Paris Le Meurice

Home , Maison de Victor Hugo, Place des Vosges

PARIS LE MEURICE Two 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 two-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. Day One 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.

Day two Begin the day with a 20-minute drive to Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil.

JARDIN DES SERRES D’AUTEUIL T: 01 40 72 16 16 | 3 Avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil, 75016 Paris Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil may not be the largest botanical garden in Paris, but it’s certainly one of the most intriguing. The historic garden, which dates back to 1761, features a huge traditional French-style parterre and several greenhouses in which rare plants, flowers, and trees are lovingly cultivated. It’s a highlight for green-fingered visitors, and a beautiful spot for a morning walk. Next, take a 30-minute drive to Café A.

CAFÉ A T: 09 81 29 83 38 | Maison de l’Architecture, 148 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, 75010 A green oasis in the heart of Paris, Café A is a hidden al fresco haven. Occupying a grand 17th century former convent (now an architecture museum), the café’s real selling point is its show- stopping secret courtyard. Sprinkled with pebbles and laden with deckchairs, tables and lush greenery, it’s the perfect spot to relax with one of Cafe A’s excellent biodynamic wines. The next destination can be reached in 20 minutes by taxi.

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) CATACOMBES DE PARIS T: 01 43 22 47 63 | 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris Deep under Paris lies a maze of underground tunnels. Originally built to store bones from overflowing cemeteries, the Catacombes de Paris was later used by the Resistance during WWII. A two-kilometre series of subterranean passages awaits thrill-seeking visitors, just be warned – many real skulls and bones remain below. Then, make your way to Boutique yam‘Tcha, located 20-minutes away by car.

BOUTIQUE YAM‘TCHA T: 01 40 26 06 06 | 4 Rue Sauval, 75001 Paris Despite its name, Boutique yam‘Tcha is a teahouse, not a clothing store. It’s the younger, lesser- known offshoot of Asian fusion restaurant yam’Tcha and serves myriad blends of Chinese and Taiwanese teas alongside a small menu of Asian dishes. Don’t leave without sampling at least one of Chef Adeline Grattard’s signature steamed bao buns. The final location is a 20-minute drive away.

MOONSHINER T: 09 50 73 12 99 | 5 Rue Sedaine, 75011 Paris Moonshiner is one of the most traditional speakeasies in the city. With no sign to guide guests to its door, they’re instead given a challenge: to go to a pizzeria called Da Vito and pass through what looks like a drinks cooler at the back. Inside the ‘fridge’ awaits a 1920’s-style cocktail bar serving Prohibition-themed drinks to a jazz soundtrack. An interesting a place to toast an unusual day out in Paris. To return to the hotel, take a 15-minute taxi ride back to Le Meurice.

All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.