Beirut-born Aline Asmar d’Amman is leading the renovations at one of Paris’s most renowned restaurants, Le Jules Verne. The architect has been entrusted by the Umanis Group led by Sodexo to create the new interiors of the eatery that is situated in one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Eiffel Tower. After a year-long competition, she is carrying out the prominent job alongside Michelin star chef Frédéric Anton. The revamped restaurant, which is closed for the renovations, should be revealed in spring.
About Aline Asmar D’Amman
Studying architecture was a natural choice for Aline as Lebanon was looking to rebuild itself after the civil war. The creative force showed initiative early on, winning two prizes from the Ministry of Culture and the Order of Architects and Engineers in Beirut for her final degree project. This gave Aline, who loves theatrical settings and cathedrals of light, the chance to head to Paris, where she landed jobs working for architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte and others.
A couple of years later, in 2011, she founded her interior design firm, Culture in Architecture, which has branches in Beirut and Paris. She opened the doors “with a deep belief in the power of beauty to elevate the soul and provoke addictive memories of places, in the fields of architecture, interiors, furniture design and artistic direction,” according to the company’s website.
Aline really made her mark in the interiors world after the Saudi owner of Paris’s famed Hôtel de Crillon chose her to renovate the suites and historical salons in the grand 18th century building. As Artistic Director, she got to work with Richard Martinet and Karl Lagerfeld for the makeover.
About Le Jules Verne
Le Jules Verne, the restaurant named after the French poet, novelist and playwright who gifted us seminal works like “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” and “Around the World in 80 Days,” opened in 1983.
Located on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, 125 meters above Paris, it is known for its sweeping, clear views of The City of Lights.
The eatery, which was last renovated in 2007 by Patrick Jouin, is also known for its gourmet food. Rockstar Parisian chef Alain Ducasse, who has won a total of 21 Michelin stars, was at the helm for 10 years. The impresario, who has restaurants dotted around the world, was there when President Macron chose Le Jules Verne as the restaurant to electrify President Trump with fantastic food and imposing views.
Frédéric Anton and Thierry Marx are now in charge after winning the 10-year tender. Anton is supervising Le Jules Verne, while Marx is overseeing the brasserie on the first floor, 58 Tour Eiffel, and the snack counters.
