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Often the character of a hotel can be detected in its employees. The unmistakable warmth and generosity of spirit evident at the Relais Christine is also displayed in M. Simon's enthusiastic, yet carefully chosen suggestions. Too often hotel staff, particularly overtaxed concierges, can be seen to rely on curt, stock and well-rehearsed replies to recurring questions from guests. But concierges who are passionate about their city revel in the opportunity to discover it anew - through the eyes of their guests - and to share local secrets with similarly impassioned visitors. Such invaluable travel advisors are increasingly being sought, and asked for my name, by knowledgeable travellers. M. Simon's personal recommendations and reflections on Paris are found at the bottom of this page.
The things that most people miss when they're visiting Paris are : Les Arenes de Lutece (1), les passages de Paris (2) and la Sainte-Chapelle (3). You can see these places of great interest on our website (except les Arenes de Lutece) The two nearby restaurant recommendations are : Relais Louis XIII (2 stars at the Michelin guide) (4), traditional French food, Monsieur MARTINEZ was the chief at the restaurant La Tour d'Argent before, and a bistrot called "Allard" (5), which serves a nice Bistrot's cuisine in a nice atmosphere (like it was before the war). My two special boutiques in this area are : Christophe LAURENT (6), 3 rue des Grands Augustins. He's making very fine and creative jewellery (homemade). His website is www.christophe-laurent.com. Boutique Parfums D'ORSAY Paris (7): a small boutique near the Luxembourg Garden. Beyond fashions and trends, Parfums D'Orsay have been synonymous with elegance and good taste since their inception in 1830 : 69 Bd Saint Michel, 75005 Paris. Ask for Isabelle BERTHET-BEAUFILS. Chocolaterie DEBAUVE & GALLAIS (8): 30 rue Des Saints Peres, the oldest one in Paris. My favorites Cafes : Les 2 Magots (9) and Cafe de Flore (10) facing the church Saint-Germain. One museum : Jacquemart Andre (11): like the Frick collection in New York, the Jacquemart-Andre Museum presents collections worthy of the greatest museums, in a magnificient private mansion from the end of 19 th century, with all the atmosphere of a great residence. My favourite area in Paris is Saint-Germain Des Pres (12), for the special "Esprit Rive Gauche" (left bank way of life) When I'm off , I go to the gym, I walk around Paris to discover some others parts of Paris. I try to have a nice dinner (homemade) with my friends. I go quite a lot to the theatre. My favourite park is Jardin du Luxembourg (13), the biggest park of Paris, in Saint Germain Des Pres, where there is the original Liberty Statue (much smaller than the one in New-York). You can run, play tennis, game of chess (opened to everybody).... My favourite walk is Le Marais (14), for his history, the small boutiques, the Place Des Vosges where there is our sister hotel: Pavillon de la Reine. Concerning a new place in Paris, I can advice you the new Kenzo shop (15), where you can find everything, Clothes, a zen restaurant, you can have a massage , it's a new concept... 7 minutes walking from the hotel. Why do I like the hotel... I like it for his very special atmosphere and I love everything : the new spa and fitness, the room for the massages, the breakfast room from the 16th century with the well the fire place; all the rooms who are differents, the lounge with the fire place (which is working during winter time) and the opened bar called "Honesty Bar", you feel like in your home... That's the reason I like it!
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"The
Concierge Recommends" is a section which reveals the personal opinions
and recommendations of highly knowledgeable concierges working in the world's
top hotels. Gerard Simon is Premier Concierge at Relais Christine, a discreet
and luxurious four star hotel with only 51 rooms and suites in the heart of
the popular St. Germaine des Pres district. The Christine has the feel of
a dignified private residence surrounding a courtyard tucked away on a quiet
street within one of the most vibrant areas on Paris' famed Left Bank. M.
Simon has worked at the hotel for 19 years, the last four as Concierge, and
is intimately acquainted with the area - which also happens to be his favourite
in Paris.
