Paris Le Meurice

PARIS LE MEURICE One day itinerary: Secret Places Paris may be known as the ‘City of Lights’ but underneath its shining surface lies a whole world of secret sights and attractions to explore. Discover another side of the city with this one-day itinerary and join us as we take a tour of the hidden museums, eye-opening outlets and exotic spaces that prove there’s more to the French capital than the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

Start the day with a 20-minute drive or a 30-minute walk to Un Regard Moderne.

UN REGARD MODERNE T: 01 43 29 13 93 | 10 Rue Gît-le-Cœur, 75006 Paris The historic city of Paris has long inspired writers from around the world, while its quaint bookshops continue to stretch the imaginations of literary enthusiasts. One of the greatest bookstores in the city is also one of the smallest. Hidden on a side street near Notre-Dame, Un Regard Moderne is a treasure box of written works showcasing everything from surrealist fiction to historical novels. Next, take a five-minute walk to the Cluny Museum.

THE CLUNY MUSEUM T: 01 53 73 78 00 | 6 Place Paul Painlevé, 75005 Paris In the heart of the Latin Quarter is the Cluny Museum, a surprising space dedicated to medieval art. Visit independently or book a tour with Context Travel to enjoy a guided trip with an expert medievalist or art historian, who will give participants an excellent insight into the medieval period through analysis of the building’s distinctive architecture and the galleries’ prized treasures. To reach the next destination, it’s a 10-minute walk.

SAINT-ÉTIENNE-DU-MONT T: 01 43 54 11 79 | Place Sainte-Geneviève, 75005 Paris While Notre-Dame Cathedral is certainly worth visiting, there are decidedly fewer crowds at Saint- Étienne-du-Mont. The striking gothic church was once an important abbey used by the French royal family. Home to some unique and unusual features, highlights include the original Tower Clovis, the impressive wooden pulpit, and the colourful 16th century stained glass windows. Hail a taxi for a 15-minute drive over the river to Maison de Victor Hugo on Place des Vosges.

The Dorchester, London | 45 Park Lane, London | Coworth Park, Ascot | Le Meurice, Paris | Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan | Hotel Eden, Rome | The Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills | Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles | Dubai (opening 2020) MAISON DE VICTOR HUGO T: 01 42 72 10 16 | 6 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris If you’ve seen Les Misérables at the theatre or cinema, visit the Paris home of the story’s writer, Victor Hugo. The intriguing house museum features restorations of Hugo’s original apartment, where he lived for 16 years, and exhibitions dedicated to his life and literary career, including original manuscripts, handwritten letters, works of art, and much more. Then, continue with a 10-minute drive to Chalet Society.

CHALET SOCIETY Rue de l’Hôpital Saint-Louis 8, 75010 Paris Chalet Society is a project at the heart of the city’s art scene. Housed in an abandoned school on rue de l’Hôpital Saint-Louis, the community space offers a creative platform to artists, collectors and researchers. The building contains several artist studios where resident artists live and work, and an art gallery that displays temporary exhibitions accessible to visitors. To get back to the hotel, it’s a 25-minute taxi ride.

All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.