Luxurious, bewitching, inspiring, spell-binding… Our selection of addresses is aimed at pleasure and ideas ! From absolute essentials to wonderful surprises, new experiences to enjoy and share.
A former bastion of France’s “haute gastronomie” (Alain Ducasse, Joël Robuchon), this luxury mansion now serves as a backcloth for Chinese gastronomy. In its velvety salons, elegant round tables invite guests to enjoy the experience of an authentic Chinese banquet, concocted with exemplary mastery by three chefs focusing on culinary specialities from Peking, Hunan and Canton. In a series of sampling rituals, this subtle cuisine deploys real treasures, precise cooking and exquisite savours. Soluxe 59, 59 avenue Raymond Poincaré, Paris 16 (01 56 90 33 18).
A precious and secret beauty care address, Trandline offers in a luxurious Haussmann apartment of 550 m2 a menu brimming with treatments for the hair, face and body from ultra-sophisticated brands. Plus services worthy of a palatial hotel, including room service, a private lounge and car-valet service.Trandline, 64 rue Pierre Charron, Paris 8 (01 44 13 88 88 - www.trandline.fr).
Situated on the very elegant Place Vendôme, this well-being centre of 600 m2 dedicated to women proposes an holistic experience. Twelve treatment rooms, two pools, a hammam, sauna and Iyashi dome, Aquamoon combines hi-tech equipment with expert treatments for beauty and well-being. A welcome guest, the revolutionary Softmesology, an anti-aging method inspired by mesotherapy, and “Le Voyage Merveilleux”, a divine massage in a sensorial immersion booth. Just de-connect ! Aquamoon, 19 place Vendôme, Paris 1 (01 42 86 10 00).
Next to the cobblestones of a small Parisian courtyard, Farago offers a new spin on “tapas”, in gourmet designer style. Dreamt up by the address’s “god-father”, star-rated chef Fernando Canales, and prepared by the young “toque” Inigo Ruiz Rituerto, these refined delicacies known as “pintxos” titillate the tastebuds of discerning foodies. Farago, 11 Cour des Petites Ecuries, Paris 10.
Beneath the splendid glass cupola of the restaurant La Bauhinia, tea-time certainly lives up to its setting. Distinguished by the instinctive touch of François Perret, the talented pastry-chef at the Shangri-La Hotel Paris, the formula consists of a wealth of gourmet creations for those with a sweet tooth : mini-pastries, a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and French biscuits. All accompanied by hot beverages with a selection of exotic teas or a glass of “brut” or rosé champagne. The bonus ? The tinkling notes of the pianist, who perfects the charm of a pause in this palatial hotel. Shangri-La Hôtel, 10 avenue d’Iéna, Paris 16 (01 53 67 19 98).
A unique address, Le Faust proposes esthetic appeal inspired by the monumental character of the Alexandre III Bridge, under which it nestles. On the one hand, the restaurant with its “bistronomic” menu reflecting the talent of chef Christophe Langrée, already awarded several Michelin stars. On the other, a multi-cultural venue for the performing arts which is transformed into a club on weekends. Not forgetting the magnificent terrace decorated in the spirit of 1900’s cafés and “guinguettes”. Truly hype and classy... Faust, Pont Alexandre III, Port des Invalides,Rive Gauche, Paris 7 (01 44 18 60 60 - www.faustparis.fr).
A restaurant and cocktail bar, Le Blue Valentine offers first and foremost the charm of a venue with a 1950’s look featuring a wide counter with a two-tone formica top. Then there are poetic dishes concocted by chef Saïto Terumistu (ex-Mandarin Oriental Paris), beautiful, colourful artworks sprinkled with wild flowers, vegetables and aromatic herbs. The meat and fish are meticulously selected, cooking techniques are perfectly mastered. Full of flavour from starter to dessert, and coffee from La Brûlerie de Belleville. Blue Valentine, 13 rue de la Pierre-Levée, Paris 11 (01 43 38 34 72).
