France’s fabulous capital Paris is nothing if not chic, with easy-on-the-eye architecture, romantic cafés and beautiful boutiques…
Sleep: Classically Parisian, the Montalembert offers an elegant restaurant and bar, sneak-peek views of the Eiffel Tower from its eighth-floor rooms, and an unbeatable St Germain des Prés location, handy for designer stores. Surreally minimal La Maison Champs Elysées, styled by Martin Margiela, is one for fashion fans, with a verdant terrace.
Shop: For bespoke perfumes, don’t miss niche label Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle at 37 Rue de Grenelle in Saint Germain des Prés. Concept store Colette, at 213 Rue Saint-Honoré, boasts on-trend fashion and accessories. Splurge at luxe emporium Merci, 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, which sells covetable clothing and homewares.
Snack: Beloved for its pastel-pretty, melt-in-the-mouth macarons, the original outpost of Ladurée chocolatier and tea shop is at 16 Rue Royale.
See: Pop into the Musée des Arts décoratifs, at 107 Rue de Rivoli near the Tuileries Garden, home to historic and modern design, fashion and graphic arts.
Stroll: Wander the atmospheric old Marais quarter for beguiling galleries, boutiques and cafés, including gorgeous tea salon Mariage Frères, at 30 Rue du Bourg-Tibourg, and Rue Vieille du Temple for bars. Then cross over the Seine at Ile Saint-Louis and sashay to Saint Germain for drinks.
Spa: The all-white, Starck-designed spa at Le Royal Monceau hotel is the city’s biggest, and has a hammam, laconium room and sauna. ‘Beauty coaches’ blend Clarins products for your skin on the spot. Retox afterwards with cocktails at Le Bar Long. A Raffles outpost in Paris, this is also a swank spot to impress clients.
Savour: Postmodern Restaurant Georges serves international cuisine atop Richard Rogers’ Centre Pompidou contemporary arts centre (open daily except Tuesdays). Aim for sunset to watch the Eiffel Tower light up. Hotel Costes, at 239 Rue Saint-Honoré, is another surefire bet for seductive wining and dining.
Sip: La Grande Dame bar at hip Hotel Sezz is the first Veuve Clicquot champagne bar in Paris.
To book any of Mr & Mrs Smith’s stylish boutique hotels visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team on 1300 896 627. Smith guests enjoy exclusive extras at all stays.