Upon arrival to the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in France, guests are first greeted by the hotel’s logo—a horse and rider. The symbol appears throughout the 49-room hotel and reflects the 19th-century building’s history as the royal coach stop en route to Reims. But, in particular, it references Napoleon, who favored the region and frequented the inn.

To celebrate this heritage, the owners assembled a team of experts, including France-based Giovanni Pace Architecture, which refurbished the 19th-century Post House on the property and constructed a new-build amphitheater-like structure that is now home to the dramatic entry, staircase, and lobby lounge.

Further, Paris-based interior architect Sybille de Margerie transformed the elegant spaces via a modern lens, while “introducing some classical design codes linked to the French history and local heritage,” she says. Fittingly, noble materials like local Pierre de Euville stone are used throughout, and white wood molding à caissons in the two-story library lounge flaunts a contemporary flair. “Our expertise is to adapt and adjust to perfectly fit the space,” she adds.

Motifs of the local viticulture nod to the region, notably with a vine leaf pattern that appears engraved in the bathroom tiles, on a spa lounge wall, and on a printed fabric. Because many of the terraces overlook the UNESCO-listed vineyards, the theme continues in an inviting color palette of absinthe yellow and burgundy rose.

Another salute to Napoleon appears in the Royal restaurant. Under a gold leaf-studded ceiling, four curved panels portray the women who shared his life. And, again, in the form of whimsical 3D golden metallic bees on the floor tiles and mirrors in the lady’s lounge. (Bees became a symbol of the Napoleonic era after Napoleon wore a coat embroidered with 1,500 golden bees when he was crowned in Reims.)

“We succeeded in finding the right balance between modernity and tradition,” says de Margerie, “between distinct sophistication and charm.”