It dawned on me that although this was my fifth visit to Paris in my travels through the years, I had only experienced the magnificence of this city in the cool, brisk air of late October, or most often, the pre-winter chill of late November when festive lights and holiday decorations were just starting to appear. No matter the gloves and scarves, Paris always reigned supreme as one of my favorite cities. It was, however, a particular treat for my partner and I to recently spend four nights discovering Paris in the spring - and how glorious it was, taking on a whole other dimension for us we had not seen before, with flowers in bloom, lush greenery in the parks and a vibrant energy of the crowds which made our favorite pastime of people-watching all the more exciting. After a first day of weather in the 70’s, we continued to enjoy the splendor of 60 degree temperatures as we took to the streets rediscovering the charms of the neighborhoods such as the artist-infused Montmartre area, and our favorite, le Marais. Other highlights this visit included our first trip to the Opera House – the “Phantom” famed Opera National de Palais Garnier, which completely took my breath away in its architectural grandeur. We took a guided tour of the interior (highly recommended) as there were regretfully no performances taking place the time frame we were there. From the brilliant marble Grand Staircase, to the multiple Foyers and the spectacular auditorium itself, I left there so wanting to see a live performance. Hopefully a future visit. The legend of The Phantom of the Opera lives on at Opera Garnier, as Box No. 5 is reserved for the masked man himself to this day.
Of particular interest with my obsessive affection for all things Louis Vuitton, is the exhibition taking place now through September 16, 2012 at Les Arts Decoratifs museum, behind the Louvre. It was a thrill to see the Marc Jacobs-Louis Vuitton collaboration being displayed in an exquisite multi-dimensional history depicting the origins of Mr. Vuitton’s innovations dating back to 1854 all the way through the influence of Mr. Jacob’s taking over the LV helm from 1997 to the present. If you are Paris bound between now and September, this exhibit is not to be missed.
A fabulous day was had in the Champagne region, just 90-minutes drive from Paris city center. We booked into a small group tour, of which there were 7 of us champagne loving enthusiasts, on a mini-bus outing to Verzenay and Reim for a delightful and insightful look into the art of champagne making. Not only did we visit such major champagne houses as Pommery and Taittenger, to see their amazing and vast underground cellars, we visited the vineyards of Dom Perignon, Cliquot and others, learning about the grape varieties and about the pruning in winter and ripening and harvesting in autumn. While we thought the large brand names would be what it was all about, we were excited to experience a popular local champagne maker’s outfit in visiting Jean-Claude Mouzon. This family run business sells locally in the region and the champagne is actually created and processed in their home in the village of Verzenay. A sight to behold with all the equipment throughout their house, as they offer a wonderful variety of champagnes. Of course this tour offered tastings and opportunities to purchase, which we did, bringing home unforgettable memories of our tastings and day’s outing. We even enjoyed one of the bottles relaxing in Tuileries Garden. What could be a finer moment in Paris than sipping champagne in a park with the vistas of the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe surrounding you, watching the most stylish people on the planet go about their day. Voila!
While hotel visits are always on the highest order of my travels, for business and personal interest, this Paris trip took me back to some gems I had not seen in many years and others I had not yet visited. Dorchester Collection’s grande dame’s Le Meurice and Plaza Athenee, are in equally splendid shape, as I got to view a couple of available rooms and suites at both before dining at their equally wonderful restaurants. Plaza Athenee’s “Chef de Reception” Peter Komma, has enjoyed an incredible tenure with this landmark hotel on fashionable Avenue Montaigne, and it was great fun to hear stories of the past legends who have stayed there as we viewed a stunning suite favored by legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock (located on the first floor, as we learned he had a fear of fire and wanted to remain close to the street level). Dining at the hotel’s Le Relais Plaza restaurant made for a highly memorable evening of delectable wines, sumptuous cuisine and exemplary service within an attractive bistro-chic setting that clearly had a happening vibe and energy going. Over at the opulent and grandiose Le Meurice, where you feel like you have been transported to an 18th century palace, its breathtaking Belle Etoille Suite, high above the rooftops of Paris, with over 2,600 square feet of panoramic 360 degree private terrace views, literally took my breath away. If you are fortunate enough (or shall I say have the fortune) to stay in this palatial mansion of a suite accommodation, you surely will never want to leave it. The 3-star Michelin chef Yannick Alleno is the culinary king in residence and the location opposite Tuileries Garden remains at the top of the heap in Paris. The uber-charming 4-star Castille Hotel on Rue Cambon, famed as the original landmark of Coco Chanel (Chanel boutique is still next door), is just off Rue Saint Honore and its abundance of see-and-be-seen designer stores. The Parisian and Italian infused decorum of this wonderfully cozy boutique hotel evokes a warmth and intimacy among the larger hotels in the area. Having just completed a renovation to several rooms, it’s definitely a hotel you can call home for a frequenter of Paris. The inner courtyard provides al fresco dining at L'Assaggio Restaurant, earning rave reviews for its eclectic Italian menu, while garnering a “local” following (which means it’s good!) We enjoyed a marvelous meal on a picture perfect evening aside the Roman fountain.
Ah, but where my partner and I stayed on this trip was the highlight. Paris is infused with a new energy of high-end hotels that have opened in just the last couple of years. Great 5-star hotels that might have been showing some wear are now being renovated or re-conceived in order to keep up with these new kids on the Parisian block. I had the great pleasure of experiencing the spectacular new Shangri-La Hotel Paris on my last visit (you can read about it in a previous blog report) just 6 months ago, and this recent stay brought us 4-nights at the amazing Mandarin Oriental Hotel Paris. This winner has it ALL – style, location, location, location (so much of where you want to go is within walking distance – Tuileries Gardens, The Louvre, Place Vendome, Place de la Concorde, Palais Garnier Opera House, to name a few), outstanding personal service and some of the largest, most alluring rooms and suites you’ll find in the city. In addition to having 138 guestrooms, in many of the hotel’s 39 suites you’ll find terraces or balconies. A brand new build on the most fashionable street in town – Rue Saint Honore, 1st Arrondesmont, Mandarin evokes a sexy, contemporary, happening fusion of Asian chic and French sophistication. In its comfort and convenience they have thought of everything a guest would seek out and being a new build enabled the architect and design team to create many elements other hotels do not have, such as special soundproof windows which also allow for light to come into the room without generating heat from the sun. Cutting-edge technology abounds in every angle, but to me, where the Mandarin succeeds in its greatest form is in the service provided by a fantastic team, helmed by General Manager extraordinaire, Philippe LeBoeuf. The evening dining and bar scene is just that – a scene – with the hotel’s Bar 8 a perfect ambience of indoor glamour with Lalique crystals shimmering throughout the environs, as well as being a popular spot for its outdoor garden setting on the elegant terrace. Bar 8 was a staple hangout of our 4-nights and the bartending team couldn’t have been more friendly and welcoming. Celebrated chef Thierry Marx is Culinary Director providing an extraordinary dining experience at the newly awarded Two-Michelin Star restaurant, Sur Mesure par Thierry Marx, bringing guests on an exemplary gourmet and sensory journey with each course. The hotel’s oasis of serenity, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental in its very unique design, has multiple treatment opportunities and even a 50’ foot long pool. The buzz has been sublime for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Paris since opening its doors end of June 2011. Even with everything I had heard and read, the hotel exceeded every expectation and then some.
Please note that exclusive hotel amenities, including complimentary breakfast for two, are available at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Paris, Hotel Castille Paris, Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athenee, when booking your stay through my office, Leaders In Travel. For more information please contact me.
