’ve got a snuggly cat or an energetic pup, they’ll feel right at home in pure Parisian luxury.
Services for spoiled pets
Le Bristol goes beyond comfy beds and cute bowls. Need a dog walker? Done. A grooming session? They’ll book it. Every service is designed to make your pet’s stay as stress-free and fabulous as yours.
Dine together in style
Even mealtime is special here. Your pets can join you in designated outdoor dining spots while you enjoy world-class French cuisine.
So yes, you can sip champagne while your pup lounges nearby like a true VIP (Very Important Pet).
Explore Paris with your pet
Want to see Paris together? The concierge is your perfect guide to Paris and has you covered with tips on pet-friendly parks, attractions, libraries, cat cafes, and even pet boutiques for a little Parisian retail therapy. Because let’s be honest—your pet deserves a stylish souvenir too.
Address + how to get there?
Address
Le Bristol, 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France (8th arrondissement).
Getting there
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By metro: Take Line 1. Get off at George V station. Walk southeast on Avenue George V, then turn right onto Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré—Le Bristol is on your left.
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By RER (from suburbs or CDG Airport): Take RER Line A. Get off at Charles de Gaulle – Étoile. Walk along the Champs-Élysées to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
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On foot: Walk down Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré from nearby spots like Champs-Élysées, Grand Palais, Petit Palais, Tuileries Garden, Louvre Museum, or Place de la Concorde.
Update: a new chapter for Le Bristol’s aristocat
Fa-raon has officially retired after 11 glamorous years. But don’t worry—his story has a happy ending. Fa-raon now lives a cozy life with Jean-Philippe, one of the hotel’s receptionists, so he stays close to the family that adores him.
Taking his place? None other than his son, Socrate. This four-month-old Birman kitten is already stealing hearts with his snowy fur, bright eyes, and curious (if slightly shy) personality. Guests say he’s playful, observant, and full of charm—just like his dad.
As Fa-raon enjoys his well-earned retirement, Socrate steps up as Le Bristol’s new feline ambassador. We can’t wait to see what adventures this little aristocat has in store for the hotel’s guests.
Discover other hotels around the world with resident cats
If you’re a cat lover who can’t get enough of furry travel buddies, you’re in luck!
More and more hotels around the world are welcoming their own resident cats, adding that extra cozy, homey feel to your stay.
Check out these awesome hotels in France where cats are part of the welcome committee.
And France is just the beginning. Many more hotels across the globe have cats officially (or unofficially) on staff, including:
Text and photos by Vanessa Morgan & Le Bristol
English version / version française
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2 responses
The Highland Inn in Atlanta has a great black cat that has gained a certain amount of local celebrity.
It would be so much fun to stay at Le Bristol to meet this celebrity cat. Not sure how our dog would get along with him though, so perhaps better to do this stay without the dog.