A Hedonist's guide to… is an exciting new series of guides that explore the finest restaurants, the most stylish hotels and the chicest bars in each of our six cities. Designed to be the quintessential 'little black book' A Hedonist's guide to… has all the best addresses in town. This is the ultimate weekend break guide helping you optimise your weekend away; all the restaurants, hotels, bars, cafés and clubs are photographed so you know what to expect before you go.
A Hedonist's Guide to Paris
Ah, Gay Paris, city of lights, city of love. Capital of fashion, food and, in short, hedonism. An expert on all the above, we sent Nina Vlotides out to Paris for almost three months in 2006 to research and write the 1st Edition of Hg2 Paris. As you will see, she did a fantastic job.
'Strikes, suburbs and surly service - is Paris really all it's cracked up to be?', I hear you ask
Yes, yes and yes again. OK, so there are times when the innate Parisian sense of superiority can get a little wearing but if you weigh that up against the city's unparalleled charms, it's a small price to pay. Paris is the city of the flâneur and its compact size is ideal for roaming. It’s just as important to while away the hours shopping or watching the world go by from a sun-soaked terrace with a café crème or aperitif, as it is to visit the Louvre.
How long do I stay?
Paris can happily fill up a week or two of your time, but a long-weekend gives you plenty of time to enjoy its charms. The siren calls of food, shopping and culture are all equally strong here.
When should I go?
Paris comes into its own in Spring and Autumn. Fresh, crisp, hopefully sunny, days give way to cooler evenings - perfect for strolling down leafy boulevards or settling into a cosy bistro. Summer brings warmer weather and lovely light evenings but sweltering Augusts are best avoided. Most Parisians escape the city, so many restaurants, bars and shops close for the month.
Where should I stay?
Filled with history and style, Paris has some truly fabulous places to stay - from palatial hotels such as the Hôtel Plaza Athénée and the Ritz, to the intimate, hidden treasures of the Left Bank (Duc de Saint-Simon and l'Hotel) and the superb designer boutique hotels of every style and mood. Try Christian Lacroix's lavish interiors at Hotel du Petit Moulin in the Marais, the pure bordello style of Villa Royale in the red-light district of Pigalle or the minimalist Bel Ami in the literary Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Booking couldn't be easier, just click here.
What do I need to take?
* A very large suitcase - it's hard to come back without a Louboutin or two
* Some great outfits. The locals take style very seriously
* A rain mac and flat shoes for daytime strolling
* Hg2 Paris, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
'Strikes, suburbs and surly service - is Paris really all it's cracked up to be?', I hear you ask
Yes, yes and yes again. OK, so there are times when the innate Parisian sense of superiority can get a little wearing but if you weigh that up against the city's unparalleled charms, it's a small price to pay. Paris is the city of the flâneur and its compact size is ideal for roaming. It’s just as important to while away the hours shopping or watching the world go by from a sun-soaked terrace with a café crème or aperitif, as it is to visit the Louvre.
How long do I stay?
Paris can happily fill up a week or two of your time, but a long-weekend gives you plenty of time to enjoy its charms. The siren calls of food, shopping and culture are all equally strong here.
When should I go?
Paris comes into its own in Spring and Autumn. Fresh, crisp, hopefully sunny, days give way to cooler evenings - perfect for strolling down leafy boulevards or settling into a cosy bistro. Summer brings warmer weather and lovely light evenings but sweltering Augusts are best avoided. Most Parisians escape the city, so many restaurants, bars and shops close for the month.
Where should I stay?
Filled with history and style, Paris has some truly fabulous places to stay - from palatial hotels such as the Hôtel Plaza Athénée and the Ritz, to the intimate, hidden treasures of the Left Bank (Duc de Saint-Simon and l'Hotel) and the superb designer boutique hotels of every style and mood. Try Christian Lacroix's lavish interiors at Hotel du Petit Moulin in the Marais, the pure bordello style of Villa Royale in the red-light district of Pigalle or the minimalist Bel Ami in the literary Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Booking couldn't be easier, just click here.
What do I need to take?
* A very large suitcase - it's hard to come back without a Louboutin or two
* Some great outfits. The locals take style very seriously
* A rain mac and flat shoes for daytime strolling
* Hg2 Paris, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
