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Elon Musk and Bernard Arnault’s $426 Billion Power Lunch at Paris’ Cheval Blanc

Elon Musk and Bernard Arnault’s $426 Billion Power Lunch at Paris’ Cheval Blanc

Christopher Parr | Pursuitist
The world’s two richest people met in Paris this week. A $426 billion power lunch occurred between the founders of LVMH and Tesla on a luxurious rooftop with Eiffel Tower views at the Cheval Blanc Paris Hotel.

The world’s two richest people met in Paris this week. A $426 billion power lunch occurred between the founders of LVMH and Tesla on a luxurious rooftop with Eiffel Tower views at the Cheval Blanc Paris Hotel.

Under the Parisian skies, a remarkable convergence transpired this week between the two wealthiest individuals on our planet. Elon Musk, the trailblazing tech titan, accompanied by his elegant mother, Maye Musk, broke bread with the stalwart of luxury, Bernard Arnault, and his accomplished sons Antoine and Alexandre. This extraordinary gathering unfolded on the terrace of the distinguished Cheval Blanc, a jewel of the LVMH portfolio, nestled in the heart of Paris.

A Privileged Gathering atop Cheval Blanc

Their private dining took place in the secluded apartment that graces the pinnacle of the Cheval Blanc. While their gaze could feast on the majesty of the Eiffel Tower, their palates were about to experience an equally awe-inspiring culinary journey. Though the Cheval Blanc’s esteemed Michelin triple-starred maestro Arnaud Donckele had already embarked on his seasonal stint in Saint Tropez, he was summoned back to the city by Arnault himself to weave his magic for this notable occasion.

A Prestigious Parisian Landmark

Basking in the enchanting glow of the City of Light, Cheval Blanc Paris magnificently rises just a few steps away from the iconic Louvre and the vibrant Marais, providing an enviable vantage point of the bustling Left Bank. This masterpiece of architecture is no stranger to the limelight, with its roots firmly anchored in the illustrious tradition of the Cheval Blanc Maison, a name that resonates with opulence and elegance.

Luncheon Among Billionaires

Arnault, at the helm of LVMH, commands a portfolio that encompasses roughly 75 eminent luxury brands, including fashion powerhouses like Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, and the legendary jeweler Tiffany & Co. Antoine Arnault, an influential figure in the LVMH constellation, fittingly captured the momentous occasion with an aptly captioned snapshot of the moguls against the hotel’s scenic backdrop: “THE picture.”

Amid their sumptuous luncheon, Arnault candidly remarked on French TV news program Quotidien, “I am having lunch with him, I know him, of course,” He added, “I think he is an exceptional entrepreneur.” When the collective wealth of the pair is tallied, it amounts to an astounding $426 billion.

A Legacy of Luxury

Cheval Blanc’s moniker is an homage to the LVMH-owned vineyard nestled in the heart of France’s revered wine region of Saint-Emilion. Since the inception of the Cheval Blanc Maison hotel group in the elite ski haven of Courchevel in 2006, each property has flawlessly melded the charm of local architecture with timeless elegance.

An Epitome of Parisian Chic

Within the hallowed halls of Cheval Blanc Paris, 72 meticulously designed rooms draped in warm hues of beige and gold offer a plush sanctuary for their esteemed guests, with 46 of these being exclusive suites. Nearly all rooms offer an unobstructed view of the tranquil Seine. The winter garden suite, a private nook bathed in sunlit splendor, provides a stunning panorama of Parisian landmarks, from the venerable Notre-Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower. The hotel also boasts an array of gastronomical delights, from the contemporary brasserie and bar Le Tout-Paris, to the allure of Milan’s renowned Langosteria, making its debut outside of its home city.