The Art de Vivre

Description:

One of the most prestigious and luxurious hotels in the world, Hotel Ritz Paris exemplifies refinement and elegance. Some of history's most well-heeled have graced the hotel, from Coco Chanel to Chopin to F Scott Fitzgerald; the prestige suites capture the spirit of such illustrious guests. The hotel offers every amenity imaginable, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, private salons and courtesy car service by Jaguar. Well-located, some of Paris' most fashionable streets are close at hand, including Rue St-Honoré.

Description:

Created in 1667 by André Le Nôtre, Louis XIV's gardener,in order to improve the view from the Tuileries garden. The avenue was lenghtened at the end of the 18th century, running from the place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Two kilometers long and bordered by trees, les Champs-Elysées has become the center for festivities and official parades. It is likewise a magnet for tourists and night strollers. Set between the many cinemas, the cafés and restaurants tempt you to stop by. Designer boutiques, banks and embassies are also situated in this chic neighborhood.

Our Local Expert Says:

If fancy shopping is your thing, this is the place for you.

Description:

Follow the Rues de Castiglione and de la Paix to one of the most famous squares in Paris. Intricately linked with the history of France, since its creation in 1685, this architectural jewel was commissioned by King Louis XIV and designed by Jules-Hardouin Mansart. The arcades of the exquisitely fronted mansions that surround the square form a sort of intimate salon in the heart of the capital. Not surprisingly, it was adopted by Paris' aristocracy. Prestigious banks and the emblems of French elegance still cluster around the Austerlitz column that Napoléon erected. Labels of luxury such as Chaumet, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Guerlain, Chanel rule the roost. Whilst you're here, stop at the Ritz hotel or the Palais de l'Elysée (the President's residence). Yes, this really is the home of luxury, elegance and power.

Description:

This up-market avenue in Paris has some of the best art galleries and boutiques. For art-lovers, a walk down this avenue will be a truly memorable experience. The galleries, which are mostly concentrated between Place St-Phillipe-du-Roule and Avenue de Marigny offer some of the finest work of contemporary artists and even French furniture. This avenue also lives up to Paris's reputation of being the fashion capital as many famous designers such as Guy Laroche, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, and Chanel have boutiques here. So, for an afternoon of impressionist art and pulsating fashion take a walk out here - it will not fail to leave an impression.

Our Local Expert Says:

To avoid the crowds go early.

Description:

Only a few people know that the third largest museum worldwide used to be the main residence of French kings and emperors for six centuries. The Old Fortress was erected in 1190 under the reign of King Philippe Auguste to protect the kingdom from the invasion of northern tribes (the Vikings). During the 14th century, the palace was extended under Charles V and became from time to time a royal residence. The greatest changes in the original palace were made under King François I. The medieval Grosse Tour was destroyed and replaced by a sumptuous palace, still considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. In 1594, Henri IV decided to build a passage between the Tuileries Palace and Louvre Palace, still known as the "Great Gallery". The "Cour Carrée" was part of a vast program conducted under Louis XIII and Louis XIV to embellish the king's residence and is a symbol of the classical period. After Louis XIV moved to Versailles, the Louvre knew a static period. The most recent construction is the Glass Pyramid erected by Leoh Ming Pei under French President Mitterrand, which is now the main entrance to the museum. With 35000 pieces and a surface of about 740000 sq. ft., the Louvre... read more

Description:

It doesn't get any more lavish than this--cruising down the River Seine in a private Venetian water taxi, sipping on champagne. River Limousine offers personalized experiences in luxury with their hour-and-a-half river cruises. Take your cruise by daylight or starlight, sailing past sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Musee d'Orsay. You won't want to dock.

Description:

This is the all-time winner: A great chef, the most beautiful restaurant decor in Paris, and a history-infused citadel of classic French cuisine. This restaurant has been around since the reign of Louis XV. Napoleon, Danton, Hugo, Colette, and Cocteau dined here -- as the brass plaques on the tables testify -- and it's still a gastronomic experience. Guy Martin, chef for the past decade, bases many items on recipes from the French Alps. He prepares such heavenly dishes as filet of lamb with wasabi, carved into rib sections and served with the smoked essence of its own juice. Other specialties are noisettes of lamb with star anise, Breton lobster with fennel, and cabbage sorbet in dark-chocolate sauce. The desserts are often grand, such as the gourmandises au chocolat (medley of chocolate), served with chocolate sorbet.