China’s hottest ‘IT’ girl, Xinyuan Zhang, just loves Paris. We even think it rates as her second home. So after spotting her front row at Chloé and seeing her wearing Kenzo, Louis Vuitton and Lanvin, we asked Zhang her to share her favourite Paris addresses. We also love her view of the world’s fashion capital on Instagram (yinyuanzhang). Check out Paris Chérie too for our views of Paris: paris_cherie
1. Pierre Hermé, 39 avenue de l’Opéra, 75002
Pierre Hermé is Paris’s most renowned pastry shop. Pierre Hermé, the founder of the shop, is regarded as “the Picasso of pastry” and “the Hermès of sweets”. The Rose French Macarons are my favourite. The sweetness and the aroma, the enticing colour and delicate texture leave your senses quivering with pleasure. Absolutely divine!
2. Alain Ducasse, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, 25, avenue Montaigne, 75008
The restaurant looks elegant and serves fabulous food: with lavish chandeliers, exquisite decoration, custom-made tableware, and a menu printed with the Alain Ducasse logo… it is a typical French restaurant. Appetisers, starters, mains and desserts are served to customers in a precise sequence. Alain Ducasse is one of the most famous chefs in the world. Gordon Ramsay from ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ is a big fan. Joel Robuchon, a chef with 26 Michelin Stars – among his many restaurants, is his only competitor.
3. Café de Flore, 172 boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006
Café de Flore is at 172 boulevard Saint-Germain, in the heart of fashionable Paris. It opened in1887. The name was taken from a statue of Flora, the goddess of flowers and spring in mythology that used to stand in front of the cafe. The interior is garlanded with plants and flowers, and the abundant greenery; the snug benches, wall mirrors and mahogany panelling combine to create a warm and cosy setting. This is a place that was loved by Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, as well as others from literary circles. The decoration on the second floor is more English-style, simple and tranquil, ideal for quiet contemplation.
4. The Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, 5 avenue Anatole France, 75007
To describe it as a feast for your eyes is no exaggeration. Paris is like a city from a hundred years ago. The intense atmosphere of the ancient streets can make you feel quite unreal. Yet that’s what makes it so fascinating.
5. Musée du Louvre, 75001
The Louvre Museum contains countless treasures. “Mademoiselle Caroline Riviere” is a painting I particularly like. I took many photos of paintings in the Louvre, but when I saw this portrait, it was like being reunited with an old acquaintance. It was the first time I had seen the original. It seemed as if the 14-year-old girl in the picture had a century-old spirit, giving you an eternal sense of calm and peace.
6. Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004
In 1969, the French President Georges Pompidou proposed the idea for a modern art museum, to commemorate President Charles de Gaulle for defeating Hitler in War World II. The Pompidou Centre’s unique feature is the exposed framework of tubular steel columns and complex external piping. Considerable controversy arose over the futuristic design, as the bold “exoskeleton” architecture contrasts sharply with the surrounding houses. Many local residents protested against the complex, although it found enthusiastic support in artistic and literary circles. It is sometimes described as “an oil refinery in the heart of the city”.
7. Musée d’Orsay, 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007
The Musée d’Orsay is on the left bank of the river Seine. It is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a railway station in the ‘beaux-arts’ style. The museum holds mainly French art works dating from 1848 to 1915, including paintings, sculpture, furniture and photography. It is renowned for its vast collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces, from painters such as Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne and many more.
8. Le Meurice, 228 rue de Rivoli, 75001
Le Meurice is one of the six top hotels in Paris. It has been known as “The Hotel of Kings” since the 19th century. This is my favourite hotel in Paris, with its views overlooking the Tuileries gardens. The founder of the hotel strived to ensure it had the most advanced facilities and would fulfil special requests from customers at any time. Among its clients were Salvador Dali and the (American) Rockefeller family. A very welcoming hotel, the staff greets you with a winning smile every time you enter or leave. The restaurants and bars at Le Meurice are magnificent.
9. Jardin des Tuileries, 113 rue de Rivoli, 75001
The Tuileries Garden was the first public park in Paris, between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde. It is always full of people on the weekend, basking in the sun. There are many statues, and pigeons sit on the sloping edge of the fountains. The park is close to many famous sites in Paris: the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Musée d’Orsay, and is no doubt the best place to take a rest.