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As the world turns its gaze to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, the City of Light dazzles with more than just the grandeur of international athletic competition. While the Games may be the headline act, there are plenty of other compelling reasons to visit Paris this summer. The French capital beckons travelers with a promise of memorable experiences that extend beyond squeezing into a restaurant on the crowded Place du Tertre in Montmartre or shopping on the Champs-Elysées. So, whether you’re going to be in town for the Olympics or just planning a leisurely visit, here are ten offbeat experiences to explore beyond the basics.
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Embark On A Michelin Star Dinner Cruise
The view from a table onboard the Don Juan II, Yachts de Paris, during a dinner cruise on the River … [+] Seine. Yachts de Paris
Navigating the plethora of dinner cruises on the Seine can be a daunting task. For those looking to indulge, there are a few standout options that guarantee an unforgettable evening. Among these, the floating restaurant helmed by three-Michelin-star chef Frédéric Anton, who’s also at the Jules Verne at the top of the Eiffel Tower, is a truly magical dining experience. The Don Juan II, part of the Yachts de Paris fleet, is a fully fledged restaurant with only a handful of tables, which earned a star in 2023. Guests enjoy a cozy atmosphere enhanced by mahogany paneling, plush carpets, and luxurious Pierre Frey fabrics. Departing at sundown, diners are treated to dazzling views of Paris’ iconic landmarks, from the illuminated Notre Dame Cathedral to the glittering Eiffel Tower, all while savoring a five-course seasonal menu featuring delicacies like creamy stracciatella topped with caviar and succulent langoustine. Guests can also step up on deck, providing the perfect vantage point to see the Eiffel Tower in all its sparkling glory at sundown.
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Unwind On an Urban Retreat At A Secret Paris Location
Retreats in Paris and beyond for groups. RESET Paris
While most people flock to Paris for its iconic landmarks and world-renowned cuisine, there’s an alternative way to experience the City of Lights that goes beyond the typical tourist track. Enter Reset Paris, a bespoke retreat service founded by former lawyer Eglantine Sir. Drawing from her career, Sir understands the crucial need for relaxation and rejuvenation for people in high-powered roles. It’s why she launched, Reset Paris offers exclusive one-day or longer retreats in secret locations such as hidden mansion houses surrounded by gardens within the city and spots on the outskirts. These retreats, designed for both groups of friends and corporate teams, provide a holistic edge to a weekend away or team-buildings, featuring top experts in Chinese medicine, including shiatsu to Qui Gong practitioners. Sir can also organize conferences and seminars on various topics, from health to wellness, as well as more business-focused areas. By dedicating a day or more to this unique experience, visitors can discover a side of Paris that nurtures body, mind and spirit.
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Spend The Evening Inside A Prince’s Mansion
Two-star chef Christophe Pelé helms Le Clarence inside a 19th century townhouse in Paris. Richard Haughton
While Paris is full of magnificent buildings and private hôtel particuliers (mansion houses), you rarely get to dine in one. At Le Clarence, a restaurant inside a renovated 1882 marvel, guests get to experience a palatial setting while feasting on two-star chef Christophe Pelé’s cuisine. Owned by the Prince of Luxembourg, who also presides over the prestigious Bordeaux wine-producing estates of Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion, and Quintus under the Domaine Clarence Dillon banner, Le Clarence is his endeavor to bring a taste of Bordeaux to Paris. Bordeaux is one of France’s premier wine regions, and at Le Clarence, guests can savor a wide selection of Domaine Clarence Dillon wines alongside exquisite dishes crafted by chef Pelé. The restaurant’s opulent setting spans several floors with salons to rent for events, connected by a grand marble staircase, where guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks amid lavish decor featuring objets d’art and crystal chandeliers. The main dining room, adorned with sumptuous woodwork, tapestries, antique furniture, plush flower-patterned carpets, and bookcases of works, evokes the Age of Enlightenment
