Paris, known as the City of Light, is one of the world’s preeminent luxury destinations. Though landlocked, Paris thrives along the banks of the Seine River in north-central France. Also known for its opulence and romance, Paris offers extravagance at every corner. The streets are adorned with the world’s most prominent fashion houses and the city’s compelling architecture and museums beckon. The cuisine is decadent; the wine is even better. Paris is the perfect place for a weekend getaway while summering in the Mediterranean.
While in Paris, the Mandarin Oriental offers one-of-a-kind accommodations. Located on the distinguished Rue Saint-Honoré, the Mandarin Oriental is within walking distance of iconic historical sites and premier shopping. The Mandarin Oriental provides guests with a true Parisian experience in 40 beautifully styled suites and 98 lavish rooms. This hotel formerly was the site of a Capuchin monastery. Its Art Deco style is the product of Charles Letrosne, a 1930s Parisian architect who incorporated this beautiful aesthetic. The Mandarin Oriental offers several supreme dining choices, Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx, which boasts two Michelin stars, Bar 8 and The Cake Shop. In addition to these incredible restaurants, in an effort to help rekindle the waning bee population, the Mandarin Oriental now has a beehive on its roof. This thriving hive produces honey for the restaurants below. Sample one of the Mandarin’s signature honey cocktails at Bar 8 before taking a walk through the inner garden of this stunning hotel.
Opened in 2014, the Peninsula hotel is a lovely edition to Paris. The perfect combination of modern luxury and classic Parisian tradition, the Peninsula defines French savoir-faire. Situated on Avenue Kléber, the Peninsula offers 34 impeccably styled suites, five of which offer private rooftop gardens, and 200 elegant rooms. Decorated in the soft gray and cream hues of Paris’s haute couture history, the tech-savvy Peninsular offers state-of-the-art accompaniments for the contemporary luxury traveler. Each room has a bedroom area, living space, bathroom, walk-in closet, dressing room and more. Customized interactive digital bedside and desk tables control the entire room, including menus, hotel services, television channels and much more — in your choice 11 languages. Enhance your hotel stay at the Peninsula with a visit to the spa. Drawing on the expertise of eastern cultures enhanced by western technologies, the Peninsula spa offers guests relaxation at its finest.
French cuisine is renowned around the world as top-caliber. A visit to the City of Light is not complete without enjoying a meal crafted by one of the city’s top Michelin-star chefs. Located in the Shangri-La hotel, the L’Abeille restaurant, now under Executive Chef Christophe Moret, not only boasts a Michelin star, but also an impressive dining experience. L’Abeille, French for “The Bee,” is named after the imperial insignia of the Bonaparte family. Beautifully amalgamated into the enchanting restaurant décor, your evening at L’Abeille not only will be a feast for the body, but also for the eyes. The intimate 40-person dining room is decorated in muted silver, gray and taupe hues, creating a demure but luxurious ambiance. Here, menus change by season, the wine list is filled with legendary grapes and the dining experience is enhanced further by views of the Eiffel Tower, standing guard over the majestic city from across the Seine.
For a classic Parisian bistro experience, make way for the legendary Benoit, which opened its doors in 1912. French chefs rave, “There’s no other place as typically Parisian as Benoit.” But with a Michelin star credited to its name, this little bistro is anything but ordinary. Located near Hotel de Ville and Pompidou Centre, this beautiful bistro is easily accessible on so many levels. Boasting the tagline “Chez toi Benoit, on boit, festoie, en rois,” which is translated as “Come over to Benoit’s and once you’re in, you’ll drink and feast just like a king,” Benoit offers classic French cuisine, loved by locals and foreigners alike since the turn of the 20th century. Warm and inviting, Benoit is outfitted with beautiful woodwork, red velvet and bold brass, which creates a chic French vibe — you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the days of Hemingway and Bohemian Paris. Enjoy escargot, wild duck terrine or hen pheasant with duck foie gras and cep mushroom pie, then end your delightful meal with the Benoit-style Belle-Hélène pear.
The French also are known for their pastries and sweets. From the days of La Belle Époque, the beautiful Angelina tearoom has beckoned everyone from Coco Chanel to Proust. World-famous hot chocolate and delicate pastries are on offer when you enjoy an afternoon tea. Now an established rendezvous spot, enjoy brunch at Angelina on weekends or savor the savory weekly lunch menu. Located among the haute boutiques of Paris’s couture designers on Rue de Rivoli, Angelina is the perfect place to stop mid-shop on a lovely summer afternoon.
What would a trip to Paris be without a little shopping? Known for its haute couture, world-renowned fashion houses boasting the world’s most famous and innovative designers and impeccably chic Parisians dressed by beautiful boutiques, Paris is the best place to find style. Spend a day walking Boulevard Saint Germain. Begin at the Seine River and walk the lovely tree-lined streets, stopping at shops featuring flawless home décor and gourmet goods, then continue, finding high-end fashions around St-Germain des Prés. With roots in art and literature, this section of Paris is unique and beautiful, offering a lovely mix of history and style. You will find the crème de la crème of designers on Triangle d’Or. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dior flagship stores all can be found as you explore. Known as the Grand Couturiers these fashion houses are located near the famous Avenue Montaigne. Another famed Parisian item is perfume. After filling up on fashion, make way to Masion Francis Kurkdjian where you will find a sophisticated, elegant and unique fragrance collection, perfectly suited to commemorate your adventure in the City of Light.
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