RESTAURANTS
Man Ray
Owned by actors Johnny Depp, Sean Penn and John Malkovich, this bar-restaurant is just minutes from the Champs d’Élysées. After enjoying its lavish décor and trendy cuisine, you can chill out on comfortable floor cushions around the equally extravagant bar on the mezzanine level. Try the sushi, seafood or grilled meat.
Average Price: US$55
Dress Code: Business casual
Location: 34, Rue Marbeuf
Telephone: 33-1-5688-3636
Hours: Monday to Thursday from noon to 2 a.m.; Friday from noon to 5 a.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Spoon, Food and Wine
Star chef Alain Ducasse’s bistro features a playful Asian- and American-inspired menu. For a quick hit, opt for the 40-minute ‘Speedy Spoon’ menu: Africa on Monday, Europa on Tuesday, etc. Paris isn’t well-known for its vegetarian-friendly restaurants, but this menu features many veggie, pasta and grain dishes. Definitely call for reservations when you arrive in Paris.
Average Price: US$28 to US$58
Dress Code: Business casual
Location: 14, Rue de Marignan
Telephone: 33-1-4076-3444
Hours: Open weekdays, but closed for four weeks in July and August
Le Georges
On the sixth floor of the Pompidou Centre, crowds flock to this restaurant for its fantastic views of the city. The menu features both French and international cuisine.
Average Price: US$60
Dress Code: Business casual
Location: Centre Georges Pompidou,
19, Rue Beaubourg
Telephone: 33-1-4478-4799
Hours: Open every day but Tuesday
BARS
Barfly
Homesick for North America? Described as a union between American and Parisian cultures, Barfly’s extensive drink list and décor may take you back to a bar on the Upper East Side, but the young crowd is definitely Parisian.
Dress Code: Smart casual
Location: 49-51, Avenue George V, 8th Mº
George V
Hours: Open daily from noon to 1 a.m.
Buddha Bar
In keeping with its name, this nightclub features a huge statue of Buddah in the entranceway to its luxe interior. A lot of top-name DJs have graced the decks at this club, but if dancing’s not your thing, book a table for some Japanese-inspired snacks.
Dress Code: Casual
Location: 8, Rue Boissy d’Anglais
Hours: Open daily from noon to 1 a.m.
The Ritz
The cocktails served at the three Ritz Paris bars have inspired a drink recipe book. Here’s a chance to try out these legendary beverages while lounging in utter opulence.
Dress Code: Casual to smart business
Location: 15, Place Vendome
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to
midnight
HOTELS
Hôtel le Régent Montmartre
Address: 37, Boulevard Rochechouart
Telephone: 33-1-4878-2400
Website: www.leregent.com
E-mail: bonjour@leregent.com
Hôtel Costes
Address: 239, Rue St-Honoré,
1st Arrondissement
Telephone: 33-1-4244-5000
Four Seasons George V
Address: 31, Avenue George V
Telephone: 33-1-4952-7000
Website: www.fourseasons.com/paris
FREE-TIME ACTIVITIES
Musée d’Orsay
See the works of great masters like Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Degas.
Location: 62, Rue de Lille (33-1-4049-4814)
Hours: Open everyday except Monday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (US$10 admission)
www.musee-orsay.fr
Versailles
A weekend is recommended to fully explore the remarkable restoration of the residence of His Majesty King Louis XIV.
www.chateauversailles.fr
Montmartre
This famous village was home to painters such as Picasso and Renoir, as well as infamous cabarets like the Moulin Rouge.
www.montmartrenet.com/anglais