Your essential guide to Paris

SEE

If you’re short on time, stroll to the Musée de L’Orangerie, nestled at the Concorde end of the Jardin des Tuileries for a moment with its mesmerising Nymphéas. A gift to the museum from Claude Monet to mark the arrival of peace in Europe in 1918, the eight vast Impressionist paintings are mounted in bespoke oval rooms.

SHOP

Originally built to honour King Louis IV, today Place Vendôme is home to the most exclusive jewellers and watchmakers in France, from Boucheron to Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels to Chanel. Make a beeline for this square to find a beautiful and refined gift to take home from the city of light.

EAT

Steal yourself away for a luxurious teatime pause at Camélia, Mandarin Oriental, Paris’ light-filled restaurant overlooking an inner courtyard garden planted with more than 100 different tree and shrub varieties. Choose from a luxurious selection of French patisseries, such as the Paris-Brest or a Saint-Honoré – perfection alongside a pot of delicately perfumed tea.

ADMIRE

For an exquisite showcase of French decorative arts, consider the recently opened Hôtel de la Marine. Meticulously restored and transformed into a museum by the country’s most sought-after artisans and technicians, this former Garde-meuble de la couronne once again looks fit for purpose as a home for furnishings belonging to the kings and queens of France. Speak with our concierge for further information.

EXPERIENCE

The Fondation Louis Vuitton, located on the outer edge of the 16th arrondissement is a must-visit for contemporary art lovers today. Designed by Frank Gehry, the space is a fittingly modern stage for thought-provoking exhibitions, events and concerts programmed throughout the year.

ART & CRAFT

Delight in French savoir-faire at exclusive and esoteric arts and décor boutiques dotted around the city. Bring home colourful treasures from La Maison du Pastel in the Marais, suppliers to Degas no less, domino prints from Antoinette Poisson, or ceramics from Astier de Villatte, just a few doors up from Mandarin Oriental, Paris.

DRESS-UP

Opulent surrounds abound in the Palais Garnier. Whether accompanied by Verdi afficionados or Bayadère devotees, an evening at this 19th-century opera house is always on point. For added decadence, book early dinner at the venue’s fashionable restaurant, Coco, run by Paris Society.

DRINK

As the lights dim across the city, unwind at Mandarin Oriental, Paris’ seductively sophisticated Bar 8. Discreetly located on the ground floor, its subtle Lalique decorative touches, expertly crafted cocktails and gourmet small bites menu invite deep relaxation.

EXPLORE

Paris’ breathtaking department stores have been world leaders in retail since their 19th-century inception. At Le Printemps, an entire floor is now dedicated to vintage haute couture. Look no further to acquire ultra-high-end, one-off pieces from the likes of Schiaparelli or Valentino. Or visit the spellbindingly beautiful Art Deco and Art Nouveau La Samaritaine, Europe’s newest and biggest beauty floor, with the assistance of its concierge service.

BEHOLD

The Palace of Versailles is undoubtedly one of the most sublime landmarks in France, yet Le Petit Trianon estate on the grounds is an oft-overlooked wonder. Originally commissioned by Louis XV, then adored, adorned and cherished by the succeeding king’s wife, Marie Antoinette, it is considered a blueprint for Neoclassical architecture.

TASTE

A reputation for serving the most beautiful fresh French fish has earned Le Duc restaurant a discerning group of loyal followers. Presenting seafood dishes with verve and aplomb amid classic mid-century surrounds, this address is little changed since it opened in 1967 when it first wowed Parisians with its nouvelle vague delicacies.

RUN

For a city experience to remember, book a bespoke running tour tailored to your abilities and requirements with a Mandarin Oriental, Paris coach. Jog through the Jardins du Luxembourg, sprint past the Sacré-Cœur, or saunter past the Louvre while keeping fit.

An easy walk from the hotel, the Bourse de Commerce is the most exciting museum to have opened in Paris in decades. Located in an 18th-century grain exchange retrofitted by Japanese architect Tadao Ando for French billionaire François Pinault’s contemporary art collection, both the building and its contents are utterly stunning. It’s always crowded, but our concierge desk can get tickets at any time.

- The concierge team at Mandarin Oriental, Paris.