Savour International

Instructions

 

Celts and Romans founded Paris; French kings and Emperors expanded and embellished the city; the noted urban designer Baron Haussman transformed its layout and look; and recent republican Presidents have kept it at the leading edge of urbanity with the building of their grands projets. Underpinning the city's continuing success is its economic base as a centre of government and finance.

 

Character and creativity are the keynotes of Paris. Legions of great writers, artists and designers have been, and continue to be, inspired by this pioneering city of haute couture and haute cuisine. The city is a place where the cut of a cloth or the beauty of a package is cherished and where the natives really do get animated about philosophy, politics and art.

 

Collections of some of the world's greatest art adorn the galleries and museums of the city, ranging from Renaissance masterpieces in the grand and capacious Louvre, to more modern triumphs in the Quai d'Orsay, or touching sculptures in the intimate setting of the Musee Rodin.

 

The instantly recognizable, classical attractions of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Coeur are now supplemented by contemporary, more daring structures like the Grande Arche de La Défense, the Louvre's Grande Pyramide, Musee d'Orsay and the 'inside-out' Pompidou Centre.

 

Paris's fine food, whether served in grand restaurant or busy bistro, may be the best in the world: it sets the standard against which others judge themselves. The abundance of charcuteries, patisseries, fromageries and boulangeries elevate the parkland picnic into a gastronomic experience. Join the queues at the Poilâne bakery on rue du Cherche-Midi for the finest loaves in France; delve around the gourmet delights of Fauchon on the Place de la Madeleine; or sit back and relish the city's fine dining at venerated restaurants like Jamin, Vivarois or L'Arpège.

 

One could spend hours simply window shopping and browsing in Paris - the finest designer fashions entice on Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore; the Rue de Bac and Les Puces de Saint-Ouen markets are choc-full of idiosyncratic antiques; Paris' historic arcades offer luxury shopping and sightseeing. Paris has over 300 luxury hotels, and is home to some of the world's most opulent establishments, where luxury, service and style make for a majestic experience. The Paris visitor can choose from an unrivalled choice of luxury hotels, from grand hotels such as the Crillon and George V to superbly equipped business hotels, charming, boutique-style establishments and an array of upmarket choices from the world's leading hotel chains.

 

A special way to explore Paris is to take a luxury barge cruise. You will discover many of the hidden treasures of France that you can only see from these historical and romantic canals. You can experience gourmet cuisine, fine wine and unique sightseeing excursions to ancient villages, castles, cafes, and markets. Or tour a little further afield - just under an hour from Paris one can enjoy the beautiful scenery and attractions of Chantilly, Fontainebleu, Versailles or Chartres.

Attractions

 

Paris is romance. No other city can claim to possess its aura of intimacy and few cities can match the magical atmosphere of its streets. Paris is peerless in its ability to charm, enchant and awe travellers - first timers, those coming back and even Parisians. Simply put, Paris could teach the world the art of living.

 

The plethora of attractions in Paris can, at times, be overwhelming even to the most enthusiastic traveller; basic orientation comes in focusing on the River Seine, along which many of the city's leading attractions are located. This imperious river has always been central to Parisian life and the historic heart of the city lies on the banks and islands of the east river, with the medieval centre located on the island of Ile de la Cite.

 

The Notre-Dame Cathedral is literally the centre of Paris, and indeed France: a spot at the far end of the place du Parvis, in front of the famed cathedral, is demarked 'Kilometre Zero'; distances from Paris to all parts of France are measured from this point.

 

The iconic Eiffel Tower dominates the cityscape - standing over 300 metres the Tower affords unparalleled views of Paris and its surrounding environs. Follow the breathtaking splendour of the Eiffel Tower with a visit to the world's greatest art collection at the Louvre Museum, where the Mona Lisa sits enigmatically amongst the 30,000 masterpieces on display. If Impressionism is more your bag, don't miss the glass roofed Musee d'Orsay - bulging with 80 galleries devoted in large part to the epic period of French art between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.

 

The Cite des Sciences et de l'Industrie in the Parc de La Villette is the world's largest science museum, whilst the modern art collection at the striking Pompidou Centre is the starring attractions of Paris.

 

If you are in the city in mid-September, the Journées du Patrimoine weekend is a rare chance to view historic buildings like the President's residence and the ornate Palais de l'Elysée.

 

Yet Parisians will tell you that the city's beauty is not merely restricted to its grand monuments and museums, fine restaurants, elegant boutiques and unrivalled markets. Paris's true beauty lies in the intangibles: walking down a quaint Parisian neighbourhood on a glorious summer day, past charming roadside cafés where the inviting aromas of freshly baked pastries waft in the air, browsing the city's bustling flea markets, exploring the hidden art gallery and enjoying the flow of Parisian life. Paris tantalises the senses and enlightens the mind, retaining all the magic that brings visitors back to the City of Light time after time.

 

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Place du Parvis Notre Dame, Paris 75004

Tel: +33 1 42 34 5610

Begun in 1163 but not completed until 1361, it fell into ruin after the revolution but was brought back to life after the success of Victor Hugo's 1831 novel. The addition of the gargoyles, spire and self-sculpture by architect Eugene Voillet-le Duc remain areas of contention.

 

Eiffel Tower

Champs de Mars, Paris 75007

Tel: +33 1 44 11 2345

The most spectacular views of Paris are witnessed from all floors of the Eiffel Tower. It is possible to walk most of the way up and around this fascinating metal structure. A lift completes the journey to the top.

 

Musée de Louvre

99 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001

Tel: +33 1 40 20 5151

First opened during the revolution in 1793. With over 300,000 artworks, antiquities, sarcophagi and statues including the incredible Venus de Milo, the Louvre is a truly unmissable experience.

 

Musée d'Orsay

1 Rue de Bellechasse, Paris 75007

Tel: +33 1 40 49 4814

A grand railway station that has been converted into a temple for the arts of its age: Impressionism foremost amongst them.

 

Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

30, Avenue Corentin-Cariou, Paris 75930

Tel: +33 1 40 05 70 00

Intriguing exhibitions on the wonders and techniques of science and technology.

 

Centre Pompidou

Place Georges Pompidou, Paris 75004

Tel: +33 1 44 78 12 33

A striking modern gallery that shows off old and contemporary art in the middle of Paris. Always amusing to visit.

 

Palais de l'Elysée

55, rue du faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 75008

Establishment of the President of France - Monsieur le Président de la République- that is off limits except at specially designated times.

 

Champs-Elysées & Arc de Triomphe

Champs Elysées, Paris 75008

Tel: +33 1 44 13 1717

Voie Triomphale is an excellent place to begin a walking tour of central Paris. Napoleon's tribute to the French army, the Arc de Triomphe offers splendid views at the centre of the world's first traffic roundabout with the Voie Triomphale and Champs -Elysees descending elegantly to the Louvre and Place de la Concorde respectively.

 

Place de la Concorde

Place de la Concorde, Paris 75008

Tel: +33 1 47 03 1250

Very busy landmark square at the end of the Champs Elysees. A true Parisian experience.

 

Sainte-Chapelle

4 Boulevard du Palais, Paris 75001

Tel: +33 1 43 54 3009

One of the most important examples of thirteenth century French architecture, built to house the precious possessions of Louis the IX.

 

Les Invalides

Esplanade des Invalides, Paris 75007

Tel: +33 1 44 42 3767

Commissioned by Louis XIV as a home for injured soldiers, one of its two churches hold the remains of Napoleon. The site also contains the Musee de l'Armee.

 

Sacré-Coeur

35 Rue Chevalier de la Barre, Paris 75018

Tel: +33 1 42 51 1702

The classic lines of the beautiful 19th century church are as much a part of the stunning Paris skyline as the Eiffel Tower.

 

Musée des Arts Décoratifs

107 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001

Tel: +33 1 42 60 3214

Musée National du Moyen-Age(Musée de Cluny)

6 Place Paul-Painlevé, Paris 75006

Tel: +33 1 43 25 6200

 

Bibliothèque Nationale

58 Rue de Richelieu, Paris 75706

Tel: +33 1 47 03 8126

 

Musée Marmottan

2 Rue Louis-Bailly, Paris 75016

Tel: +33 1 45 53 3170

 

Musée Rodin

77 Rue de Varenne, Paris 75007

Tel: +33 1 47 05 0134

 

Entertainment

 

It is at night when Paris' nickname, the City of Light, seems most apt: the world famous landmarks are illuminated, historic streets are bathed in a unique ambience, whilst the neon glow from its buzzy cafés, bars, and clubs remind the visitor of the modern pulse of this captivating capital city.

 

Whatever your indulgence may be - opera, theatre, ballet, live music, bar-hopping or clubbing - Paris is often at its most enthralling after dark. The city's club and music scene brings together all the best scenes from around the world, venues reminiscent of the swanky night clubs of Los Angeles or London, the sensual jazz bars of New Orleans and the relaxing blues cafés of Chicago.

 

For a night of glam cabaret and dancing, the city excels. Head to the famous clubs of the Moulin Rouge, Folies Bergere, Le Lido and The Crazy Horse bar for a night of exotic entertainment, or find the chansonnier clubs where the talented and the brave perform their own songs.

 

French-speaking theatre goers will be delighted by the broad range of drama playing in Paris, from classic tragedy to sophisticated comedy. International productions frequently appear on the scene with actors speaking in their own language, subtitled in French. Contemporary circus - sometimes shocking and sometimes funny - is another Parisian regular, and you don't need to speak French to enjoy it!

 

Lovers of opera, choral and classical music should find time to enjoy the unforgettable Opéra National de Paris singing at the imperial, opulent Palais Garnier or the modern, high-tech Bastille; or, perhaps, take in a concert at an atmospheric church like the Eglise de St-Eustache. Check the monthly Le Monde de la Musique for classical concert listings.

 

Jazz and blues lovers will fall in love with Rue Bonaparte and Rue St-Jacques on the Left Bank, where the soulful sounds of trumpets, saxophones, pianos and guitars hang in the air. The Marais district and Oberkampf are best spots for bar-hopping; whilst the area surrounding the church of St-Germain-des-Prés is full of dance clubs that thump to techno, house, latino and garage. One can be fashionably late for Parisian nightclubs, which only get going in the early hours, closing around dawn.

 

Bars and pubs come in two main forms: one a casual bar, small and surprisingly sociable; the other a uniquely Parisian take on the fine art of socializing in luxury. The Plaza Athénée and the Crillon are amongst the world's most glamorous hotel bars. In typical French style, Parisians take the time to stroll their elegant boulevards, relax and socialise in their favourite street side cafes, and of course, to eat and drink well. Chances are that busking musicians or street performers will enliven the experience.

 

Take a trip to the Place de la Concorde at night, when the beguiling attractions of the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and Place de Madeleine are matched by the buzz on the Champs-Elysees.

 

As well as a choice of river cruises, city and cultural tours available in Paris, one can discover the secrets of regional winemaking on a visit to the Wine Museum in the ancient cellars of the Abbey of Passy. Courses run every Saturday from 10:00am to noon.

 

Petanque and rollerblading are favourite Parisian pastimes: whilst the cream of Parisian society enjoy the thrill of the races at beautiful Chantilly and Longchamp, where many of Europe's Classic-winning horses contest the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in early October. Fluent playmaking characterises the soccer at Paris St-Germain, whilst Stade Francais is one of Europe's most formidable rugby sides.

Moulin Rouge Nightclub 82 Boulevard de Clichy, Paris 75018 Tel: +33 1 43 261271   Folies Bergère Nightclub 32 rue Richer, Paris 75009 Tel: +33 1 44 799898   Le Lido Cabaret 116 Bis Avenue des Champs-Elysées, 8e, Paris Tel: +33 1 40 765610   Crazy Horse Saloon Bar 12 Avenue George V, 8e, Paris Tel: +33 1 47 233232   Opéra National de Paris Palais Garnier 8, Rue Scribe, Paris 75009 Tel: +33 1 47 420702   Bastille Opéra Place de la Bastille, Paris 75012 Tel: +33 1 44 731300

Eglise Saint-Eustache 2, Rue du Jour Place du Jour, Paris 75001 Tel: +33 1 42 363105   Musée du Vin/Wine Museum Rue des Eaux, 75016 Paris Tel: +33 1 45 256326   Chantilly Racecourse 16, Avenue du Général Leclerc, Chantilly, Picardy 60631 Tel: +33 8 21 213 213   Longchamp Racecourse Route des Tribunes, Bois de Boulogne 75116 Paris Tel: +33 1 44 307500   Paris St-Germain Football Club 24 Rue du Commandant-Guilbaud 75016 Paris Tel: +33 1 47 437171   Stade Francais Rugby Union Club Stade Jean-Bouin 26 Avenue du Général-Sarrail, 75016 Paris Tel: +33 1 40 717100

Restaurants

 

Legendary French flair is never more evident than in the kitchen and Paris can fairly claim to be the world capital of dining. The City of Light has some of the world's most prestigious restaurants, creators of refined flavours that linger long in the memory.

 

Rich, classical French cuisine remains the city's strongest suit, whilst an emerging trend has witnessed Paris celebrating simpler, nourishing regional food - cuisine du terroir - without losing any of the élan that French chefs pride themselves on.

 

Discover Paris' acclaimed restaurants on a stroll through its fashionable districts like the Left Bank, where the décor, service, and of course the food, attain the highest standards. How better to spend a few hours than in the grand Art Nouveau surroundings of venerated brasseries like Bofinger on rue de la Bastille or Brasserie Lipp on Boulevard St-Germain, delivering an authentic slice of Parisian charm.

 

Book way ahead to secure tables at fabled venues like Jamin, Le Vivarois, L'Arpège, Port Alma, Le Beauvilliers, Enclos de Ninon, Jacques Cagna, Tour d'Argent and Le Grand Véfour or Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Atheneé - restaurants that consistently delight their clientele. For classical French cuisine try Le Beudant and Guy Savoy in the Wagram-Batignolles district, whilst tastes of provincial France await diners at the modestly-priced La Boulangerie restaurant in the Père Lachaise-Belleville. And visitors to Paris will not be short of international restaurants, most notably North African, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine.

 

Saying that, eating out in Paris can be something of a mixed bag: establishments on the Champs-Elysees can disappoint whereas more modest looking venues can delight. Indeed, one of the highlights of visiting Paris is to explore its cobbled back streets and take a chance on a bland-looking restaurant, bistro or café, where you stand a good chance of uncovering a gem.

 

Near enough to the Champs Elyseé, but off the beaten track in the residential Ternes district, is Le Bistrot d'à Côté Flaubert, a star chef's version of bistro cooking. A little further east, small eating houses in the Rue de Lévis market offer tasty dishes. The Montparnasse district is home to several of Paris' famous cafés like La Coupole and La Rotonde, whilst the Marais and the Bastille districts are also full of idiosyncratic bistros and brasseries. Some recommend Le Pamphlet; others prefer the Asian-tinged Le Petit Marché.

 

For a post-prandial treat, savour divine ice cream at Berthillon on the rue St-Louis-en-l'Ile. Making the best use of seasonal fruits, this legendary purveyor produces over 20 different flavours.

 

Bofinger 7 rue de la Bastille, Paris Tel: +33 1 42 72 87 82   Brasserie Lipp 151 Boulevard Saint Germain, 75006 Paris Tel: +33 1 45 48 72 93   Jamin 32, Rue du Longchamp, Paris Tel: +33 1 45 53 00 07   Le Vivarois 192, av Victor Hugo, Paris, 75016 France Tel: +33 1 45 04 04 31   L'Arpège 84 rue de Varenne, Paris Tel: +33 1 47 05 09 06   Port Alma 10, avenue de New York, 75016 Paris Tel: +33 1 47 23 75 11   Le Beauvilliers 52 Rue Lamarck; 75018 Paris Tel: +33 1 42 54 54 42   Enclos de Ninon 19-21 Boulevard Beaumarchais; 75004 Paris Tel: +33 1 42 72 22 51   Jacques Cagna 14 Rue des Grands Augustins; 75006 Paris Tel: +33 1 43 26 49 39   Tour d'Argent 15-17, quai de la Tournelle, 75005 Paris Tel: +33 1 43 54 23 31   Le Grand Véfour 17, rue de Beaujolais, 75001 Paris Tel: +33 1 42 96 56 27

Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Atheneé 25 avenue de Montaigne, 75008 Paris Tel: +33 1 53 67 65 00   Le Beudant 97, rue des Dames, Paris Tel: +33 1 43 87 11 20   Guy Savoy 8, rue Troyon, 75017 Paris Tel: +33 1 43 80 40 61   La Boulangerie 15 rue des Panoyaux, 75020 Paris Tel: +33 1 43 58 45 45   Le Bistrot d'à Côté Flaubert 10 rue Gustave-Flaubert, Paris Tel: +33 1 42 67 05 81   La Coupole 102, bd du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris Tel: +33 1 43 20 14 20   La Rotonde 105 bd. Montparnasse, Paris Tel: +33 1 43 26 68 84   Le Pamphlet 38 rue Debelleyme, Paris Tel: +33 1 42 72 39 24   Le Petit Marché 9 rue de Béarn, Paris Tel: +33 1 42 72 06 67   Berthillon 31 rue St Louis-en-l'Ile, Paris Tel: +33 1 43 54 31 61

 

Shopping

 

An integral part of the romance of Paris is the stylish shopping on offer. Browsing through bijou boutiques, vibrant markets and historic arcades for that special gift is one of the Parisian's favourite pastimes: few places on earth have such an abundance of luxurious goods, all exquisitely crafted and presented.

 

Acknowledged as the capital of the rag-trade world, where major fashion houses showcase their latest designs, Paris offers an unparalleled choice of apparel for shoppers. Its haute couture offers the ultimate in style and elegance. But its prêt-a-porter is quite fancy too, with shops and antique markets offering a great mix: smart, traditional styles; racy, dernier cri fashion; modern yet formal workwear; and casual, street-friendly gear.

 

The Triangle d'Or - the neighbourhood consisting of Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, and Rue Francois 1er near the Champs Elysées - puts you in the heart of Parisian luxury fashion shops, filled with top brandname stores like Dior, Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Lancome, Givenchy, Cartier and Yves Saint Laurent. The big-name designers also dominate the shops on Avenue George V, whilst no lover of fashion should overlook the Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps, two of the city's top department stores on the Right Bank of the Seine.

 

Paris' graceful and historic arcades combine shopping and sightseeing: the Palais-Royal is unmissable, with a superb selection of antique shops and perfumeries. The elegant 19th century, glass-roofed Galerie Vivienne has a variety of elegant shops, Passage Jouffroy had the distinction of being the city's first heated shopping arcade, while the Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen claims status as the world's biggest and certainly most respected antique market.

 

The various districts of Paris tend to specialise in different goods: for art and antiques, prime areas include the rue de Seine, rue Jacob and rue du Bac near the Saint-Germain des Près church, and the Carré Rive Gauche near the Orsay museum.

 

Behind the Palais Royal, one will find the Garment District (also called Sentier), and the sophisticated Place des Victoires. The modern retro boutiques and Asian-themed shops are the highlights of this district. Rue de Rivoli, rue St Antoine, Samaritaine, BHV, Les Halles and the Beaubourg feature several shopping malls, with global brands such as Marks & Spencer and Gap catering to the masses.

 

The Marais, located down Rue Elzévir, is the place to find exotic handicrafts imported from Africa, where beautiful hand-woven and hand-dyed bolts of cloth make distinctive home furnishings. Rue de Paradis is known for its crystal and porcelain; Rue du Faubourg-St-Antoine for furniture craftsmen and Rue du Cherche-Midi and de Grenelle for leather goods and shoes.

 

A fine choice of jewelry and clothing feature at the busy Forum des Halles shopping center, whilst Les Quatre Temps near the Grande Arche of La Défense business district is also worth a visit.

 

Of course no Paris shopping trip could be complete without visiting its tantalising food shops: the Rue Rambuteau, Rue Montorgueil and Place de la Madeleine in the Opéra Quarter are top picks.

 

 

Christian Dior Couture 11bis rue François 1er, 75008 Paris Tel: +33 1 40 73 54 44   Chanel Boutique 31, rue Cambon, 75001 Paris Tel: +33 1 4286 2800   Hermès 24, rue du Faubourg St. Honoré, 75008 Paris Tel: +33 1 4017 4717   Louis Vuitton 101, av des Champs-Elysées, 75001 Paris Tel: +33 1 4549 6230   Lancome 29 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, 75008 Paris Tel: +33 1 4265 3074   Givenchy 3 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris Tel: +33 1 4431 5125   Cartier 7 place Vendome, 75001 Paris 1er 13 rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris 2e Tel: +33 1 4455 3250   Yves Saint Laurent 12, pl Saint-Sulpice, 75006 Paris Tel: +33 1 4326 8440   Au Printemps Address 64 bd. Haussmann, 9e Paris Tel: +33 1 4282 5000

Galeries Lafayette 40 bd. Haussmann, 9e, Paris Tel: +33 1 4282 34-56   Palais-Royal Rue St-Honore, Paris   Galerie Vivienne Rue des Petits-Champs, Paris   Passage Jouffroy 10, boulevard Montmartre 9, Rue Grange-Batelière, Paris   Marché aux Puces St-Ouen de Clignancourt Av. de la Porte de Clignancourt, 18e, Paris   GAP France 9 Avenue Matignon 75008 Paris Tel: +33 1 5389 2300   Marks & Spencer 35, Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris Tel: +33 1 4742 4291   Forum des Halles Niveau -1, 75001 Paris Tel: +33 1 4026 2850   Les Quatre Temps 15 Parvis de la Défense 92092 Paris La Defense Tel: +33 1 4773 5444   Place de la Madeleine 14, rue de Surène, 75008 Paris

Hotels

 

Hotel Lancaster

City	Paris
Street	rue de Berri 7
ZIP	75008
Phone	+33 1 4076 4076

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Ritz Paris

City	Paris
Street	15 Place Vendome
ZIP	75041
Phone	+33 1 4316 3030

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Hotel Raphael

City	Paris
Street	17, Avenue
ZIP	75116
Phone	+33 1 5364 3200

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Hotel Fouquet`s Barri

City	Paris
Street	46 Avenue George V,
ZIP	75008
Phone	+33 1 4070 0505

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Hotel de Crillon

City	Paris
Street	10 Place de la Concorde
ZIP	75008
Phone	+33 1 4471 1500

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Hotel Le Bristol

City	Paris
Street	112 rue du Faubourg St.-Honor
ZIP	75008
Phone	+33 1 5343 4300

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Clubs

 

Le Cabaret

City	Paris
Street	2, Place du palais royal
ZIP	75001

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VIP Room Paris

City	Paris
Street	188 BIS Rue de Rivoli
ZIP	75001

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