EN All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
Paris
Alternative things to do in Paris at Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Synonymous with all things chic, Paris has long been a destination for stylish travellers. For centuries, the French capital and its effortlessly glamorous residents have been setting trends emulated worldwide, so it comes as no surprise that Paris offers plenty of avant-garde, trendy urban attractions. Follow the locals into the city’s hippest places to eat, drink, shop and explore with this two-day itinerary.
Day one
Start your day with a trip to Gentlemen 1919, a 20-minute walk or 10-minute drive away from Le Meurice.
T: +33 (0)1 42 89 42 59 | 11 rue Jean Mermoz, 75008 Paris
Gentlemen 1919
Start the day in style by taking a seat in the 1960s Belmont leather chair and having the expert barbers at Gentlemen 1919 treat you to a shave or cut. You can even prepare for the day ahead with a shoe shine while you’re being pampered. For those enamoured of the elegant masculine energy of this establishment, you can come back in the evening and bypass the barbers for the speakeasy at the back.
Next, take a 20-minute drive to Merci.
T: +33 (0)1 42 77 00 33 | 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
Merci
Spread over three floors, Merci is at one and the same time a concept store, designer furniture boutique, and stylish meeting place, with a curated and covetable collection of homewares, clothes, objets d’art and more. There are also cafes on-site, including Le Used Book Cafe with its 10,000-book-strong library, if you need a caffeine boost during your visit.
From Merci, take a 15-minute walk or 10-minute drive to Chez Julien for lunch.
T: +33 (0)1 42 78 31 64 | 1 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, 75004 Paris
Chez Julien
Chic and intimate, Chez Julien is an elegant bistro in the 4th arrondissement. With Belle Époque decor and finely crafted French cuisine, it’s the ideal spot to stop and refresh after a morning’s exploring, especially if you’re lucky enough to get a spot on the outdoor terrace, looking out over the cobbled street. Expect a delicious array of dishes from velvety celery velouté to beef tartar and golden, crispy fries.
Pop into the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, a 30-minute walk or 15-minute drive from Chez Julien.
T: +33 1 53 79 59 59 | 58 Rue de Richelieu, 75002 Paris
Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Richelieu Library
Paris’ 2nd Arrondissement is packed with beautiful buildings, and the oldest branch of France’s national library, the Richelieu, is a stunning example. Once the royal library of King Louis XIV, the complex showcases some of the best 17th and 18th century architecture in the city. Dip into an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, prints and photographs, or simply tour the sumptuous interiors – the elegant pillared Room Labrouste and spectacular domed Oval Room are must-visits.
The final stop of the day, the Montmartre Vineyard is a 15-minute taxi ride away
Rue des Saules, 75018 Paris
Vignes du Clos Montmartre
Round off your day in Paris with a visit to the city’s oldest vineyard, found in the atmospheric surrounds of Montmartre. A few hundred bottles are produced each year and are not widely available, so take the opportunity to settle in to enjoy a glass. The vines are a tantalising combination of some of the country’s most classic varieties with a few hearty hybrids.
Grab a taxi for the 15-minute drive back to Le Meurice.
Day two
Exit the hotel and take a one-minute walk to Jovoy on Rue de Castiglione.
T: +33 1 40 20 06 19 | 4 Rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris
Jovoy
When it comes to fragrances, it doesn’t get much more Parisian than Jovoy. The petite perfume house, founded by François Hénin, specialises in fine perfumes made from rare and premium ingredients. The store on Rue de Castiglione presents a broad collection of fragrances, including some exclusive bottles only available in this location.
Next, walk for one minute along Rue de Castiglione to reach Causse Gantier.
T: +33 1 49 26 91 43 | 12 Rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris
Causse Gantier
Located in the heart of Paris’ historic artisanal quarter, Causse is one of the city’s finest glovemakers. The manufacturer has been producing premium leather gloves since 1892 and the contemporary store displays a huge collection of stylish accessories for men and women.
It’s a 15-minute walk to your next stop, the Jardin du Palais Royal.
T: +33 (0)1 47 03 92 16 | 6 rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris
Jardin du Palais Royal
Jardin du Palais Royal is at once an elegant garden, shopping hub and leisure destination. It’s easy to spend hours exploring its trio of trendsetting retail arcades – Galerie de Valois, Galerie de Montpensier and Galerie Beaujolais – or relaxing on the grass, gazing at the magnificent Palais Royal.
Once you’re done at the palace, take a 10-minute taxi journey to Shakespeare and Company.
T: +33 1 43 25 40 93 | 7 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris
Shakespeare and Company
Shakespeare and Company is one of the most famous independent bookstores in the world, but there’s more to it than hype. Located in a 17th century building close to Notre Dame, the store is a literary utopia and houses thousands of English language works by the world’s greatest writers, past and present. The shop also has a café and frequently hosts readings instore and on the square outside.
To reach Harry’s New York Bar, the final stop of the day, take a 30-minute walk or a 15-minute taxi ride.
T: +33 (0)1 42 61 71 14 | 5 rue Daunou, 75002 Paris
Harry’s New York Bar
Harry’s New York Bar is a Parisian icon. Said to be the birthplace of the Bloody Mary and certainly the preferred haunt of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and George Gershwin, a night here is sure to be the stuff of legend. The drinks are stiff and well-made, the décor darkly luxurious, and the ambience quietly refined.
From Harry’s, it’s a 10-minute walk back to Le Meurice.
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