Roses garden in the Parc de Bagatelle in Paris

Live like a local

Our ‘little black book’ of places to visit in Paris

July 20, 2022

Go beyond the obvious attractions of Paris with insider tips from Jean Mora, concierge at Le Meurice and Marine Leroux, concierge at Hôtel Plaza Athénée. The duo reveal their favourite spots in the city, from impressive art galleries to elegant gardens.

Courtesy of Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Collection Pinault – Bourse de Commerce

Beneath the rotunda of the Bourse de Commerce lies the impressive contemporary art collection of French billionaire François Pinault. Once a grain exchange, the 18th century building is gloriously filled with light. One of the highlights is ‘Ici Plage, Comme Ici Bas’ by Martial Raysse, a large panel in vivid sienna hues depicting a utopian landscape with a crowd of sunbathers and carnival-goers. You can see the Montagne Sainte-Victoire in the background. The best time to visit is on a weekend morning, when it opens at 11am, and Paris is still sleepy.

Collection Pinault, 2 rue de Viarmes, 75001

Ze Kitchen Galerie

Ze Kitchen Galerie is a loft-like atelier space with an open kitchen, serving fusion cuisine inspired by south-east flavours. It’s a workshop, restaurant and gallery, and the food is inventive — a perfect combination of refined French cuisine and Asian flavours with a modern twist. William Ledeuil, who was named ‘Best Chef of the Year’ in 2009 by the Gault & Millau Guide, uses galanga, ka, curcuma and condiments from around the world to reinvent French classics. There are works by contemporary artists such as Daniel Humair and Tony Soulié lining the walls and it feels as if you’re dining in a contemporary art gallery. Booking in advance to secure a table is recommended.

Ze Kitchen Galerie, 4 rue des Grands Augustins, 75006

The Parc de Bagatelle

The rose garden of Parc de Bagatelle, located in the Bois de Boulogne, is a delight to behold. There are 10,000 rose bushes from 1,200 different species and a prestigious international competition for new roses is held here in June every year. One of the park’s hidden gems is its 19th century Chinese pagoda, surrounded by shimmering peacocks. The park, with its chateau, was laid out in around 1775 after Queen Marie-Antoinette made a wager with her brother-in-law, the Comte d’Artois, and is filled with giant trees and plants as well as artificial waterfalls, boating lakes and picturesque bridges.

Parc de Bagatelle, Bois de Boulogne, 75016

I love delighting guests by helping them discover hidden gems and arranging memorable tailor-made experiences.

Marine Leroux

Head Concierge at Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Caves Legrand

Caves Legrand is an 18th century French delicatessen and a paradise for wine lovers, located in the heart of the magnificent Galerie Vivienne in the 2nd arrondissement. The cellar, the grocery store and the tasting corner exude elegance. Caves Legrand has been run by the same family for over 200 years, and it’s here that you can enjoy top-quality wines, such as classics from Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley and indulge in a delicious cheese board while chatting away with the sommelier at the counter. So Parisian! The best time to visit is around 6pm.

Caves Legrand, 1 rue de la Banque, 75002

Musée Guimet

The Musée Guimet holds the largest collection of Asian art outside of Asia, and you’ll find everything from Buddhas of Afghanistan to Indian fabrics, Samurai armour and Chinese fine art. It’s rarely crowded, so wandering around here is like going on a meditative journey to the heart of Asia. It’s located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, and was set up thanks to an industrialist from Lyon called Émile Guimet (1836-1918), who travelled to Japan, China and India and created this intriguing collection.

Musée Guimet, 6 place d’Iéna, 75116

Palais Royal Neighborhood

A hidden oasis opposite the Louvre Museum, the historic Palais Royal with its beautiful gardens and elegant arcades makes for a quintessentially Parisian stroll. Created in 1633 by Cardinal Richelieu to house royal families before the Palace of Versailles was built, walking around the charming neighbourhood is like going on a treasure hunt. Explore designer shops, 400-year-old arcades, cafés, art galleries and eclectic stores. If you really want to be a chic local, stop at the quaint Cafe Kitsuné, not far from the famous art installation Colonnes de Buren, and order a matcha latte.

Palais Royal Neighborhood, 75001

There’s so much to discover on the doorsteps of our hotels. Paris’s hidden gems, at must-see museums and most enchanting neighbourhoods, including at Montmartre and at St-Germain-des-Prés, are all within easy walking distance of at Le Meurice or at Hôtel Plaza Athénée.

Paris

Le Meurice

The original palace hotel in the heart of historic Paris, Le Meurice with its splendid newly-restored rooms and suites is the very epitome of quiet elegance and is alive with the artist's soul of wit and magic.

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Eiffel tower view from Hotel Plaza Athenee