Review & Photos by the Cobrasnake

As I walked into the lobby, one thought kept repeating in my head, “please don’t recognize me, please don’t recognize me, please don’t recognize me”. I just wanted to check into my room and keep a low profile. A few steps from the door and I can tell the concierge reads my blog and wants to get at me. I play it cool and try to vibe him off for the check-in. I’m jet-lagged, feeling dingy and really need a drink. Once I deal with that I’ll be happy to come down and bless the little people.  Walking up to my room I know it’s just a matter of time before the bell boy asks where the party’s at. I slip into headphones and shades to block out the world. I couldn’t help but notice how the hotel was almost elegant enough to be too good for me.

In my room, at last, sanctuary. I make a drink, kick off my shoes and prop up my Ipad. I’ve been downloading a bunch of old episodes of the 80’s sitcom “Perfect Strangers” from file-sharing groups. If you haven’t watched that show lately, check it out. You might not appreciate it as much if you’re not jet-setting around the globe as much as I do. I was a little annoyed by how few mirrors there are in this room. I just want to see myself lounging in here. I called the front desk to see if they can send more mirrors.

It’s amazing what a few hours rest can do. I’m off to take some snaps of the City of Lights’ most exclusive events. When you’re a photographer, people look at you like a god. You can see the hope in their eyes that I will stop and take a moment to immortalize them. Truth be told, the camera has a mind of its own.

13 rue de saint Sulpice
75006 Paris
Tél: 00 33 1 43 25 70 11

Rachel Sloat

La vie est un cabaret!  Walking a few blocks away from the Champs Elysees in Paris, I curiously stepped into Le Crazy Horse Cabaret. I was immediately drawn in by the sensuous deep red color and texture of the theatre. Every square inch seems to be draped in velvet, accented by walls covered in expansive mirrors adding depth and intimacy. There is a tangible buzz in the air and one can only imagine the action building up behind the scenes. Dozens of beautiful dancers in a flurry of preparations, are quickly applying blood red lipstick and black square-cut bobs. I sit with Tsarine champagne in hand, and my excitement is palpable. The lights dim as Le Crazy Horse cabaret prepares to reveal its new show ‘Desirs.’

The legendary dancers kick, spin, and undulate in perfect rhythm to the seductive choreography. Every act seamlessly flows into the next, revealing each dancers strength and personality. A unique spectrum of themes are explored from Buckingham palace ‘guardsmen’ to a cheeky Broadway inspired vixen. Emotions and styles are presented with bondage aerial arts and shadow dancing silhouettes. I was especially enthralled by a dance that used the reflection of mirrors to create a kaleidoscope of suggestive, beautiful bodies in syncopation. Alive with sexuality, shimmering with color, the dancers are suspended in an amazing dreamworld. The layers of lighting create an entrancing display of the female form. As Le Crazy dancer Fast Whizy puts it,“I feel like a diamond on stage.”

The French are famous for their cabaret shows, going back as early as 1789. Le Crazy Horse first opened its doors in 1951 by the creative vision of Alain Bernardin. The original shows featured racy American inspired burlesque numbers and variety acts. While the new show seems to have strayed from its original ‘strip-tease’ and vaudeville influences, the show strictly adheres to the original aesthetic with all semi-nude dancers being of the same height and physique. Le Crazy horse has hosted multiple special guest performances from the lovely American burlesque sensation Dita Von Teese, and voluptuous pop star Carmen Electra. An alluring Parisian show that won’t disappoint passionate appreciators of women, dance, and the arts.

Le Crazy Horse
Tel: +33 1 47 23 32 32
12 Avenue George V
Paris, France 75008
www.lecrazyhorseparis.com

Drop into the patisserie that looks like a high end jewelry shop in the lovely St. Germain area of Paris. Instead of picking out sapphire rings or ruby necklaces to wear you can buy some colorful macarons to eat! Skip a dazzling pearl necklace for a luscious chocolate ball. All of the pastries here look more like beautiful works of art than edible goodies. The selection is so beautiful that you will almost feel guilty for eating the ‘artwork’. The shop is more of a “to-go” place with only a few sit-down tables, so pick out everything you want and take it to your home or hotel. Founded by the affable Hughes Pouget who worked as a top pastry chef under Guy Savoy, Mr. Pouget has a serious passion for pastries, this is evident just by taking a look at the Hugo & Victor space.  We took a few moments to chat with him.

Q: Did your time at Guy Savoy influence Victor & Hugo?
A: Of course! The years I spent at Guy Savoy taught me a lot, not only in the development of my personal creativity but also professionally, as manager of a team, the rigor and the quest for perfection.

Q: Why did you decide to open your own patisserie?
A: To have the freedom to research and create!

Q: How is Victor & Hugo unique from other patisseries in Paris?
A: Hugo & Victor is a new concept of patisserie. The product is the heart of the concept. There are columns of flavors that unfold themselves vertically, some which are permanent, like chocolate, caramel and vanilla and the others according to the season. There are innovating creations called the “Hugo” and classical ones called the “Victor”. Each flavor has also a wine that matches perfectly.

Q:  What are the future plans for expanding Victor & Hugo? Possibly going to London? NYC?
A: There is a desire to expand. London and NYC are definitely on the list!

Q:  What are some of your personal favorite pastries?
A: I love fruit tarts, especially thin crust apple tart.

Q:  Do you consider creating pastries an art form?
A: Yes. When creating a pastry you think about the flavor combinations, color, texture, volume; there is a feeling, an emotion and a creation.

Q:  If the city of Paris could be represented by one pastry, which pastry would it be?
A: Probably “l’Opera”; because of it’s “french” flavor, geometric form and it’s name.

Hugo & Victor
40 Boulevard Raspail
Paris, France 75007
www.hugovictor.com

Tucked down a small side street that was originally part of the Luxembourg gardens, you’ll find the boutique Hotel Villa Madame.  All 28 of its rooms were recently revamped by the talents of French interior designer Michel Jouannet. The aesthetic is calming and tranquil with a feminine artistic edge.  During the nicer months one can enjoy spending time in the hotel’s gorgeous garden terrace, a truly peaceful place.   A few of the rooms even open to their own private terrace alive with foliage and a place for lounging. The rooms share a color palette of soft grays, deep mauves, reds, and browns. There is a tasteful arrangement of designer furniture and colorful jazz age french fashion drawings fixed on the walls.  I found the bed to be incredibly comfortable with soft linens and a back-friendly memory foam mattress. The bathroom is constructed of gray and black marble and comes fully stocked with Hermes bath amenities.  One of the perks of staying at this lovely hotel is the free bottled water and Wi-Fi. This is a very special hidden gem that exudes elegance without all the pretense.

Villa Madame
44 rue Madame
75006 Paris, France
www.hotelvillamadameparis.com

Rachel Sloat

The St-Germain des Pres quarter of Paris oozes in soulful flavor. Once the center of the existentialist movement of the 19th and 20th centuries, one can still find intellectuals sharing philosophies in the many cafe terraces. Artists, writers, musicians and the like lend to its charming bohemian vibe. There is also enough shopping and nightlife temptation to keep one entertained for days on end.

Location alone can often be the deciding factor when choosing a place to stay while traveling. However, when the opportunity arises to not only stay in a great part of town, but to also stay in an amazing three bedroom apartment, it doesn’t get much better. I had the privilege of spending a few nights in one of “Well Done’s” luxury rentals in the heart of the St-Germain area, and I left pondering the idea of never leaving.

I was greeted at this immense 1,313 sq ft apartment by Yann, an extremely polite, bilingual concierge who gave me a thorough tour, and showed me all the ins and outs of the amenities around the apartment. The entrance way leads you into a bright, airy living and dining room designed in shades of yellow, green, and purple. There are three bedrooms all in their own character with nice fluffy beds, closets, and Haussmannian style windows to gaze through. The two designer bathrooms have showers stocked with fragrant L’Occitane products, and the master bath has a full tub with marble detail. The modern kitchen is equipped with everything one would expect, including an espresso machine. There’s even an office supplied with a laptop, wifi, and a printer/fax machine.

A variety of additional services can be arranged seven days a week. During my stay I sampled the chauffeur service. I must say there is something so comforting about being whisked off at the airport after a long flight and taken to my new temporary home. Well Done! takes great pride in covering all bases regarding the comforts and needs of their guests, and it certainly shows.

For More Information Please Visit:

Well Done Apartments:
www.welldone.fr

Elite Destination Homes:
www.elitedestinationhomes.com

With multiple locations all over Paris, Mariage Freres (the Mariage Brothers in English) has a storied history in the tea industry. In 1660, the Compagnie des Indes and Louis XIV appointed Nicolas Mariage, a specialist in and traveler to the Persian countries, to convince the Shah of Persia into commerce with France and their products. At the same time, his brother Pierre Mariage, was sent as a special envoy to Madagascar for this same purpose. More than a century later, one of Pierre’s descendants, Jean-François Mariage became head of a colonial commercial company of tea, spices and food products based in Lille. In 1820, Jean-François’s three sons, Aimé, Charles, Auguste and Louis, established a family firm, Mariage Freres. In 1845, Aimé and Auguste opened in Paris, another firm, now called Auguste Mariage et Compagnie, on rue du Bourg-Tibourg. On June 1, 1854, Aimé’s sons, Henri and Édouard, started the first importer of French tea in the same building. In the following years, Mariage Frères became well known as the most important purveyor of tea and its products for tea houses, hotels and for the Parisian high society during the Second Empire.

We stopped into Mariage Freres for an afternoon tea and lunch. It’s highly recommended that you try the Snob Salad paired with for lunch but there are so many different varieties of tea to choose from that you should probably come back multiple times to try as many as possible (if you’re a tea lover). Each cafe has a little boutique with tea cups, pots and more for sale. Don’t leave without purchasing something (anyone for a bottle of TEA PERFUME?!) cute to take home and enjoy your tea with.

FIVE STEPS TO PERFECT TEA:

For black teas, matured teas, blue teas, and flavored teas

1. Un
Pre-heat the teapot, after inserting the tea strainer or filter, * by rinsing it with boiling water.

2. Deux
Place a teaspoon of tea (roughly 2.5 g) per cup in the warm strainer* and let it stand for a few moments, allowing the steam to begin developing the leaves’ aroma.

3. Trois
Pour simmering water on the tea so that all the leaves are covered.

4. Quatre
Let the tea steep (refer to chart)
About 2 minutes for fannings
About 3 minutes for broken leaf teas
About 5 minutes for whole leaf teas
Barely 3 minutes do the first flush Darjeeling (slightly increasing the amount of tea to 3.5 g per cup)
7 minutes for blue teas

5. Cinq
It is then essential to remove the strainer or filter*containing the leaves. the tea must then be stired (another important step) and finally poured. Teas from great gardens should not be drunk too hot; let them stand a few moments after steeping, so that the palate can better appreciate the most subtle of fragrances.

White and green teas :

1. Un
Pre-heat the pot or chung (cup with cover) as above.

2. Deux
Place the appropriate amount of tea per person or cup (refer to chart). Let the tea leaves stand for a few moments to allow the steam to begin developing the aroma.

3. Trois
Place the appropriate amount of tea per person or cup (refer to chart).

4. Quatre
Let the tea steep (refer to chart) :
For green tea, 1 to 3 minutes
For the white tea Yin Zhen, 15 minutes
For the white teas Pain Mu Tan, 7 minutes

5. Cinq
Remove the tea leaves, stir and serve.

* Use a cotton tea taster filter if no strainer come with the teapot.

www.mariagefreres.com

Rachel Sloat

The 17th Arrondissement in Paris is an ideal place to stay for someone wanting to blend in with the local Parisians. With very few tourists in site everything feels so peaceful and quiet. The neighborhood has plenty of surprises around every corner enticing you to turn down one of its many mazes of small streets to discover some of its great restaurants and shops. My stay with “Bed&Style,” a Paris based luxury rental company, was an experience I found to be both calming and inspiring.

Entering the Josephine apartment made me feel like I just pulled a giant satin ribbon and stepped into a candy box. Decorated in shades of dusty pink and chocolate brown, the space definitely speaks to my more feminine side. The apartment was designed by Stella Cadente (Italian for “shooting star”), an accomplished fashion designer with a passion for romance, and frills. Details such as antiqued mirrors and coque feather lined curtains add to a boudoir chic ambiance. The space opens up to a quaint Parisian kitchen and adjacent bathroom with a massaging jet shower. The living room is classic and modern with a sleeper sofa and fiber optic decorative lighting. I found the bed to be nice and soft, which provided me with complete restful nights.

Josephine apartment rates start at 190 euros per night.

www.bedandstyle.com

So you’re traveling to Paris. You’re very excited but you’re not looking forward to the longish trek from Charles De Gaulle into central Paris. You can take a cab, which will cost you around 100 Euros or more. On the flip side if you want to save money you can take the Metro but do you really want to sit on a subway for an additional hour after a long flight into Paris? No. Luckily, the US based company Super Shuttle is now offering service in Paris. For only 20 euros (around $29 USD) for each person. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to a hotel or a residence, the price is always the same. You can sit in a comfortable, air conditioned van and get to your destination in a timely manner and use the money that you would have spent towards transportation on better things -like shopping. Yes, SuperShuttle does make multiple stops depending on how many people are in your van however I look at this as a big plus because it’s a great way to see some sights on your way into central Paris while also getting your location bearings in gear. The benefits and convenience of using SuperShuttle are numerous.

Reservations must be made 24 hours prior to travel, but now making those reservations from the US can be made through the SuperShuttle website at www.supershuttle.com or by calling the 1-800-Blue Van (258-3826).

SuperShuttle is offering a 15 percent discount when you book online using the discount code PARIS.

When traveling to Paris people have a variety of different expectations.  From the dramatic, lavish, and often ‘grotesque’ feel of its landmarks, to the flirtation with romance, poetry and the arts, this is the city of enchantment. When I stepped into the Opera Garnier apartment I felt a wave of that incredible Parisian mystique. The apartment was filled with the sent of flowers coming from the fresh roses, lilacs, and orchids in vases scattered around the apartment. We were greeted by our two wonderful hosts, John and Regis,who are the owners of the company, “Special Apartments”, which specializes in providing luxury rentals throughout Paris.

The spacious two-bedroom early 19th century apartment is located between L’Opera Garnier and the beautiful Palais Royal Gardens. Decorated in a modern interpretation of the directoire consulate style, that adheres to the same period of the building itself, the design aesthetic is thoroughly impressive. The space dazzles with gorgeous crystal chandeliers and original artwork. Every detail from the oak parquet floors to the intricate ceiling moldings has been thoughtfully embellished. The bedrooms are fitted with comfortable beds, luxurious fixtures, and classic French furnishings with a modern twist. There are two marble bathrooms each with a shower and plenty of steaming hot water, something I truly appreciate in a historic property such as this.

Its also worth noting that the space is fully equipped for all of our modern needs. The kitchen is ready for the preparation of a feast with a modern stove, fridge and all of the necessary utensils. It has a dishwasher plus a washer and dryer. The front living space has a Bose sound system and flat screen television with a small library worth checking out.

Special Apartments also offer extra services if you so desire. For example, if you need reservations for a show, or want to take a specific tour, just give them a call. Need a transfer by taxi or chauffeur? Consider it done. When I had the opportunity to chat with the concierge, I found them to be very hip to whats new and exciting in Paris and full of valuable information for us thirsty for new experiences.

www.specialapartments.com

Located in a perfectly central location, the Hotel Fontaines du Luxembourg is a true hidden Gem that you do not want to miss when staying in Paris. Walking distance from the trendy Latin Quarter, chic St Germain des Pres and across the street from the Gardens of Luxembourg, this boutique Hotel offers a calm and tranquil stay with room’s so cosy you might not want to leave.

Fully renovated in September 2009 the hotel boast’s a colourful yet elegant vibe that relaxes you from the moment you enter. Although modern, there is still a presence of history that consumes you in this ancient building.

I had the pleasure of staying in a Junior Suite, which was a large and spacious area with a beautiful modern bathroom. The room was decorated in soft and peaceful colors and clearly modelled with a Baroque inspired theme. The layout was perfect and included a giant comfy bed fit for King Louis XIV himself. Also in the room was a massive closet space, desk area, flat screen TV and an armchair/coffee table set up that allows for guests to relax and even entertain a guest or two if needs be.

In the morning I nipped down to their vaulted underground dining room for the complimentary breakfast. This room has a beauty and elegance of it’s own that makes you feel like you are dining in a piece of history. On offer was an assortment of delicious pastries, breads, croissants, yogurt and the standard juice and tea/coffee. What a great way to start your day in Paris.

Calm and comfy rooms, choice location and paired with a staff that was undoubtedly professional, warm and friendly (one staff member even lent me his own personal umbrella, cheers fella) makes this Boutique an absolute perfect choice for your stay in Paris.

4 rue de Vaugirard
75006 Paris, France
01 43 25 35 90

How did your mother, Annick Goutal influence your love for Perfume?
She did not really influence me as she wanted me to do what I wanted. It was really important for her to be passionate by the job you are doing so she wanted me to find my real passion and it was photography. I started as a photographer and when my mother was really ill she asked me if I can continue her work with her assistant and friend Isabelle Doyen. I did not have the chance to work with my mother but I had my own teacher at home Isabelle. She is teacher at ISIPCA our nose school in Paris. It was quite easy and normal for me to become a perfumer as I always saw my mother working her notes and as it is another way than photography to express your feeling.

What are your most memorable childhood olfactive memories:
My grand father house scent and also all the walk I did with my mother when she crumbled leaves in her hand and try to educate my nose….

What are some of your favorite notes?
The white flowers…I am a real fan of those very fragile flower that have a so strong sensual scent. I have created a perfume for me called Songes and it is really the kind of scent I treasure. It was in memory of my honeymoon in Mauritius. When you are walking at nightfall on the beach there a very strong scent is surrounding you and it is frangipani flower so when I came back to Paris I wanted to capture my feeling on that beach and this particular flower in a perfume. I took me 5 years to create it and each time I spray it on me I travel on an island!

What’s is the fragrance that you’re currently working on?
We are working on our vision of an Italian romantic garden called Ninfa. We imagine it through pictures and word of mouth and we have created a perfume based on that as it was really inspiring. It is a very wild luxurious private garden with so beautiful plants and trees that we were completely travelling out of time. Our perfume is called Ninfeo in homage to the river of that garden.

What is the most enjoyable part of creating a perfume?
Tough question…I like the whole process. I like when smelling completely new ingredients as you imagine new perfume, you are being inspirited and also the step when you found a new mix or a new ingredient to add that match perfectly your idea. It is another step to your final scent….

What are some of your personal favorite classics created by your mom?
My favourite perfume is Ce Soir ou Jamais (Tonight or Never), undoubtedly because I watched my mother working on this perfume for a ten year period, even at the hospital, looking for her ‘perfect rose’. It is the story of a rose she smelt in a garden near an abbey in the South of France, over 15 years ago now. The smell of this rose intoxicated her so much that she obsessed over it and wanted to make a fragrance from it. The result is a delicate breathtaking rose ensemble. It is a magical fragrance, carrying an incredible trail. This was her last creation; probably the most personal, i is therefore very moving for me today to smell it.

What is the story behind Mon Petite Cherie?
This is a fragrance my mother composed for me in 1998. She gave it this name, since it was what she used to call me. It’s always an irresistible fragrance and is one of the best sellers among the Annick Goutal perfume range. It takes you back to childhood with its fruity notes of pear combined with musk rose and freshly cut grass softened with vanilla. When you breathe in this alluring fragrance there’s an irresistible desire to embrace it.

BONUS: If the city of Paris was a human woman, which fragrance in the collection do you think would be her signature fragrance?
Grand Amour as it is a very chic, sensual and feminine perfume. This scent has a very strong temper and could be Paris signature fragrance… Grand Amour is also a declaration of love to my mother’s husband…the man of her life, who offered her a bunch of white flowers, usually lilies every single week so it is very romantic like Paris.

www.annickgoutal.com

For days in advance I was eagerly looking forward to visiting 114 Faubourg. The new restaurant located within the ultra-fabulous Hotel Le Bristol in Paris. The restaurant is known for its traditional French cuisine set within a more casual Brasserie-Rotisserie style atmosphere in contrast to its high gastronomy 3 Michelin starred big sister known as “The Restaurant” in the same hotel. This hot new destination restaurant is so popular that there is currently a one week reservation wait just to get a table. So needless to say the walk down Saint Honoré leading up to the hotel was filled with as much anticipation as the traffic filled streets were filled with pedestrian shoppers. I was joined by my friend Danielle for dinner. She’s a down home American Southern lady by birth, but has as broad and sophisticated a palette as anyone I know and hence the perfect person to join me at 114 Faubourg.

After a short walk through Le Bristol upon entering the restaurant the hostess was enthusiastic and while leading us down to the lower level floor of this two level restaurant, she helped create a feeling that we were going to receive something very special. The giant, colorful Dahlia’s gracing the walls in contrast to the wide open-faced kitchen with chefs making their magic within our site added to the enthusiasm that was flowing in the air. We were greeted by our maitre’de, Pedro for the evening who suggested a glass of champagne to start and we agreed without hesitation. Our much needed glasses of Diebolt-Vallois bubbly arrived. Oh boy did this champagne deliver -the chalky under tones were balanced by a sweetness that made my tonsils sing as it swished down my throat ever so gently. I couldn’t resist an encore of this delightful champagne so I enjoyed a second glass of the Diebolt. I’m normally not one to drink two glasses of champagne in a row but I was feeling spumante and the Diebolt was just marvelous and worthy of acclamation.

Now it was time for us to navigate the menu. We were handed French menus which we stared at for about one minute before Pedro came up and asked if we would like to look at the English menu –we said yes. I expected the menu to be challenging, for everything I order, there’s going to be something else I want. After flipping back and forth through the pages I decided we would first start by ordering a few simple yet ace starters. The Butternut Squash Soup with Delicate Cepe Mushroom Foam and the Hard Boiled Egg with Fresh Mayo and Shredded Crab looked like the best options –simple and uncomplicated yet highly appetizing. The soup was the first thing I tried and it sent me reeling and a wheeling, splishin’ and a splashin’. This was no ordinary butternut squash soup, I literally had to sip very slowly to comprehend all the flavors happening at once. The Hard Boiled Egg had some big shoes to fill, which it did with its tangy and creamy taste of egg and mayo combined with the crab –I was in heaven and I let it be known right then and there. Danielle ordered the Poached Egg and judging from the look on her face, she had no regrets over this decision.

All this and we still had not ordered our main course. Once we cleared the table again we opened our menus, endorphins surging and a few glasses of wine emerging, decisions…still not forthcoming. I must say, our maitre’de was a real pro; he had great suggestions and gave real substantive detail on the dishes. Danielle was also indecisive, but I kept repeating the words, “Spit Roasted Fish” in a hushed whisper until she was hypnotized into ordering the fish, in the aforementioned rotisserie style. The menu at 114 Faubourg offers both seafood and meat including chicken, steak, lamb and more. Since Danielle decided to “surf”, I decided to take a walk on some “turf” and I ordered a Beef Rib.

The entrees arrived and affirmed the feeling that we could do no wrong. My Beef Rib was nearly the circumference of a baseball, set upon parsnip puree, surrounded by wild mushrooms, game sauce that had a taste of a smattering of chocolate. Danielle’s spit roast chicken looked impressive as well, but I could hardly take my eyes off what was in front of me. The chop was cooked to perfection, seared on the outside and just the shade of pink I like to see on the inside. The puree was decadent and dreamy mixed with the compressed pear. In all of this I had lost sight of Danielle who was having a sensory overload of her own. I hadn’t noticed that she had given me a little sample of her fish. This fish was heavenly; it practically melted in my mouth as I heard that faint voice repeating, “Spit Roasted Fish”.

Our maitre’de had informed us well in advance about the desert selection because there are so many good things to choose, and we knew we would need some proper time to decide how to approach the ending an already amazing dinner. At this point a Homemade Rum Baba sounded like a very good idea to be split between Danielle and me. Once it arrives we start dipping in, Danielle and I are both reeling at this point from a parade of amazing flavors.
114 Faubourg raised the bar in terms of staff, atmosphere and of course the out-of-this world amazing food. I highly suggest taking my lead and refrain from over analyzing the menu and just allow your inner chef to guide you. With no advice or guidance on my part, 114 Faubourg proved incapable of being anything less than impressive across the board.

114 Faubourg (Inside the Le Hotel Bristol)
112, Rue Du Faubourg
Saint Honoré; Paris
011-33-1-53-43-43-00.
Métro: Miromesnil

Review and Photos by The Cobrasnake

The Hidden Hotel. What can I say. It’s hidden on a quite street in the 17th Arrondissement of Paris. Its only been open for a few months but it has some character. The concept is that you should feel like you are in a cabin or something. I didn’t really feel that way but I tried to pretend. There are some cool chairs in the lobby made out of dead animals and tree stumps. Also there’s a “library” of books. The hotel smells nice. The girl at the front desk was extremely helpful especially for being in Paris. The internet is free. Breakfast might be free but not really worth waking up for. The room was very clean. Really nice flat screen TV. And comfortable bed. The room has an open layout so you can watch someone taking a shower from the bed. The shower is great and they have soaps and washcloths to use. No q-tips and not much else to offer in the toiletries department so bring your own. The hotel was quiet and peaceful and easy to relax. Doesn’t really feel like you are in Paris which is silly…

3.5 / 5 Cobrasnake Stars

28 Rue de l’Arc de Triomphe
75017 Paris, France
01 40 55 03 57
www.hidden-hotel.com

Liana fondly refers to her atelier as her “little nest.” High ceilings, white walls and parquet flooring the color of honey create a haven where she can escape and tend to her creations undisturbed. Only the sun peaks in through large windows, its rays reflecting off of floor-length mirrors and elegant crystal chandeliers that bathe the atelier in peace, clarity and light.

The spacious, 105m² workspace also doubles as Liana’s showroom where admirers and the curious can gather to view her exclusive table creations. Her extraordinary collection is unlike any other, as novelties like glass baubles, crystal bubbles and entire chandeliers are somehow magically encased in a transparent veil of glass. Once inside Liana’s atelier, the connection between its luminous character and her ingenious table collection is revealed.

Liana’s stunning atelier is only 300m away from the artist’s home. It is a warm, tranquil and inspiring place where she is able to channel her inner peace and deeply connect with her artistic ideas and creativity.

Enjoy tea-time in the classic atmosphere of the winter garden at Hotel Crillon in Paris. Tea-time at the Crillon has become an essential must-visit for anyone who spends a day shopping nearby at the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Making tea-time even more special each month will have its own unique theme. The November tea-time will feature cupcakes, éclairs, sweets and other treats inspired by a Gourmandises Acidulées (Tangy Delights) theme.

The following is the tea-time theme schedule at the Crillon:

November: Gourmandises Acidulées (Tangy Delights)
December: Tout sur le Chocolat! (All about Chocolate!)
January: Vert Amandes (Sweet and Green)
February: Le Blanc dans tous ses états (All Shades of White)

Tea Time at the Crillon : served in the Winter Garden from 3pm to 6pm daily
Price: 32 euros per person for unlimited tea and pastries
For reservations: +33 (0)1 44 71 15 16

Hotel Crillon
10, Place Concorde
75008 Paris, France
+33 1 44 71 15 00
http://crillon.com