For those who
want a most
spectacular stay
on the right,
perhaps Hôtel de
Crillon
is the place.
This palace
hotel in Paris
overlooks Place
de la Concorde.
This is truly
the gem of Paris
and the right
bank.
Commissioned in
1758 by Louis
XV, the palace
has an
impressive
history and will
celebrate its
centennial as a
hotel in 2009.
The hotel itself
is a splendid
reminder of
historical
elegance and of
what French
service and
hospitality are
all about. Upon
entering you
will be greeted
by an attentive
staff, beautiful
marble floors
and exquisite
Baccarat crystal
chandeliers,
topped only by
the beautiful
architecture
throughout the
hotel. If you
want to add to
your experience
at the Hôtel de
Crillon, you can
also indulge
your senses at
Les Ambassadeurs
restaurant for a
real culinary
experience
brought to life
by chef
Jean-François
Piège in an
elegant dining
room that you
are sure to take
pleasure in.
For those tempted to stay on the Left Bank, the Hôtel Pont Royal is an exclusive boutique hotel nestled in the charming Saint-Germain-des-Près neighborhood and known since the 1940’s as the literary hotel of Paris. Many great writers have called this hotel their home away from home. Mahogoney, silk and stone give the hotel a rich warm comfortable feeling. The friendly staff handles all your needs with such a personalized touch that it is easy to feel at home here. The restaurant in the hotel, L’Atelier, is overseen by three-star Michelin rated chef Joél Robuchon who produces phenomenal food and serves it in its unique red and black lacquered restaurant.
Shopping also has a distinct flavor divided by the banks of the Seine. Many of the big designers have stores on both banks, but each store tends to have its own feel. The shopping on the right is all about the designers, haute couture, and simply oozes with fashion. A stroll down the top fashion streets of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré or Avenue Montaigne will give you a new appreciation for fashion. Dressing to the nines is a plus to command the best service in the luxury boutiques, but even if you are just window shopping you can still enjoy the people and the fashions.
The
left bank has
its share of
designer shops
too, but it also
has lots of
antique, home
furnishing, and
art shops. The
Saint-Germain-des-Près
area has a great
network of
streets to
stroll and
shop. Even with
the declining
dollar you still
might find a
treasure tucked
away. There are
still bargains
to be had here
if you search or
you know where
to look. If you
prefer the
larger shops,
the oldest
department store
in Paris, the
Bon Marché is a
favorite on this
bank. It has a
nice selection
of merchandise,
a gourmet shop,
and best of all
it is not as
crowded as its
competition on
the right bank.
Keep in mind that in order to really experience Paris you should spend some time on each bank. Both are equally charming and interesting, but in the end you will probably develop a strong connection with one or the other. Ah Paris, c’est la vie!
