Paris is sizzling once more. To quote the early 20th century Austrian writer Joseph Roth, “Over the rooftops of Paris there is a smiling baby colossus of rude health.” The French capital is thriving with art, fashion and hospitality again taking center stage. ‘The Narcissus Theorem’ by artist Jean-Michel Othoniel is showing at Le Petit Palais (until January 2, 2022). It’s a riveting exhibition of discovery. The colorful artworks are integrated into the museum architecture and landscaped courtyard. The exhibition is free but it is advised to visit early daytime to avoid long queues.
Fashionistas can get their hit at the Thierry Mugler show at Musée des Arts Décoratifs (until April 24, 2022). Dynamic and dramatically lit displays are arranged in acts like an opera, ensembles ranging from science fiction inspired robotic fashion and stage costumes to the designer’s own photography. His work is always original, sometimes subversive, never boring. He says, “In my creations I’ve always tried to make people look stronger than they really are.”
Close to all the culture and a short walk from Champs-Élysées lies Hôtel George Washington, one of two boutique Parisian hotels (the other is Hôtel Chateaubriand) owned by second generation hoteliers and siblings Romain Rio and Méryll Collette. Assistant General Manager, Camay Tan, explains, “The Rio family are personally involved in both the decoration and day to day operations. It’s a unique ‘guest home’. All 20 guest rooms are individually decorated: every single detail was created and specially made. Hôtel George Washington is both classical French and contemporary.”
A love of interior design is clear from the custard colored and navy trimmed reception hall to the 27 meter high seascape mural painted on gold leaf seen from the elevator behind a glass panel to a bedroom decorated with Ralph Lauren elephant wallpaper and a Marmara marbled bathroom. Joseph Roth springs to mind again: “… it’s so well appointed that it almost corresponds to my notion of a seventh heaven.”
The Rios also own Le Petit George a few doors up on Rue Washington. “This restaurant has the same expression of luxury as the hotels, from opulent linen tablecloths to silver cutlery,” relates Camay. “We wanted to change part of French dining culture and bridge the gap between bistro and gastronomy: ‘bistronomy’.” The all-female run establishment is a hit with lawyers and bankers midweek and well informed travelers at the weekend.
Fall or winter, spring or summer, Paris always has its majestic parks. The garden front of Musée des Arts Décoratifs opens onto Jardin des Tuileries. This park stretches along the River Seine and is close to the famous hotels Le Meurice and The Ritz. Jardin du Luxembourg is one of the most popular parks on the Left Bank, filled with children’s playgrounds and sunbathers enjoying the last of the seasonal balminess, all amongst the statuary. Perhaps classiest of all is Parc Monceau, a series of beautiful outdoor green and water spaces (famously painted by Claude Monet) in the midst of the fashionable 8th Arrondissement. Paris is back in form!
Text and Photographs © Stuart Blakley
Petit Palais | City of Paris' museum of Fine Arts Les Arts Décoratifs - Site officiel (madparis.fr) Romain rio hotels Champs-Elysées | Official Website (rrhotels.fr)
