The arrival of fine weather brings a milder Paris. With the first rays of sunshine, an entire day strolling through the streets becomes a real pleasure. Lingering on a terrace, wandering along the quaysides or benefiting from the City of Light's many parks. By day and by night.
9 a.m.
Gourmet breakfast at Carette
Start your day with one of Paris's loveliest views: the Eiffel Tower, seen from the terrace of the Carette tea-room. A feast for the eyes and a generous breakfast: croissants, coffee, Viennese pastries, bread, butter and jam, pancakes, mini sandwiches... all prepared in pure tradition by this institution founded in 1927 and decorated by Hubert de Givenchy.
10 a.m.
Visit the Hôtel de la Marine
Head for Place de la Concorde to discover the newly restored Hôtel de la Marine. Built under Louis XV, this former royal depository tells the rich history of France. Awe guaranteed with the Intendant's courtyard and its dazzling glass roof, the hall of mirrors and a loggia surveying the capital's largest square. A stroll around the courtyard of honour reveals, among other things, a restaurant headed by Chef Jean-François Piège and an Alain Ducasse pastry shop.
11 a.m.
Shopping on Saint-Honoré
Not far away, Rue Saint-Honoré is paradise for fashionistas. Valentino, Chloé, Alexander McQueen, Buccellati, Guerlain, Dior, Chanel... Luxury labels are legion. Together with many ready-to-wear brands such as Sandro, ba&sh, The Kooples. Shop for style between two cultural visits.
12 p.m.
A stroll in the Tuileries Garden
Before lunch, take a walk in these classic French gardens inaugurated in the 16th century in honour of Catherine de Médicis, redesigned by André Le Nôtre in 1664. Treasures include many statues by Maillol, Rodin and Giacometti. Like a Parisian, take a seat on one of the famous green metal chairs facing one of the ponds.
1 p.m.
Lunch at la Fontaine Gaillon
A Parisian institution just treated to a facelift. Prepared by Chef Marc Veyrat, known for his love of vegetables, the cuisine is salty and bold: "cassolette" of lobster, crayfish carpaccio, oysters, St-Jacques scallops and "bouillabaisse", divinely accompanied by a wide choice of wines.
2.30 p.m.
Relaxation at Suisen
Time to chill out with a treatment in this authentic Japanese massage parlour. This unique address in Le Marais with a timber facade offers total immersion in the atmosphere of a "ryokan" (traditional Japanese inn): treatments on a "tatami", rare green tea by request.
4 p.m.
Tea-time at Bertillon
What better than an ice-cream to cool down? Here on the Île Saint-Louis, you will find some of the best in the world. Since 1954, Berthillon has made ice-creams and sorbets with exceptional ingredients. Pear-caramel, almond milk, lavender, mokka, black cherries, figs, lemon thyme… It's hard to choose from the 70 flavours. A delicious treat while strolling along the quaysides.
5.30 p.m.
Workout at Club Blanche
In the Paul de Choudens mansion, Blanche is a sports club of subtle elegance. In a surface area of 3,000 m2, it redefines the workout experience with hi-tech equipment, a pool, spearhead classes and more. Then, the reward: the 1st-floor restaurant of Chef Jean Imbert, B.B., with a menu for sportsmen of taste.
8 p.m.
Private cruise on the Seine
Part of UNESCO's World Heritage, the banks of the Seine deserve to be seen from the river. Take a romantic cruise on board a comfortable, luxurious Italian "motoscafo". A unique experience, accompanied by champagne cocktails.
9.30 p.m.
Festive dinner at Le Piaf
There are places where you dine and dance till dawn. Le Piaf ("little bird") is one. The evening starts with a traditional dinner (pan-fried mushrooms, salad with bacon, roast chicken), then welcomes night-owls to its "night nest". All in red, this restaurant-club offers a very friendly atmosphere.
2.30 a.m.
A night in the Bagatelle Gardens
If you have any energy left, the night continues in these gardens on the outskirts of the Bois de Boulogne. Each summer, casual-chic evenings are held in the gardens of this old manor house. A must address for partying beneath the stars.
6 a.m.
Croissant at La Maison d'Isabelle
Even if your cosy bed awaits, a traditional croissant is essential. At 6 a.m., Paris awakes and the smell of Viennese pastries from the ovens wafts through the streets. Voted "best croissants in Paris", those at La Maison d’Isabelle are well worth the detour. Buttery, flaky and crisp, to be eaten while warm.