Our light at the end of the Eurotunnel needs no introduction, but we should give her one anyway, because beyond the tower, the arch and the pyramid, and even the pavement cafés, there is more. With 20 districts (arrondissements) to get to grips with, whether you happen to be loved-up or not, exploration of the bits between Paris's landmarks will have you hooked. From the Louvre in the middle, the districts form a clockwise spiral, and within each, we know where to direct you, and how best to steer you clear of the not-so-bien.
'What I love about Paris is that all the clichés are true. Yes, Parisians can be a little hostile; yes, they are obsessed with food; and yes, the women are effortlessly beautiful. Despite it all, Paris enchants all those who visit. Its chic and understated charm lingers in every street, whether you are walking down the decadent Champs-Elysées or getting lost in the tangled lanes of Le Marais. Paris's shopping and art are from the same school of excellence, from the haute couture houses of Dior and Lacroix to the striking glass pyramids of the Louvre. After that, there is fine food and wine: gaze over the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Jules Verne, enjoy visual and taste sensations at Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée or embrace the charm of tradition at Au Pied de Cochon. You can't fail to fall in love with Paris.'
Felicity Rose Jordan - lifestyle manager
What we have done for members in Paris
- Organised a surprise birthday trip for a member's wife, including seven suites at the Four Seasons George V, canapés and cocktails in the room, private dinner with live classical instruments and private yacht hire on the Seine.
- Booked two suites at Hotel Fouquet's Barrière during Fashion Week when everywhere was fully booked.
- Organised transfers from the airport when a member was arriving by private jet and could not disclose the arrival time for security purposes.
- Booked specific rooms in hotels for wedding anniversaries, such as room 80 at the Lancaster, the only one with a terrace.
What we can’t do
- Get our hands on Ladurée's macaroon recipe. Yes, we know, they really are that good.
Set your sights
The markets continue to dazzle us; we go back every time to Marché aux Puces de St Ouen, a complex of 2,500 to 3,000 open stalls and shops on the northern fringe of Paris, selling absolutely everything. We also pick up foodie treats at Marche d’Aligre and Place de la Bastille to keep us going until we return, and window shop like a fashionista at boutique Colette. We eat at least one dinner with a view while we're here - it's a cliché, but when a city's as beautiful as this, we want to be ogling it while we sip aged wine and slip into a romantic haze. At the moment, we love Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower and Maison Blanche at the Théatre des Champs Elysées. And there's plenty more. Just ask...
Seize the day
Take control and see Paris the way you want to.
Morning: You have to be quick if you want to ascend the Eiffel Tower or marvel at the Mona Lisa in relative peace, so save leisurely coffees for mid-morning, and tick off a few major sights before the masses emerge. Speak to us to speed things up some more; we can arrange for a driver and guide to whizz you round on a private tour.
Lunch: Au Bon Accueil's bold location - in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower itself - means it is often overlooked for bistros further afield. But when you can eat perfect Parisian favourites this close to the action, it seems silly to delve much deeper - it's only lunchtime.
Afternoon: Paris is packed with clichés, but if you can bear to skip some of them, try an afternoon of lesser known sights. For instance, if you like Manet, the Le Musée d’ Orsay has a first class collection this spring.
Spa: Philippe Dumont's men's day spa, Nickel, has boys' botox, chemical peels, express massages and super-speed facials. Or, ask us to book you in for something friendlier, like a love handle wrap.
Dinner: At La Regalade the vast terrine of pâté, cornichons and homemade bread which greet you on arrival set the tone, and then it gets better. Get lucky with the changing menu and you could find yourself gorging on foie gras flan in mushroom broth, roast lamb with thyme and roasted garlic, or fillet of wild boar with red wine sauce. La Regalade's reputation is spreading fast, so call us to guarantee a table.
Show: The grande dame of French theatre, the Comédie-Française, follows excellent seasons with even better ones. Until February 2010, Catherine Hiegel directs Molière's L'Avare.
Nightcap: When it gets too late to try keeping up with Hermès-clad beauties in slick wine bars, wind down at one of many traditional bar à vins instead. The brilliant and slightly battered Le Rubis will pour you a cracking goodnight glass of Beaujolais.
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