Concierge Paris give you the best City Guide

Concierge Services Paris - Quintessentially Paris is one of the 50+ offices of the world's leading private members' club and personal & corporate luxury concierge services supplier. We obtain the unobtainable for those who deserve the best.

It is the genius of Paris that it lives up to so many of its own clichés. Romantic, sophisticated, bohemian, glamorous, artistic, seductive, Paris is diverse and generous enough to satisfy them all. No city has been the subject of so many wistful ballads, or so many dreamy pinings. Half the world seems to think their lives would be immeasurably enriched if only they lived in a cramped studio, five flights up with a view of the Eiffel Tower. And half the world is probably right. Paris may be famous for its wealth of art treasures but the greatest work of art is the city itself. Drop in and indulge in a masterpiece.


GO THERE FOR

The Atmosphere - Walk the streets of the Marais, of Bastille, of the Latin Quarter, or any of a dozen other quartiers and soak up the rich and wonderful frisson of the Parisian streets.

The Restaurants - London may now compete with Paris for good food but we have a long way to go to match the panache and theatre of a French restaurant. In France, being a waiter is a profession, not a money-spinner for gap year students.


DON’T MISS

Do breakfast - the best meal of the day in Paris.

Venture out to the Bois de Boulogne Lake while the sun is shining. The unimpressive roadside scene changes drastically just through the trees, where you are greeted by an old-fashioned ferry for the jaunt across the lake to a charming (and well-hidden) chalet restaurant. Take some extra time to stroll the island after your meal and discover free-roaming exotic animals at every turn.

Stroll along the cobbled quais of the Seine, from the Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower, as twilight descends and the reflections of the grandest collection of buildings ever assembled along a river stretch dance on the water.

Eat every night in a different bistro. For something completely different try Le Cercle, a hush-hush private members’ club reminiscent of prohibition-style opulence.

Catch a set in one of the many jazz or blues clubs. Try Le Duc des Lombards, Le
Sunside/Sunset or Le Baiser Salé in rue des Lombards for the most authentic experience.

Visit the Picasso Museum. He may have been Spanish but Picasso is a quintessential Parisian, like the city, endlessly re-inventing himself

Don’t Come Home Without
• Tea from Mariage Frères
30 rue du Bourg-Tibourg, 4th
• A treat from La Maison du Chocolat
225 rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 8th
• Your portrait by famed photographers at Studio Harcourt
10, rue Jean Goujon, 8th


BASICS

Quintessentially France
27, avenue de l'Opéra, 75001  Paris, France
Telephone: +33 (0)17664 1486
Email: qfrance@quintessentially.com

Country Code: +33
City Code: 01 (to be used also when calling from within Paris)
Emergency Services: 112
Electricity: 230V/50Hz two round pin plug
Language: French
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Exchange Rate: 1 GBP = 1.2 EUR, 1 EUR = 0.83 GBP
Time: CET (UTC +1), Last Sunday March – Last Sunday October (UTC +2)
Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport & Paris-Orly Airport
General Enquiries: +33 (0)1 70 36 39 50.
www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-gb


GETTING AROUND

From The Airport...
Paris-Charles de Gaulle is approx 35km from the centre of Paris. Allow 40 – 90 minutes depending on traffic.
Paris-Orly is approx 20km from the centre of Paris. Allow 20 - 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Chauffeur/Limo Service – Plaza International (contact a Quintessentially Member Assistant to book).

Around Town...
Taxis
Once extremely variable in quality, they have improved markedly in recent times.
Metro
Still one of the world's most efficient and civilised underground systems.
Walk
Don't forget that Paris is probably the most compact of all the major capitals.

Watch out for - getting stranded after the Metro has closed. Late-night taxis can be very hard to find. Try ringing for one (01 47 39 47 39).

WHEN TO GO

The city seldom sees especially high or especially low temperatures. June to September is the warmest (and most tourist-oriented) period, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s°C/low 80s°F on average, while December to February is much cooler, with temperatures barely reaching 10°C/50°F.

Public Holidays:
1st January – New Year’s Day
Variable – Easter Monday
1st May – Labour Day
8th May – Victory in Europe
Variable – Ascension Day
Variable – Whit Monday
14th July – Bastille Day
15th August – Assumption of Mary
1st November – All Saints’ Day
11th November – Veterans/Armistice/Remembrance Day
25th December – Christmas Day

WHERE TO STAY

Palace

Royal Monceau Raffles
37 Avenue Hoche, 8^th

Le Royal Monceau is the new European flagship of the Raffles Hotels & Resorts group. The building has been entirely transformed by famous French designer Philippe Starck, allowing this illustrious hotel - an icon in Paris - to begin a new era in its history, reliving the unique spirit of the city of light. Inspired by the 1940s and 1950s, guestrooms at the Royal Monceau are steeped in the character of a past life, telling a story that the traveler is invited to explore - as though a dear friend has handed you the keys to a private and intimate space, where the interior design, the objects and the artworks are all part of the scenario. Combining with its Art Gallery, Contemporary Art Library and Cinema, this illustrious Hotel is a unique place in Paris for culture and creativity.

Mandarin Oriental Paris
251 rue Saint-Honoré, 1^st

Situated at the 251 of the rue Saint Honoré, in the heart of the capital, Mandarin Oriental, Paris is a palace enrolled in the tendency of the XXI st century. Very close to the most prestigious boutiques, monuments and museums of the city, the hotel offers a heaven of softness, serenity, in the turmoil of the Parisian life. Both exotic, grand and surprising, the The Mandarin Oriental, Paris is the perfect base to enjoy the exotic verve of this historic city.

Ritz Paris
15 Place Vendôme, 1rd

The Ritz Paris is set on the elegant Place Vendôme, tucked between the Opera House and the Louvre. Combining tradition and ultra-modern facilities, the Ritz Paris is the only palace that includes a cooking school on the premises - The Ritz Escoffier School - as well as private night club The Ritz Club, and a 16 000 square feet spa and pool - the largest indoor pool in Paris.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée
25 Avenue Montaigne, 8th

Arguably Paris' most stylish and sophisticated luxury hotel, the Plaza Athenee is synonymous with high fashion and timeless elegance and glamour. The recently opened Dior spa pays homage to Christian Dior, one of the hotel's most famous former visitors. As you'd expect from top-quality luxury, this is far from cheap, but  the quality speaks for itself.

Le Bristol
112 Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 8th

Characterised by being a low-key example of classical luxury with wonderful service, Le Bristol boasts a charming courtyard garden and fantastic rooftop pool. A recent overhaul has opened up a brand new wing boasting a seriously chic contemporary restaurant, the 114 Faubourg, making Le Bristol a serious contender on the Parisian restaurant scene.

Four Seasons George V
31 Avenue George V, 8th

Just steps away from the Champs-Elysées with private terraces that command views of the city, the Four Seasons George V is all restored 17th century tapestries and exclusivity. The spirit of the history of the hotel lives on through the highly advanced and impressive spaces, restored to their former glory - this Palace redefines luxury service in the City of Light.

Le Meurice
228 Rue de Rivoli, 1st

Reflecting its uninterrupted attachment to the French art of living, Le Meurice is a magical, serene place, where the refined splendour of 18th century architecture meets the latest in contemporary comfort and elegance.

Hip & Funky

Murano Urban Resort
13 Boulevard du Temple, 3rd

The Murano Urban Resort is all luminous cubes, precision ‘hole in the wall’ lighting, modern paintings, contemporary furniture and pop art objects that never cease to amaze amid the ‘rock’n’luxe’ interior of this truly hip hotel.

Kube
1-5 Passage de la Ruelle, 18th

At this unexpected address, amidst all the hustle and bustle of the city, a quiet back street plays host to a new venue – at once discreet and provocative for Paris. Designed and built by the team from Murano Urban Resort, this unusual new high-tech concept is concealed behind a listed façade and boasts two bars – including The Ice Kube (France’s first ice-bar) - 41 rooms and suites, two multi-function meeting rooms and a fitness gym.

Hideaway

Daniel Hotel
8 Rue Frédéric Bastiat, 8th

Hotel Daniel is a haven of elegance and charm, with all of the intimacy of a private house, filled with character, personality and life that renders it a home from home in the city. Seamlessly combining traditional hospitality with the latest of modern technology, the Daniel makes for an unforgettable stay in the city of romance.

Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme
5 Rue de la Paix, 2nd

Decorated in simple, neutral tones with exquisite artistic elements, the Park Hyatt Vendôme is the perfect solution for those who need the glamour of a Palace and the style of a boutique hotel.

Traditional

Hotel Raphael
17 Avenue Kleber, 16th

This, you sense, is how the Parisian haute bourgeoisie has always lived. The service comes with more than a handful of charm, while in the summer months, a table at the rooftop restaurant, Jardin Plein Ciel, is one of the most sought-after in the City.

WHERE TO EAT

Gourmet

Le Meurice
228, rue de Rivoli, 1st
Everything about the dining room at Le Meurice radiates glamour, from its location within one of Paris’ most prestigious hotels by the Tuileries to the 18th century stylings. This makes Versailles look dull by comparison. Thankfully, the settings are more than matched by three Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno’s excellent cooking. There’s also an ultra-chic sister restaurant, Le Dali, which nods to Dali’s association with the hotel.

Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athenee
25 Avenue Montaigne, 8th
Located within a breathtaking salon at the Plaza Athenee, Alain Ducasse’s fabled cooking – some would say he’s the world’s greatest chef – gets full reign at this Palace. Unabashedly nodding to old-school Francophile influences and traditions, the menu offers the opportunity to enjoy the so-called ‘pleasures of the table’, a selection of seasonal courses that could include crayfish, sea bass and green asparagus, and, to finish, the famous ‘baba au rum like in Monte Carlo’, topped with a deliciously decadent shot of vintage rum. The sommelier’s suggestions – which are extensive – are the ones to take.

Le Cinq
31, avenue George V, 8th
The dishes on offer here epitomise the finest in classical French cuisine, where the dizzying ingenuity of many of the flavours – such as a black truffle pie, offering a divinely decadent combination of truffle, foie gras and black truffle sauce within a pie – is matched by stunning cooking and flawlessly attentive service from waiters and sommeliers alike. The milk-fed veal chop, especially, offers a complexity of taste and flavour practically unknown from this meat.

Le Bristol
112 rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, 8th
When Eric Frechon, the head chef at Le Bristol, obtained his third Michelin star in early 2009, there was a sense that he was breaking into a rarefied club that has seen some chefs become arrogant, even careless in maintaining the impeccable standards expected of such an accolade. The stunning dishes and cooking on offer here speak of innovation and class, from an appetizer of Roscoff onion, smoked bacon and black truffle that invokes thoughts of the best quiche you’ve ever had, to impeccable wild turbot and beef served with tiny morel mushrooms. Then again, everything that you eat in this well-appointed dining room is guaranteed to please. In the summer, the terrace opens up onto the exquisite outdoor garden, for a truly special experience.

Places to Lunch or Brunch

Café Marly
93 rue de Rivoli, Palais du Louvre
This trendy restaurant overlooks the Carre du Louvre and serves the best Sunday brunches. Good for drinks and simple, sure-to-please dishes. Café Marly’s main draw is their large terrace, considered by most to be the best people-watching spot in Paris.

L’Avenue
41, avenue Montaigne, 8th
Part of the ever-growing Costes group, l’Avenue is THE place to be seen at lunchtime. On the busiest corner of the city’s priciest avenue, their sprawling terrace’s people-watching factor is through the roof; in the more discreet corners of the restaurant’s interior, diners rub shoulders with Paris’ crème de la crème.

Star-Studded

Cristal Room Baccarat
11, place des Etats-Unis, 16th
Yet another Starck-conceived eatery that wows the masses, although this one comes with a twist: Baccarat everything! Delight in the boudoir-themed décor with a contemporary twist while relishing the idea of dining in the midst of the world’s most prized works of crystal art.

La Maison Blanche
15, avenue Montaigne, 8th
High above Paris’ most notorious fashion avenue, La Maison Blanche’s classic-yet-modern white style and unspoiled view of the Seine and Eiffel Tower make it a sort of home away from home for executives during the day and the social elite by night.

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
5, rue Montalembert, 7th
The culinary master Joel Robuchon has created his atelier – much to the delight of Paris’ many foodies – with a slew of ultra-creative mini-dishes on offer. Come early, this restaurant only accepts reservations for their 6:30pm seating.

Hip, Fun

Mama Shelter
109, rue de Bagnolet, 20th
Covered in endless scribbles, the restaurant/lounge at Paris’ latest hip hotel, Mama Shelter is the antithesis to the stereotypically minimalist hotspot we’ve come to know a bit too well. With practical and delicious classics on the menu, it has proven that you don’t need to be fusion to be cool.

La Société
4, place Saint Germain des Près, 6th
The latest addition to the Costes Empire, La Société picks up where Hotel Costes left off.
Adding live jazz and even more lounge ambience than their older sibling, La Société manages to bring a new and fresh feel to a strikingly familiar menu.

Le Sensing
19, rue Bréa, 6th
The unique look of this venue stems from the subtle alabaster marble used in the venue and the alcoves of the dining room. The soft hued lighting on the mezzanine is set against the works of promising new French artists that are exhibited on the walls of the restaurant.

BARS, PUBS AND NIGHTLIFE

VIP Room
188, rue de Rivoli, 1st
With all the wild aspects of its sister club down south, this Parisian boîte offers more glamour. Having recently renovated an old space in the 1st arrondissement, the VIP has repositioned itself as a nightlife leader among all the fresh competition coming their way.

L’ARC
12, rue de Presbourg, 16th
Formerly known as l’Etoile, this club, with its fusion of contemporary and vintage style, is a space like no other in Paris; high-end but not flashy, hip but not impervious. Its music, an eclectic mix of well-loved classics and current hits, are sure to get patrons of every kind in the mood to dance.

White Room
15, avenue Montaigne, 8th
Housed in the eponymous Maison Blanche restaurant, every Saturday after dark, this is the placeto be seen drinking Champagne and dancing with a view of the Eiffel Towers’ glittering lights.

Le Cab
2, Palais Royal, 1st
This trendy restaurant, bar and club is highly chic and modern. It's just moved to a brand new location and is one of Paris' most popular discos of the moment.


WHERE TO SHOP

Fashion

Galeries Lafayette
40, boulevard Haussmann, 9th
The one-stop-shop for fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and just about anything else you could need.

Yohji Yamamoto
4, rue Cambon, 1st
Neil Tennant, the lead singer of the Pet Shop Boys once stated: “For me, a woman in Yohji is like a nymphomaniac nun”. In keeping with this theme, Yamamoto’s first Parisian boutique has the feel of a stark white temple of fashion. A must-see.

Colette
213 rue Saint-Honoré, 1st
A miniature version of a luxury department store, Colette brings together all that is avant-garde in the world of style, design, art, food, beauty and much more.

L’Eclaireur
40, rue de Sévigné, 3rd and 10, rue Boissy d’Anglas, 8th
For awe-inspiring clothing, accessories and décor that are at the height of chic, a visit to one of L’Eclaireur’s 5 stores is a must. With a collection of the latest by Dries Van Noten, Marni, and Jasmine di Milo (to name a few) curated by Paris’ finest fashionistas, it’s hard to go home empty-handed.

Lingerie

Vannina Vesperini
4, rue Touron, 6th
The concept of Dessous-Dessus, conceived by Vannina Vesperini, is lingerie that is beautiful enough to wear on the outside. Famous for her ultra-feminine, creative designs, Vesperini counts among her loyal clientele celebrities such as Emmanuelle Béart, Linda Hardy, Audrey Marnay, Arielle Dombasle, Patricia Kaas and Vanessa Paradis.

Wines

Lavinia
3, boulevard de la Madeleine, 1st
The largest collection of wines, Champagnes and spirits available to the masses, Lavinia’s best feature is actually its extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. Head upstairs to the wine bar for tutored tastings.

Bakers

Poilane
8, rue du Cherche-Midi, 6th
Famous for its delicious bread and mouth watering pains au chocolat.

Pierre Herme
72, rue Bonaparte, 6th
The acclaimed best pastry chef in Paris.

Laduree
16, rue Royale, 6th and 75, Avenue des Champs Elysees, 8th
This established tea salon is ideal for tea but make sure you take home some of the delicious macaroons.

Charcuterie

Dubernet
2 rue Augereau, 7th
Possibly the best goose and duck confit, saucisson and foie gras on the planet.

Eclectic

Sebastien Mengozzi
16, avenue George V, 8th
Send flowers in Paris from this florist who is famous for his creative compositions.

Diptyque
34, Boulevard St Germain 6th
Don't leave Paris without buying some of these delicious candles.

Didier Ludot
20 and 23-24, Galerie Montpensier, 1st
Fantastic collection of vintage haute couture. Very expensive but just go and browse - you'll be amazed.

For Children

Bonpoint
67 rue de l'Université, 7th
Children's clothes, shoes, furniture-¦and now maternity wear. The style is BCBG-with-a-twist. Outstanding quality.


HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Gym

Espace Payot
62, rue Pierre Charron, 8th
A 1,200m² spa and fitness centre in one, it is quite simply one of a kind in Paris - a magical, magnificent space totally dedicated to well-being and beauty.

The Ritz
15 Place Vendôme
Ultra-glam pool, gym with all the equipment, sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi, squash court, plus massages and facials (at an additional charge) and far more welcoming than the hotel the Ritz Spa is a great place to spend an afternoon. Cost: â‚ 90 per day weekdays; â‚120 per day weekends (no booking required)

Pampering

Day Spa

Institut Guerlain
68, avenue des Champs Elysées, 8th
A haven of tranquillity on the world’s most famous avenue; enter the world of the Champs Elysées Guerlain Spa, where cutting-edge innovation unites with customisation, luxury, emotion and sensuality. Every treatment is transformed into a unique and personal occasion, a moment created especially for you – this is the essence of the Guerlain experience, the perfect union of effective know-how and aesthetic expertise.

Spa Dior at the Plaza Athénée
25, avenue Montaigne, 8th
The first full spa in the history of this iconic Parisian palace; a fusion of the Plaza’s tradition and Dior’s innovation, the centre's treatment rooms and common areas are decorated in a contemporary palatial style in gleaming tones of rose and cream.

Spa George V
31, avenue George V, 8th
Dressed in restful, muted colours and decorated with 18th-century prints, the Spa – the finest, most luxurious hotel spa in Paris – offers a true retreat in the vibrant heart of the city.

Hair (Women)

Jacques Dessange
39, avenue Franklin Roosevelt, 8th
Dessange salons may be found all over the City of Light, but this particular location is the “perle rare”. Chichi Parisians flock here to be coiffed by the best of the best.

Christophe Robin
228 rue de Rivoli, 1st
Christophe Robin's devoted international fans swear that he's the best colourist on earth. If you manage to get an appointment in this gorgeous first floor suite, cancel any other plans you may have.

Skincare

Joelle Ciocco Beauty Institute
8 Place Madeleine 75008 (tel: 42 60 58 80)
Clients swear that Ciocco's skin products and facial massages are the best way to postpone cosmetic surgery. Creams are formulated to suit each individual's skin type and living environment.

Makeup

Valentine Alexander Face Focus
The FaceFocus session is the creation of the highly regarded makeup artist Valentine Alexander, who has studios both in London and Paris. The session offers the client an original approach to makeup using simple, innovative and highly effective techniques that are easy to learn and use on a daily basis.


WHAT TO SEE

Musée Du Louvre
Avoid the crowds and study just a few fabulous objects in-depth with Visite-Découverte At 11 am, 2 pm and 3.45 pm each day (except Tuesday, Sunday and Bank holidays)

Musée Carnavalet
23 rue de Sévigné, 3rd
A fascinating record of the history of Paris from its earliest times to the 20th century, through art, maps and memorabilia, housed in the 17th-century home of Madame de Sévigné.

Musée National Picasso
5 rue de Thorigny, 3rd
The definitive Picasso. In this collection, given to France in lieu of death duties, every period is represented, in every medium and arranged in chronological order.

Hôtel Nissim De Camondo
63 rue de Monceau, 8th
Banker Moise de Camondo's hôtel particulier, with its magnificent collection of 18th-century decorative arts provides an intimate look at the way the rich lived at the turn of last century.