Opening its doors in 1936, the Le Relais Plaza restaurant, within the luxurious Plaza Athénée Hotel at 21 avenue Montaigne, is just a few steps away from the Théâtre des Champs Élysées and became an established Parisian meeting place 'par excellence' where a prestigious clientele come and enjoy a casual moment.

With a stunning Art Deco decor directly inspired by the great French ocean liner, the Normandie, Le Relais Plaza quickly became popular with celebrities such as Josephine Baker, Maurice Chevalier and Rudolph Valentino, to name just a few. Although glamour was clearly in the restaurant's DNA, it was actually converted into a cafeteria for American soldiers during the Liberation of Paris at the end of WWII.

Found at market in Paris, this charming Vintage Relais Plaza Pin Tray is a delightful souvenir from one of Paris' most chic restaurants in that city's legendary Plaza Athenée hotel. Decorated with the restaurant's name and its mid-century logo of a regal coachman's top hat, whip and horn, the tray captures the spirit of the beloved Relais-Plaza.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. In very good vintage condition. 4.25" in diameter.

Learn More About the Plaza Athenée

On April 18, 1913, the Paris daily newspaper Excelsior wrote, “The Champs-Elysées and surrounding area will henceforth have another attraction for our elegant guests. The Plaza will be opening next Sunday and the magnificent hotel is known to be a microcosm of everything that most pleases our élite visitors - an incomparable location, apartments decorated in a tastefully delicate style and the most modern amenities. The Plaza’s delicious restaurant will be opening shortly and will undoubtedly enjoy the same success.”

Over 100 years later, the Plaza Athénée has remained one of the symbols of traditional French hospitality, fine dining and Parisian glamour, upholding the traditions of luxury hotels that are as timeless as they are contemporary.

Designed by architect Charles Lefevre, the Plaza Athenée, with its luxurious appointments and extensive detail, was considered a “palace” hotel by the French hospitality industry. It enjoyed a prime address on Avenue Montaigne near local theaters and it quickly attracted international talents in music, drama and literature. And then, of course, there was fashion. In 1947, the house of Christian Dior debuted up the street from the hotel bringing together all that makes Paris the chic capital of style that it is. The hotel was perfectly situated in what is the heart of the cultures of haute couture and the arts. The rest really is history.

Frequently visited by writers, painters, composers, actors, politicians, and of course fashion designers, the Plaza Athenée has played host to international celebrities such as Grace Kelly, Charles Aznavour, Liza Minelli, Yves Saint Laurent, Gary Cooper, Jackie Kennedy and Albert of Monaco to name but a few. In 1971, Hollywood's glamour couple Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor took up residence in the hotel for 6 months.

With its courtyard draped in ivy and dotted with the hotel's signature red geraniums and its palatial front facade shaded by its iconic red awnings, the hotel has maintained all the chic refinement that has made it a landmark destination among Paris hotels.