Postcards from... Booklet 2022

Postcards from... T heflagshipcityofFrancehasamagneticappeal thathas lured countlessvisitors to thebanksof theSeine.Classicalelegance sitscomfortablywithmodern innovation inawell-planned cityscapecontaining someof themost iconic structures includingmedievalchurches,Bourbonpalaces,BeauxArt department storesand thecity’sdefining industrial-agebeacon - theEiffel Tower. It isnowonder thatParis is renownedasaculturalmeltingpotandhas been regardedconsistently,especially since themid-19thcentury,asacentre for thevisualarts,gastronomyandhigh fashion. Elegant,wideboulevardsproliferate the low-risecentreof thecity, linedwithchracteristic stone- cladappartmentblocksvarying inheightbetween just5and7floors.This is the legacyof BaronHaussman,who transformedParisbetween1853until1870 fromamazeofnarrow, windinganddisease-riddenalleys into theprototype,modernmetropolis thatwould best servea rapidlygrowingpopulation.Whilst thenew,broad streetsmayhave beendesigned todeteraParisianhabit for riotingandblockades, it isevident that thearchitecturewas truly innovative,creatinga framework foran immensenetworkof street-level shopsaswellasnumerouscafesand restaurants, whose seating spillsoutdoorsonto thewide pavements.Needless to say thisonlyemphasises the point thatParis isa stroller’sparadiseand theultimate coffeewalkway. Sadly,Haussman’sboulevardsdidnotcurb insurrectionand thecityunderwent a short-lived periodofanarchy in1871 following theFranco- PrussianWarand the subsequentcreationof the Left-wingParisCommune.Oncequelled, thecity thenenjoyedwhat iscalled“LaBelleÉpoque” .Paris' architecturaldevelopmentsduring this45-year periodcannotbeunderstated. Inaddition to the EiffelTower,builtas thegateway to theWorld’sFairof 1889, thisgoldenagealso saw theconstructionof Beaux-Artsbuildings including theGared'Orsay (the present-dayMuséed'Orsay), thePetitPalais, the GrandPalais,and thePalaisGarnier,Paris'premier operahouse.ThedazzlingdomesofGrands Magasins,ordepartment stores, changed the skyline whilstArtNouveauentryways transformedaccess to theMetro (underground).TheRomano-Byzantine Sacré-Coeurbreathednew life into theheartofParis on thehilltopofMontmartre. And it isalso to thisageof inspiration that themodern dayspiritofPariscancast its rod. Itwas (andstill is)a “Mecca”foravant-gardepoets,writers,artistsand designers.Thecitybecame theepicentre for the radical rethinkingofperceptionaspresented through the artisticendeavoursof ImpressionismandCubism.The pre-eminentFrenchnovelist,VictorHugo,couldnot haveexpressed thisenergymoresuccinctlywhenhe declared “HewhocontemplatesthedepthsofParis is seizedwithvertigo...Nothing ismore fantastic.Nothing is moretragic.Nothing ismoresublime.” Aswegetcloser to2024 theeyesof theworldwill focusall themoreonParis,hosts to thenextOlympic Games.Perhaps,wemaybecontent towaitand rush with themasses,butonemightsuspect thereare those ofyouwhosenseanopportunity,as thespectreof Coviddissipates, toexplore thisgoldencitybefore the massesflockback.Whatwillyoudiscover?Fordie-hard romantics it isacity that inspiresaffirmation.For epicureans it is thesoulofgastronomy (andat least nine3-starMichelin reasons tomakea journey*). For art lovers itofferssomeof theworld’sfinestmuseums andgalleries.Forstylists it isabyword for fashion excellence.Butaboveall it isaglitteringcity thatnever ceases topleaseandyet lieswithinshortdistanceof ourshores. Set back from the Champs-Elysées, on an avenue linedwith century-old trees, La Réserve Paris offers an intimate setting in a classic urbanmansion comprising 26 suites and 14 rooms.Haussmann-style architecture proved the perfect setting for interiordesigner JacquesGarcia, chosenbyMichelReybier forhis special affinities with thatparticular era.All around are vast areasbathed in light,barelymutedby the rich fabrics of the hangings. Scattered here and there are beautifulmarble fireplaces,andeverywhere the joyofvast indoorspaces,evokinganalmost forgotten spiritofgenerosity. ThePickofParisHotels Highly recommended luxuryhotelswithverydifferentappeal inprime locations 42AvenueGabriel LifestyleChic 10,Placede laConcorde Palace/Landmark TheHôtel de Crillon is hotel Royalty and in Paris, that’s no small feat. Following a stylish renovation in2017, it’swooingawholenewgenerationwith itssassy interiors designed by the likes ofTristanAuer and Karl Lagerfeld now feelsmore residential thanGrandeDame.However, it still oozes opulence like the sleek polished stone interiors in the lobbyandgoldscaleson thewallsof thesubterraneanspa. It’sgreatest extravagancehowever,maybe its location.At theheart ofParis, on thePlacede La Concordeandminutes from theTuileriesgardensandChampsÉlysées,you’llstruggle tofindabetter location. Hotel de Crillon,ARosewoodHotel LaReserveParisHotel & Spa Tuckedawaydownanarrowstreetbeside theLeftBank,HôtelRelaisChristine is a real hidden treasure. Behind a set ofwrought iron gates is a pretty courtyard,dottedwithgreenery,andamajestichoney-stone townhouse.Once amedievalabbey, today it’saboutiquehotel thatoozesperiodcharm. Inside, oldfireplaces, vaulted ceilings andwoodpanellinghungwithportraitshint at the hotel’s past.With individually designed rooms that blend vintage glamourwith splashesof contemporary style. 3,RueChristine,StGermaindesPres LeftBankBoutiqueHideaway Relais Christine MonsieurGeorgeHotel 17,RueWashington GlamorousNewKidon theBlock Mirrors, velvet and exotic flourishes signal the latest interior design canvas from themistressofboutiquechic,AnouskaHempel.MonsieurGeorge isacompactbut sexy conversionof aParisian townhouse completewith aminiaturemewshouse in the rear courtyardhousingoneof thehotel’s feature suites.Hempelwas tasked withcreatinga timelessyetmodernhotel,barand restaurant,offeringa residential atmospherewithinParis’busy8tharrondisement.Spreadacrosssixfloors, thehotel comprises46guestrooms, including three suites,eachboasting itsown charm. Green Spaces Constantlyseeking to improve itself fromaneco-friendlyperspective there arenowgrandplans forParis to becomeEurope’sgreenestcityby2030. Herearesomeeco-friendly thingsyou canexperience rightnow. ElectricSeine DinnerCruise Enjoy themagicofa cleaner, more sustainable rivercruise aboard theDucasse surSeine.The brainchildofgloballyacclaimed French chefAlainDucasse, the cruise isentirelyelectricand combinesa luxurygourmet experiencewitha commitment to low-emission transport. FloatingaboveParis More than justanawesomeviewoverParis,BallonGenerali isbasicallyafloating laboratory withan important role inmeasuring the city'sairqualityeachday.Floatup to150metres above the city in theworld’s largestheliumballoonwhilst readingsare takenmeasuringair quality.Flight timeapproximatel10minutes. Wanderalong the CouleeVert TheRené-DumontCouléeVerte (previously thePromenadePlantée) isa4.7km-long greenwalking trail that carriesyoualong the abandonedVincennes railway line.The projectwas sucha success that it servedas the inspiration for the famousNewYorkHigh Linepark too,whichopened in2009. A series of popular City Break features (4-page format) Eye-catching cityscapes of popular cities worldwide (but mostly in Europe) invite the reader to consider a city break with a short overview, some thematic vignettes and up to 4 specific city hotel descriptions from the Travelspeak vaults, to be selected by the participating travel company subscriber or following our own recommendations. Select ANY 4 hotels from our list of 16 recommended hotels for your selected city TheHôteldeCrillon ishotelRoyaltyand inParis, that’sno small feat. Following a stylish renovation in2017, it’swooingawholenewgenerationwith its sassy interiorsdesignedby the likesofTristanAuerandKarlLagerfeldnow feelsmore residential thanGrandeDame.However, it still oozes opulence like the sleek polished stone interiors in the lobby and gold scales on the walls of the subterraneanspa. It’sgreatestextravagancehowever,maybe its location.At the heartofParis,on thePlacedeLaConcordeandminutes from theTuileriesgardens andChampsÉlysées,you’ll struggle tofindabetter location. A breathtaking luxury hotel in the city's fashionable 1st Arrondissement, MandarinOriental, Paris offers a fabulous location, acclaimedMichelin-star gourmet dining and one of themost beautiful spas in Paris. Flanking the pavement of the city’smost distinguished boulevard, Rue SaintHonoré and surroundedbyhaute couture, just steps from theLouvreand the famousOpera Garnier, thehotel spanseightfloors,makingMandarinOriental,Parisoneof the larger luxuryhotels inParisdeliveringflairwitha touchof theexotic. Setback from theChamps-Elysées,on an avenue linedwith century-old trees, LaRéserveParisoffersan intimatesetting inaclassicurbanmansioncomprising 26suitesand14 rooms.Haussmann-stylearchitectureproved theperfectsetting for interior designer JacquesGarcia, chosen byMichel Reybier for his special affinitieswith thatparticularera.Allaroundarevastareasbathed in light,barely mutedby the rich fabricsof thehangings.Scatteredhereand therearebeautiful marble fireplaces, and everywhere the joy of vast indoor spaces, evoking an almost forgotten spiritofgenerosity. An art-deco landmarkbuilt in1928, Four SeasonsHotelGeorgeV isnestled in theGoldenTriangleofParis, justoff thehistoricChamps-Elysees.Oversizedsuites withEiffelTowerviewswelcomeyouafteradayofwandering thequaint,Parisian streets,and thehotel’s three restaurants,withfiveMichelin starsamong them, arehome to some of thebest food in France.Adecadentnew spa, an elegant swimmingpoolandacourtyard forwhilingaway theafternoonswithaglassof wine from thehotel’s cellarare just someof thepleasuresunique toourhistoric destination. The Pick of Paris Hotels Please selectup to4hotels thatyouwish to feature in Postcards fromParis feature -Page1of2 LaRéserveParis ,Hotel&Spa FourSeasonsGeorgesV HoteldeCrillon ,ARosewoodHotel MandarinOrientalParis Mirrors,velvetandexoticflourishes signal the latest interiordesigncanvas from themistressofboutique chic,AnouskaHempel.MonsieurGeorge isa compact but sexy conversionof aParisian townhouse completewith aminiaturemews house in the rear courtyard housing one of the hotel’s feature suites.Hempel was taskedwithcreatinga timelessyetmodernhotel,barand restaurant,offering a residentialatmospherewithinParis’busy8tharrondisement.Spreadacrosssix floors, thehotelcomprises46guestrooms, including threesuites,eachboasting itsown charm. LocatedontheAvenueGeorgeV inthe‘GoldenTriangle’,hometotheFrenchcapital’s luxury and fashion excellencebetween the Seine and theChamps-Élysées, the BulgariHotelParis isanewkindofhotelexperiencewhere Italianhospitalitymeets the jewelryheritageofBulgari and theglorioushistoryof theCityof Light..The interiors of the hotel, entirely designed by Antonio Citterio PatriciaViel Italian architectural studio, feature76 roomsand suites, including theBulgariPenthouse, an exceptionalprivate apartmentofnearly400 squaremeterswith itsown569 squaremeterpanoramicroofgardenwithviewsofallthecapital’s iconicmonuments. Tucked awaydown anarrow streetbeside the LeftBank,HôtelRelaisChristine isa realhidden treasure.Behindasetofwrought irongates isaprettycourtyard, dottedwithgreenery,andamajestichoney-stone townhouse.Onceamedieval abbey, today it’saboutiquehotel thatoozesperiodcharm. Inside,oldfireplaces, vaultedceilingsandwoodpanellinghungwithportraitshintat thehotel’spast. With individuallydesigned rooms thatblend vintageglamourwith splashesof contemporary style. When the former showrooms of ultra chic fashion brand Zadig&Voltairewas re-purposed by its co-founder,ThierryGillier, as a hotel, itwas bound to be somethingabit special,even forParis! Thisboutiquenewcomerl cleverly takes period ideas and applies subtle contempoary touches to create understated luxury.Thehotelhas33 rooms and a topfloor apartmentwith terrace, aswell as,BrasserieEmil,aMediterranean restaurantwith70seatsandLaCoquilled’Or cocktailbar.Bepleasantly surprisedbyahotelaspopularwith localparisiensas itsguests. Tuckedawaydownanarrowstreetbeside theLeftBank,HôtelRelaisChristine is a real hidden treasure. Behind a set ofwrought iron gates is a pretty courtyard,dottedwithgreenery,andamajestichoney-stone townhouse.Once amedievalabbey, today it’saboutiquehotel thatoozesperiodcharm. Inside, oldfireplaces, vaulted ceilings andwoodpanellinghungwithportraitshint at the hotel’s past.With individually designed rooms that blend vintage glamourwith splashesof contemporary style. 3,RueChristine,StGermaindesPres LeftBankBoutiqueHideaway Relais Christine MonsieurGeorgeHotel 17,RueWashington GlamorousNewKidon theBlock Mirrors, velvet and exotic flourishes signal the latest interior design canvas from themistressofboutiquechic,AnouskaHempel.MonsieurGeorge isacompactbut sexy conversionof aParisian townhouse completewith aminiaturemewshouse in the rear courtyardhousingoneof thehotel’s feature suites.Hempelwas tasked withcreatinga timelessyetmodernhotel,barand restaurant,offeringa residential atmospherewithinParis’busy8tharrondisement.Spreadacrosssixfloors, thehotel comprises46guestrooms, including three suites,eachboasting itsown charm. Green Spaces Constantlyseeking to improve itself fromaneco-friendlyperspective there arenowgrandplans forParis to becomeEurope’sgreenestcityby2030. Herearesomeeco-friendly thingsyou canexperience rightnow. ElectricSeine DinnerCruise Enjoy themagicofa cleaner, more sustainable rivercruise aboard theDucasse surSeine.The brainchildofgloballyacclaimed French chefAlainDucasse, the cruise isentirelyelectricand combinesa luxurygourmet experiencewitha commitment to low-emission transport. FloatingaboveParis More than justanawesomeviewoverParis,BallonGenerali isbasicallyafloating laboratory withan important role inmeasuring the city'sairqualityeachday.Floatup to150metres above the city in theworld’s largestheliumballoonwhilst readingsare takenmeasuringair quality.Flight timeapproximatel10minutes. Wanderalong the CouleeVert TheRené-DumontCouléeVerte (previously thePromenadePlantée) isa4.7km-long greenwalking trail that carriesyoualong the abandonedVincennes railway line.The projectwas sucha success that it servedas the inspiration for the famousNewYorkHigh Linepark too,whichopened in2009. RelaisChristine HotelChateauVoltaire MonsieurGeorgeHotel BvlgariHôtelParis that thearchitecturewas truly innovative,creatinga framework foran immensenetworkof street-level shopsaswellasnumerouscafesand restaurants, whose seating spillsoutdoorsonto thewide pavements.Needless to say thisonlyemphasises the point thatParis isa stroller’sparadiseand theultimate coffeewalkway. Sadly,Haussman’sboulevardsdidnotcurb insurrectionand thecityunderwent a short-lived periodofanarchy in1871 following theFranco- PrussianWarand the subsequentcreationof the Left-wingParisCommune.Oncequelled, thecity thenenjoyedwhat iscalled“LaBelleÉpoque” .Paris' architecturaldevelopmentsduring this45-year periodcannotbeunderstated. Inaddition to the EiffelTower,builtas thegateway to theWorld’sFairof 1889, thisgoldenagealso saw theconstructionof Beaux-Artsbuildings including theGared'Orsay (the present-dayMuséed'Orsay), thePetitPalais, the GrandPalais,and thePalaisGarnier,Paris'premier operahouse.ThedazzlingdomesofGrands Magasins,ordepartment stores, changed the skyline whilstArtNouveauentryways transformedaccess to theMetro (underground).TheRomano-Byzantine Sacré-Coeurbreathednew life into theheartofParis on thehilltopofMontmartre. And it isalso to thisageof inspiration that themodern dayspiritofPariscancast its rod. Itwas (andstill is)a “Mecca”foravant-gardepoets,writers,artistsand designers.Thecitybecame theepicentre for the radical rethinkingofperceptionaspresented through the artisticendeavoursof ImpressionismandCubism.The pre-eminentFrenchnovelist,VictorHugo,couldnot haveexpressed thisenergymoresuccinctlywhenhe declared “HewhocontemplatesthedepthsofParis is seizedwithvertigo...Nothing ismore fantastic.Nothing is moretragic.Nothing ismoresublime.” Aswegetcloser to2024 theeyesof theworldwill focusall themoreonParis,hosts to thenextOlympic Games.Perhaps,wemaybecontent towaitand rush with themasses,butonemightsuspect thereare those ofyouwhosenseanopportunity,as thespectreof Coviddissipates, toexplore thisgoldencitybefore the massesflockback.Whatwillyoudiscover?Fordie-hard romantics it isacity that inspiresaffirmation.For epicureans it is thesoulofgastronomy (andat least nine3-starMichelin reasons tomakea journey*). For art lovers itofferssomeof theworld’sfinestmuseums andgalleries.Forstylists it isabyword for fashion excellence.Butaboveall it isaglitteringcity thatnever ceases topleaseandyet lieswithinshortdistanceof ourshores. Set back from the Champs-Elysées, on an avenue linedwith century-old trees, La Réserve Paris offers an intimate setting in a classic urbanmansion comprising 26 suites and 14 rooms.Haussmann-style architecture proved the perfect setting for interiordesigner JacquesGarcia, chosenbyMichelReybier forhis special affinities with thatparticular era.All around are vast areasbathed in light,barelymutedby the rich fabrics of the hangings. Scattered here and there are beautifulmarble fireplaces,andeverywhere the joyofvast indoorspaces,evokinganalmost forgotten spiritofgenerosity. ThePickofParisHotels Highly recommended luxuryhotelswithverydifferentappeal inprime locations 42AvenueGabriel LifestyleChic 10,Placede laConcorde Palace/Landmark TheHôtel de Crillon is hotel Royalty and in Paris, that’s no small feat. Following a stylish renovation in2017, it’swooingawholenewgenerationwith itssassy interiors designed by the likes ofTristanAuer and Karl Lagerfeld now feelsmore residential thanGrandeDame.However, it still oozes opulence like the sleek polished stone interiors in the lobbyandgoldscaleson thewallsof thesubterraneanspa. It’sgreatest extravagancehowever,maybe its location.At theheart ofParis, on thePlacede La Concordeandminutes from theTuileriesgardensandChampsÉlysées,you’llstruggle tofindabetter location. Hotel de Crillon,ARosewoodHotel LaReserveParisHotel & Spa T heflagshipcityofFrancehasamagneticappeal thathas lured countlessvisitors to thebanksof theSeine.Classicalelegance sitscomfortablywithmodern innovation inawell-planned cityscapecontaining someof themost iconic structures includingmedievalchurches,Bourbonpalaces,BeauxArt department storesand thecity’sdefining industrial-agebeacon - theEiffel Tower. It isnowonder thatParis is renownedasaculturalmeltingpotandhas been regardedconsistently,especially since themid-19thcentury,asacentre for thevisualarts,gastronomyandhigh fashion. Elegant,wideboulevardsproliferate the low-risecentreof thecity, linedwithchracteristic stone- cladappartmentblocksvarying inheightbetween just5and7floors.This is the legacyof BaronHaussman,who transformedParisbetween1853until1870 fromamazeofnarrow, windinganddisease-riddenalleys into theprototype,modernmetropolis thatwould best servea rapidlygrowingpopulation.Whilst thenew,broad streetsmayhave beendesigned todeteraParisianhabit for riotingandblockades, it isevident Renowned for its exemplary service, Le Bristol is ideally located on the rue du FaubourgSaintHonoré, famous for its fashionboutiquesandartgalleries,stepsaway from thePresidentialHouse and theChamps-Elysées. LeBristol's190bright and spacious roomsand suites,exquisiteCafeAntoniaandEpicuregourmet restaurant ratedthreeMichelinstarsprovideauniquesetting forguests.Thehotelalso features another restaurant "114Faubourg" recipientofoneMichelin star.There'salso two bars,sevenbanquetingrooms,24-hourroomservice,rooftopswimmingpool, fully- equippedfitnesscentreandsteam room,andaSpaLeBristolbyLaPrairie. Ideally located opposite theTuileriesGarden,betweenPlacede laConcorde and theMuseeduLouvre,LeMeuricehasheldswayas the jewel in thecrownofFrench luxuryhotelssince1835.Reflecting itsuninterruptedattachment to theFrenchart of living, LeMeurice is amagical, sereneplace,where the refined splendours of 18th-centuryarchitecturemeet the latest incontemporarycomfortandelegance. YannickAlleno,threeMichelin-starFrenchChefattheheadoffine-diningrestaurant leMeurice,elevatesParisiangastronomy to the rankofart,and leDaliwith itsnew culinaryconcept,wherepastandpresentmeetwithhumourandglamour. Thisgrandneo-classicalmansion,built in1892, is thehomeof theveryexclusive Saint JamesClubaswellas theonlychateau-hotelof thecapital,offering tailored services to each guest. The 49 spacious rooms& suites are all individually decorated, each of themwith its own story. At the guests' disposal are an impressive Library Bar, a 1-Michelin star restaurant and its summer terrace in thegardenwithChef VirginieBasselot,and spawithanextensivefitness room, steam rooms aswell as beauty parlourswith exclusiveGuerlain treatments.A memberofRelais&Châteaux Located at18 rueClémentMarot, a few steps fromAvenueMontaigne, this5- starnewcomer combines superlativehotel servicewith the charm of aprivate mansionwhereParisian spirit and contemporary luxury are combined.Behind itsmajesticHaussmannian façade, this timeless address -with itsbistronomic restaurant, hidden bar andThalgo Institute - invites you to experience Paris. Throughout thehotel there is aperfectbalancebetween luxury and simplicity. With the intimacy it exudes, LaDemeureMontaigne is an unclassifiable and intimateplace,whichwelcomesepicureansand loversofParis. Saint JamesParis LaDemeureMontaigne HotelLeBristolParis LeMeurice The Pick of Paris Hotels Please selectup to4hotels thatyouwish to feature in Postcards fromParis feature -Page2of2 Re-opened in July 2018 following an extensive 4 year restoration and refurbishment,HotelLutetia isan iconic landmark situated in thevibrantSaint- Germain-des-PrésareaofParisand theonly luxurygrandhotelon thecity'sLeft Bank.Originallyopened in1910, thebuilding'sdesignwasadaringmove from artnouveau to theemerging styleofartdeco.TheLutetiadeliversanauthentic Parisian experience and now features an eclecticmix of restaurants, bars and lounges throughout thehistoricalgroundfloor including the returnof theLutetia Brasserieunder the supervisionof threeMichelin starred chefGeraldPassedat. AMarriott-ownedpropertyoccupies aperiodbankbuilding just steps from the PalaisGarnierandthecity’sbigdepartmentstores.Thestunningroundglass-domed lobbyof the94-roomhotel recallsa lushProustianbordellowithvermilionwalls, anoriginalmosaicfloor,a longgold-leathersofa,and low lighting in theadjacent bar, restaurant,and receptionarea,and it’s ringedbyanelegantmezzaninegallery. Contemporaryartdisplayed inthepublicspacescreateanelegantatmosphere,and the fact thatyoudon’tneed to robabank to stayheremeans that thisnewcomer hasbeenattracting lotsof travellerswho formerly sworeby theLeftBank. Situatedon the leftbank, J.K.PlaceParis isa luxuryboutiquehoteloffering the discreet luxury of a private housewith immaculate service in a stylish setting. The hotel's 29 rooms and suites are designed by J.K. Place's architectMichele Bonan. For fine dining, Casa Tua,with outposts inMiami and Aspen serves Northern Italian cuisine and finewines amidst exquisite art.The Spa by Sisley feature Phyto-Aromatic treatments transporting guests into a sensorialworld. The spahasan indoor swimmingpool, sauna,and steam room. Inabuilding thatonce servedasapleasurehouseduring theBelleÉpoque,one of themost lavishand licentiouspages in thehistoryofParishasbeenbrought to life.Master stylist, JacquesGarcia has applied his talent to recreating the mystery,elegance,exoticism,sensuality,andostentatious luxuryof this landmark to create one of the capital’smost romantic boutique hotels. A temple to hedonism, theMaison Souquet ishome to20 rooms, including six suiteswith unique interiors in theheartofMontmatredistrict. JKPlaceParis MaisonSouquet HôtelLutetia HotelBankeOpera ,AutographCollection Tuckedawaydownanarrowstreetbeside theLeftBank,HôtelRelaisChristine is a real hidden treasure. Behind a set ofwrought iron gates is a pretty courtyard,dottedwithgreenery,andamajestichoney-stone townhouse.Once amedievalabbey, today it’saboutiquehotel thatoozesperiodcharm. Inside, oldfireplaces, vaulted ceilings andwoodpanellinghungwithportraitshint at the hotel’s past.With individually designed rooms that blend vintage glamourwith splashesof contemporary style. 3,RueChristine,StGermaindesPres LeftBankBoutiqueHideaway Relais Christine MonsieurGeorgeHotel 17,RueWashington GlamorousNewKidon theBlock Mirrors, velvet and exotic flourishes signal the latest interior design canvas from themistressofboutiquechic,AnouskaHempel.MonsieurGeorge isacompactbut sexy conversionof aParisian townhouse completewith aminiaturemewshouse in the rear courtyardhousingoneof thehotel’s feature suites.Hempelwas tasked withcreatinga timelessyetmodernhotel,barand restaurant,offeringa residential atmospherewithinParis’busy8tharrondisement.Spreadacrosssixfloors, thehotel comprises46guestrooms, including three suites,eachboasting itsown charm. Green Spaces Constantlyseeking to improve itself fromaneco-friendlyperspective there arenowgrandplans forParis to becomeEurope’sgreenestcityby2030. Herearesomeeco-friendly thingsyou canexperience rightnow. ElectricSeine DinnerCruise Enjoy themagicofa cleaner, more sustainable rivercruise aboard theDucasse surSeine.The brainchildofgloballyacclaimed French chefAlainDucasse, the cruise isentirelyelectricand combinesa luxurygourmet experiencewitha commitment to low-emission transport. FloatingaboveParis More than justanawesomeviewoverParis,BallonGenerali isbasicallyafloating laboratory withan important role inmeasuring the city'sairqualityeachday.Floatup to150metres above the city in theworld’s largestheliumballoonwhilst readingsare takenmeasuringair quality.Flight timeapproximatel10minutes. Wanderalong the CouleeVert TheRené-DumontCouléeVerte (previously thePromenadePlantée) isa4.7km-long greenwalking trail that carriesyoualong the abandonedVincennes railway line.The projectwas sucha success that it servedas the inspiration for the famousNewYorkHigh Linepark too,whichopened in2009. that thearchitecturewas truly innovative,creatinga framework foran immensenetworkof street-level shopsaswellasnumerouscafesand restaurants, whose seating spillsoutdoorsonto thewide pavements.Needless to say thisonlyemphasises the point thatParis isa stroller’sparadiseand theultimate coffeewalkway. Sadly,Haussman’sboulevardsdidnotcurb insurrectionand thecityunderwent a short-lived periodofanarchy in1871 following theFranco- PrussianWarand the subsequentcreationof the Left-wingParisCommune.Oncequelled, thecity thenenjoyedwhat iscalled“LaBelleÉpoque” .Paris' architecturaldevelopmentsduring this45-year periodcannotbeunderstated. Inaddition to the EiffelTower,builtas thegateway to theWorld’sFairof 1889, thisgoldenagealso saw theconstructionof Beaux-Artsbuildings including theGared'Orsay (the present-dayMuséed'Orsay), thePetitPalais, the GrandPalais,and thePalaisGarnier,Paris'premier operahouse.ThedazzlingdomesofGrands Magasins,ordepartment stores, changed the skyline whilstArtNouveauentryways transformedaccess to theMetro (underground).TheRomano-Byzantine Sacré-Coeurbreathednew life into theheartofParis on thehilltopofMontmartre. And it isalso to thisageof inspiration that themodern dayspiritofPariscancast its rod. Itwas (andstill is)a “Mecca”foravant-gardepoets,writers,artistsand designers.Thecitybecame theepicentre for the radical rethinkingofperceptionaspresented through the artisticendeavoursof ImpressionismandCubism.The pre-eminentFrenchnovelist,VictorHugo,couldnot haveexpressed thisenergymoresuccinctlywhenhe declared “HewhocontemplatesthedepthsofParis is seizedwithvertigo...Nothing ismore fantastic.Nothing is moretragic.Nothing ismoresublime.” Aswegetcloser to2024 theeyesof theworldwill focusall themoreonParis,hosts to thenextOlympic Games.Perhaps,wemaybecontent towaitand rush with themasses,butonemightsuspect thereare those ofyouwhosenseanopportunity,as thespectreof Coviddissipates, toexplore thisgoldencitybefore the massesflockback.Whatwillyoudiscover?Fordie-hard romantics it isacity that inspiresaffirmation.For epicureans it is thesoulofgastronomy (andat least nine3-starMichelin reasons tomakea journey*). For art lovers itofferssomeof theworld’sfinestmuseums andgalleries.Forstylists it isabyword for fashion excellence.Butaboveall it isaglitteringcity thatnever ceases topleaseandyet lieswithinshortdistanceof ourshores. Set back from the Champs-Elysées, on an avenue linedwith century-old trees, La Réserve Paris offers an intimate setting in a classic urbanmansion comprising 26 suites and 14 rooms.Haussmann-style architecture proved the perfect setting for interiordesigner JacquesGarcia, chosenbyMichelReybier forhis special affinities with thatparticular era.All around are vast areasbathed in light,barelymutedby the rich fabrics of the hangings. Scattered here and there are beautifulmarble fireplaces,andeverywhere the joyofvast indoorspaces,evokinganalmost forgotten spiritofgenerosity. ThePickofParisHotels Highly recommended luxuryhotelswithverydifferentappeal inprime locations 42AvenueGabriel LifestyleChic 10,Placede laConcorde Palace/Landmark TheHôtel de Crillon is hotel Royalty and in Paris, that’s no small feat. Following a stylish renovation in2017, it’swooingawholenewgenerationwith itssassy interiors designed by the likes ofTristanAuer and Karl Lagerfeld now feelsmore residential thanGrandeDame.However, it still oozes opulence like the sleek polished stone interiors in the lobbyandgoldscaleson thewallsof thesubterraneanspa. It’sgreatest extravagancehowever,maybe its location.At theheart ofParis, on thePlacede La Concordeandminutes from theTuileriesgardensandChampsÉlysées,you’ll struggle tofindabetter location. Hotel de Crillon,ARosewoodHotel LaReserveParisHotel & Spa T heflagshipcityofFrancehasamagneticappeal thathas lured countlessvisitors to thebanksof theSeine.Classicalelegance sitscomfortablywithmodern innovation inawell-planned cityscapecontaining someof themost iconic structures includingmedievalchurches,Bourbonpalaces,BeauxArt department storesand thecity’sdefining industrial-agebeacon - theEiffel Tower. It isnowonder thatParis is renownedasaculturalmeltingpotandhas been regardedconsistently,especially since themid-19thcentury,asacentre for thevisualarts,gastronomyandhigh fashion. Elegant,wideboulevardsproliferate the low-risecentreof thecity, linedwithchracteristic stone- cladappartmentblocksvarying inheightbetween just5and7floors.This is the legacyof BaronHaussman,who transformedParisbetween1853until1870 fromamazeofnarrow, windinganddisease-riddenalleys into theprototype,modernmetropolis thatwould best servea rapidlygrowingpopulation.Whilst thenew,broad streetsmayhave beendesigned todeteraParisianhabit for riotingandblockades, it isevident