Martell Cordon Bleu cognac was officially launched in 1912 in Monte-Carlo’s sumptuous Hôtel de Paris, and it has chosen to return to the famous hotel on 22 March 2012 for an unforgettable evening.

As night fell, the Place du Casino was gradually illuminated in blue, as if a silk veil were being drawn over the façade of the buildings.

More than 250 illustrious guests from the five continents were welcomed by Lionel Breton, CEO of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët.

Amongst them were Princesss Charlène, Prince Albert II and the actress Juliette Binoche as well as four Chinese personalities: the famous actress Li Bingbing, the pianist Zhao Yin Yin, TV star Chen Shu and top model Whang Haizhen.

Before dinner the guests were treated to a magnificent ballet of lights dancing across the façade of Hôtel de Paris.

The images illustrated Cordon Bleu’s history and were complemented by projected quotes from distinguished personalities giving their definition of “eternal discovery”.

Following this magnificent scenography, Martell revealed a preview of a unique bottle conceived by the famous jeweller Boucheron like a jewel to celebrate Cordon Bleu’s centenary.

The guests then proceeded to the Empire salon in Hôtel de Paris for the grand gala dinner given in honour of Cordon Bleu. The evening drew to a musical conclusion with a private concert by Imelda May—a touch of modernity in this timeless tableau.