Of all the fashion capitals, Paris is the most glamorous, with its roll-call of iconic labels and enduring whiff of exclusivity, not to mention the dizzying array of parties and soirées in-between the runway shows. Should you be in town for Paris Fashion Week or simply looking for a très chic spring break, don’t forget to pack your LUXE guide. Here’s a starter for ten…
Sleep
Coco Chanel famously moved into suite 302 of The Ritz in 1937 and stayed for 34 years. Decades and a major nip/tuck later, there really is no hotel quite like it for fashion status. The vast suite named in Coco’s honour is furnished in her trademark palette of black, white and beige and adorned with personal artefacts including photographs and sketches. During your stay, make time to experience the spa, the only one in the world offering an array of Chanel treatments and products… soon you’ll be following in Coco’s footsteps and becoming a permanent resident.
For something more eclectic and modern, check into diminutive candy-pink striped boutique hotel Hotel Grand Amour. Developed by Thierry Costes, whose uncle runs model, designer and celeb fave Hôtel Costes, it’s one the city’s most fashionable bowers.
Drink
First and last drinks should only ever be consumed at Bar Hemingway. The lighting is dim, the decor seductive and the drinks notoriously strong, though note, bar dancing is to be avoided unless you’re a supermodel. Instead, extend your evening by heading to the courtyard of nearby Hôtel Costes, to shimmy the night away with their resident DJ.
Located in the Marais, Au Fer Du Cheval (30 rue Vieille du Temple) is as famous for its horseshoe bar, as for being one of the oldest watering holes in the city, and this quintessentially French eatery attracts an A-list crowd. Seek out one of the discreet tables at the back for experience à la Francaise.
Eat
Small sharing plates of delicious seafood are the star attraction at Clamato, the much-hyped sister restaurant to Michelin-starred Septime. Like all modern venues, they have a no-res; aim to arrive early or put your name down and nip across the road to their wine bar, Septime La Cave, which is located in a converted shoe repair shop.
Serving a strong vegetable-leaning menu, Clover is tailored for the fashion set. This St Germain 20-seat cubby was opened four years ago by chef extraordinaire Jean-François Piège and his wife Elodie – reservations can still be tricky, but the food, and clientele won’t disappoint.
L’Avenue has long been a magnet for celebrities and wealthy reality TV stars, and its terrace is optimal people-watching real estate. It’s also the perfect pit stop should you require a breather from shopping on Avenue Montaigne.
Planning a spring fling in La Ville Lumière?
