Le Meurice, the first Paris hotel to receive the prestigious Palace rating from the French government, has appointed chef Alain Ducasse to take over the management of its kitchens.
The Monégasque chef will start working in the property's gastronomic restaurant from September.
Ducasse said: "In view of the closure of Hotel Plaza Athénée in order to expand it, I have the marvellous opportunity to continue offering contemporary French cuisine at Le Meurice.
"French cuisine has a major place, a role and an impact in the world today. I am pleased to contribute to its success in the two finest locations in Paris - Hotel Plaza Athénée and Le Meurice."
Ducasse has over 25 years of experience and has designed the menus of many prestigious establishments worldwide, from Monaco to New York, Tokyo and Doha.
He added: "I am honoured that Franka Holtmann, general manager of Le Meurice, with the support of François Delahaye, chief operating officer of Dorchester Collection, has asked me to come and join Le Meurice."
Last month, Le Royal Monceau became the latest top-end Paris hotel to receive the Palace rating (see online news, June 26).
Graham Smith