Liam Neeson, Maggie Cheung Among Guests at Mandarin Oriental Opening in Paris

The Mandarin Oriental now has several more “fans” in Paris after the hotel celebrated its arrival in the French capital with a glam soirée Thursday.

More than 500 celebs, dignitaries and Gallic high society guests crowded the new spot on the chic rue Saint Honoré including Liam Neeson, Maggie Cheung, Kenzo Takada, Alain Delon, Pierre Gagnaire, Patricia Kaas and Julie Depardieu.

Guests were treated to a menu designed by celebrity chef Thierry Marx who now serves as the hotel’s resident chef. Virtuoso violinist Vanessa Mae provided a musical interlude with a live performance and choreographer Blanca Li was behind a “dance of the fans” inspired by the Mandarin Oriental’s trademark symbol.

“I wanted to support the Mandarin Oriental,” Neeson said of his appearance at the event, but added that he was in town meeting with the director and stunt coordinator for the upcoming Taken 2.

“Now I have a great hotel to stay at when I come back to shoot here for a few weeks in January,” he said.

The actor attended with his new lady love, PR exec Freya St. Johnston.

The hotel’s general manager Philippe Leboeuf and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group chief executive Edouard Ettedgui were also on hand to host the gala.  

“We look forward to welcoming guests to our newest address, and to establishing the hotel as a benchmark in the city for service excellence, elegance and style,” Ettedgui said of the new hot spot that has already been attracting Hollywood’s elite since it opened over the summer.