Copenhagen, capital of the happy few

How does one explain the happy disposition of the Danes ? You just have to visit their capital to understand. Watch out, feeling good is contagious here !

On the east side of the island of Seeland (or “Zealand”), facing the strait of Oresund (also known as “The Sound”) which separates Denmark from Sweden, Copenhagen and its greater urban area play host to about 1.2 million inhabitants. Founded by the Vikings in the 10th century A.D., the capital is characterized by a harmonious urban layout, full of charm thanks to its numerous bridges, leafy parks at the heart of town, its colourful old port, large squares, riverbanks and seafront. The locals get around by bike and are casually elegant on an everyday basis. The capital of Scandinavian design offers a wide array of galleries, show-rooms and boutiques displaying a Nordic life-style that might be called chic cocooning. As for gastronomy, the city is far from lagging behind : many of its good restaurants, such as the legendary “Noma”, enjoy international renown. Sights for sore eyes, treats for the tastebuds and a dose of good humour, Copenhagen hits the spot !

Les bonnes Tables :

Le Noma

This impressive contemporary building contains 812 rooms of ultra-modern design. Decorated in the clean, typically Scandinavian style with furnishings signed Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, HAY, GUBI and Erik Jorgensen, this hotel belonging to the Marriott group features in particular a sumptuous bar offering a panoramic view of the town and a luxury spa with a bewildering choice of treatments for well-being. www.acbellaskycopenhagen.dk

This impressive contemporary building contains 812 rooms of ultra-modern design. Decorated in the clean, typically Scandinavian style with furnishings signed Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, HAY, GUBI and Erik Jorgensen, this hotel belonging to the Marriott group features in particular a sumptuous bar offering a panoramic view of the town and a luxury spa with a bewildering choice of treatments for well-being. www.acbellaskycopenhagen.dk

Located in the amusement park in the Tivoli Gardens, the Nimb Hotel surprises for its Moorish architecture. Its rooms with designer furniture and its terrace offer views of the park and its historic carousels. www.hotel.nimb.dk

Located in the amusement park in the Tivoli Gardens, the Nimb Hotel surprises for its Moorish architecture. Its rooms with designer furniture and its terrace offer views of the park and its historic carousels. www.hotel.nimb.dk

A member of the prestigious circle of The Leading Hotels of the World, the Hotel d’Angleterre is rated as the most prestigious in the capital. Built in the 19th century, it proposes 123 luxurious rooms, 19 suites, a gastronomic restaurant, lounge bar and a fitness club with an indoor pool. www.dangleterre.dk

A member of the prestigious circle of The Leading Hotels of the World, the Hotel d’Angleterre is rated as the most prestigious in the capital. Built in the 19th century, it proposes 123 luxurious rooms, 19 suites, a gastronomic restaurant, lounge bar and a fitness club with an indoor pool. www.dangleterre.dk

Concoctions by chef René Redzepi continue to inspire the dreams of globe-trotting gourmets. Le Noma (2 Michelin star) was in fact designated the world’s best restaurant from 2010 to 2014 by the “Restaurant” review. Excellent Scandinavian cuisine interpreted with a touch

of modernity is served here in a stylish Nordic decor. Our advice : book well in advance. www.noma.dk

Geranium

Ranked as the world’s best chef in 2011 (“Bocuse d’Or”), Rasmus Kofoed proposes light and creative vegetarian cuisine with prime examples of local vegetables, on the 8th floor of a building offering a stunning view. www.geranium.dk

L’orangeriet

In a former orangery at the edge of the King’s Garden, in an enchanting light and airy decor, this refined restaurant offers gastronomic cuisine, fresh and organic, with fish taking pride of place. www.restaurant-orangeriet.dk