CURRENT POPULATION: 2,168,000
% POP GROWTH: 1.2 %
CITY AREA: 105 KM2

CITY DENSITY: 20,569 INH/KM2
GDP PER CAPITA: €21,960
DIALLING CODE: +33

WITH FRIENDS
TIR AUX PIGEONS
ROUTE DE L’ETOILE, BOIS DE BOULOGNE
TEL. 01 40 67 95 44
This restaurant, in a former shooting club, has one of the prettiest terraces in town. Located on the lakeside in a private park, the classic French menu changes twice a month and includes inventive classics like foie gras crème brûlée.

ENTERTAINING A CLIENT
OTH SOMBATH
184 RUE DU FAUBOURG SAINT HONORÉ
TEL. 01 42 56 55 55
This cutting edge Thai restaurant, designed by Patrick Jouin, may be the best in town. Chef Sombath has come a long way since working in the Blue Elephant. His nouvelle cuisine Thai is spicy, inventive and surprising, with dishes such as foie gras spring rolls and a superb chicken, coconut and galanga soup.

CLOSING THE DEAL
CARRÉ DES FEUILLANTS
14 RUE DE CASTIGLIONE
TEL. 01 42 86 82 82
This prestigious restaurant, which is run by master chef Alain Dutournier, is located in a former 17th-century convent next to the Place Vendôme, and offers a sophisticated south western French menu. The minimalist décor of the dining room offers an interesting contrast with the decadent, luxurious cuisine.

RELAX
CURIO PARLOR
10 PLACE DE MEXICO
TEL. 01 56 90 40 04
Part of Radisson’s new line of boutique hotels, this establishment is in the chic 16th arrondissement and a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower. Decorated in a cutting edge contemporary but opulent style, the hotel features a restaurant with a Taillevent trained chef, and a spa with glass bricked pool, steam room and Anne Semonin treatments.

STYLE
LE MONTANA
28 RUE SAINT BENOÎT
TEL. 01 43 48 38 73
This former jazz bar was redesigned and reopened this year by graffiti artist/club promoter André and has become the hottest ticket in town. The decoration is inspired by taxidermy and the clientele is chic and cliquey.

BESPOKE
HOTEL PARTICULIER
23 AVENUE JUNOT
TEL. 01 53 41 81 40
Montmartre may be arguably the most touristy and tacky of Paris’ historic districts, but it also harbours one of the most peaceful addresses in the city. Located in a private passageway in a late 19th-century townhouse is the Hotel Particulier, the ultimate luxury bed and breakfast. The three suites and two rooms combine the best of luxury and design and are surrounded by a lush garden designed by landscape artist Louis Bénech. Mod cons include high speed Wi-Fi, honesty bar and design library.

VALUE
RADISSON BLU LE METROPOLITAN
10 PLACE DE MEXICO
TEL. 01 56 90 40 04
Part of Radisson’s new line of boutique hotels, this establishment is in the chic 16th arrondissement and a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower. Decorated in a cutting edge contemporary but opulent style, the hotel features a restaurant with a Taillevent trained chef, and a spa with glass bricked pool, steam room and Anne Semonin treatments.

BUSINESS
HOTEL LANCASTER
7 RUE DE BERRI
TEL. 01 40 76 40 76
Built at the turn of the 19th century, this well placed and highly discreet palace seems almost out of place next to the bustling Champs Elysées. The former townhouse has a magnificent collection of 17th-century art, original French furnishings, a dining table supervised by three-star Michelin chef Troisgros, and a relaxing zen garden.

Conceived and run by expat American journalist Zeva Bellel, Paris by Appointment Only (www.parisbao.com) is a bespoke tour company that offers unique opportunities to visit a hand picked selection of Paris’ best artisans, from perfume makers to couturiers.

Les Caves Augé on boulevard Haussmann is the oldest wine shop in Paris, and had Marcel Proust and Josephine Baker as customers (www.cavesauge.com). Today it offers an excellent selection of organic French and international wines as well as expert advice.

Swiss cosmetic company Task Essential (www.taskessential.com) is famous for its oxygenising skin care products. It has opened Task Institut Madeleine, a men-only spa on boulevard de la Madeleine, offering a range of face and body treatments as well as products.

Academie du Billard is the first billiard parlour in Paris (www.academie-billard.com). Located in the red light district on rue de Clichy, it offers 16 tables of French and American billiards, pool and snooker. The décor of stained glass windows and antique lighting reeks old world class.