Ray Charles had recorded several of my songs. When he came to Paris to perform in concerts, I introduced him to the French repertory and to various places. A friend had recommended the Royal Monceau Hotel. 

At that time, there were frescos in Rococo style that I really liked. They set your soul roaming. I also loved the high ceilings and the proportions of the communal premises. With renovation, the atmosphere changed considerably. This new style is a real success. The fact that there are books, objects, superb chandeliers. Alexandre Allard* came up with the idea of creating a Ray Charles Suite. He invited me think about how it should be arranged. I suggested hanging several of my photographs there, insisted on there being a piano, and chose books on music. Melody Gardot and Diana Krall told me they loved staying in the Suite.

The evenings… A moment taking photos in the sitting-room in a suite; my son, his father and myself, playing musical chairs, taking turns to sit in the middle of the sofa.

Night-time, then waking up to breakfast in the Suite, with its marvellous fruit juices and scrambled eggs, very lightly cooked. Paris is waiting for me. I am so happy to live in this city that I adore and that I discover more of, each day.

The pool in the Spa and Le Bar Long.

Breakfast in the Suite, a few laps in the pool, an appointment with Christophe Nicolas Biot, my favorite hairdresser, at 52 rue Saint-André-des-Arts (I in fact wrote the song "Où es-tu passé mon Saint Germain des Prés ?"), benefiting from a session in the hammam, and finally relaxing in the Bar Long while sipping a "Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry" at around 7 p.m.

* The Royal Monceau's former owner.