Renowned Chef, Guy Savoy runs his three-star Michelin restaurant Guy Savoy in a magnificent set of rooms on the first floor of the Monnaie, offering diners superb views of the Louvre, Pont Neuf, the Seine and the Institute. And in 2017 he will add another table to his Monnaie location in one of the newly created pedestrian areas.
Another superb must-see exhibition space is the sublime Fondation Louis Vuitton designed with typical visual flair by architect Frank Gehry. Located next to the Jardin d’Acclimation in the Bois de Boulogne, Gehry’s vision of creating a curved glass sailboat floating in clouds is a triumph. 
The use of colour and light is extraordinary and the gallery spaces inside are light-filled and majestic with cathedral-height ceilings. Quite simply the most exciting and innovative gallery space (there are 11 in total) I have ever seen. Venture out on to the terraces for beautiful views across the Bois, and the nearby gardens. French artist Daniel Buren has covered the glass-panelled sails in vibrant gels in chequerboard formation – truly amazing. Catch the exhibition of Chinese artists – on until 29 August – that include music, cinema and performance art. You’ll see works by Ai Weiwei (Tree), Cao Fei, Huang Yong Ping and Xu Zhen among others.
If wine is more your thing then make your way along to the fascinating wine cellars of Les Caves du Louvres at 52 Rue de l’Arbre Sec in the 1st. Formerly the wine cellars of King Louis XV, this interactive wine experience takes visitors through the world of wine using your five senses. A wonderful introduction to the world of wine with a fantastic shop and the chance to sample some of the cellar’s own varieties.
Created by entrepreneurs Oliver Magny and Nicolas Paradis, the duo behind the successful wine-tasting school and wine bar O-Château have transformed the cellars into an inviting interactive experience for the whole family. On arrival, you’ll be given a Tablet or simply download The French Wine app to help you navigate the different rooms and learn about wine through touch, smell, taste, sound and sight.
And rest assured, there is a wine and Champagne tasting at the end! Have a look around the shop – it sells wine, wine accessories games, books and even Cire Trudon candles. The perfect gifts to take for friends and loved ones.
Talking of wine, two new restaurant discoveries are worth sharing here both have lovely terraces for the summer. Firstly the Michelin-starred Restaurant Les Fables de Fontaine at 131 Rue Saint-Dominique in the 7th. New head chef Julia Sedefjian, 21 and a Nice native is working her considerable magic in the kitchen together with owner David Bottreau.
Try the excellent cod fish aeoli with steamed seasonal vegetables or the divine roasted monkfish with fennel foam horseradish (divine). I opted for the delicious poached pears and vanilla with pear sorbet for dessert. Well prepared and presented with attentive service by waiters who know the menu and the wine list.
If you love all things sea-related, then book a table at the charming Huguette Bistro de La Mer at 81 rue de Seine in Saint Germain. Newly opened, this charming seafood restaurant (does pasta and other foods too) has a lively vibe with great service and beautifully cooked food in a rustic, bistro type atmosphere. I had the lobster – succulent and tender while friends enjoyed the moules frites and le cabillaud à la plancha. The oyster selection is dizzying, but thankfully the welcoming and helpful staff are on hand to advise.
As Hemingway said: “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
There’s never been a better time to visit the French capital
Bon appetit!
Paris – Where and How?
EUROSTAR Travel London to Paris
- Eurostar operates up to 21 daily services from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare Du Nord with one-way fares starting from £29*
- Fastest London-Paris journey time is 2hr 15 minutes.
- Tickets are available from www.eurostar.com or 03448 224 777.
Eurostar Standard Premier
Enjoy a light meal at your seat. Standard Premier fares from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare Du Nord start from £97.50 one-way.
Links to places mentioned in article
- Les Halles Redevelopment Project: www.parisleshalles.fr/00371
- The Paris Mint: www.monnaiedeparis.fr
- Les Caves du Louvres wine experience: www.cavesdulouvre.com
- Fondation Louis Vuitton Art Gallery: www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr
- Les Fables de la Fontaine restaurant: www.lesfablesdefontaine.com
- Renaissance Paris Republique Hotel: www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/parpr-renaissance-paris-republique-hotel/
- Le Bistro de la mer Huguette restaurant: www.huguette-bistro.com
- AccorHotels Bercy Arena: www.accorhotelsarena.com
- Restaurant Champeaux Les Halles: www.restaurant-champeaux.com
- Information on Paris: www.parisinfo.com / www.parisweloveyou.fr/
- Information on France: www.france.fr
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