Each month, Flora di Carlo reveals to you... Acumen new discoveries or personal favorites: gourmet addresses, places to relax, and cultural events.
TO DISCOVER
FAVORITE ADDRESSES:
Sobremesa, the address that makes Montmartre vibrate
Just steps from the Montmartre steps, Sobremesa is a discreet gem, a place where you'll want to linger over a drink and Asian-inspired dishes. With its hushed atmosphere, stainless steel bar, exposed brick walls, and hip-hop playlist playing softly in the background, the decor, as refined as it is welcoming, reflects the soul of the place. Each month, a resident chef reinvents the menu. This month, Shan Rachel Jiang fuses Chinese tradition and modernity right before the diners' eyes. The shrimp spring rolls, crispy yet meltingly tender, are perfectly balanced with a spicy chili sauce. "La Pi," a carrot and peanut dish, surprises with its texture and subtly spicy sweetness. The golden and crispy fried chicken "Le Tang" reveals juicy meat, while the steamed "siu mai" seduces with its delicate flavor and authentic aroma. A sparkling Loire wine extends the experience, adding freshness and elegance. Here, every dish tells a story, every glass enhances the moment, and the bill makes you want to come back again and again.
75, rue Ramey, Paris 18e
Journey: an urban stopover where time adapts to your desires
Right in the heart of the 2nde In the 19th arrondissement, Journey is a place that evolves throughout the day, from bright mornings to cozy evenings. Designed by the founders of Noir Coffee Shop and enhanced by Jessica Mille, the space blends polished concrete, green marble, and sculpted wood, creating an aesthetic that is both minimalist and handcrafted. The high ceilings are impressive, while in the evening, candles flicker and an old-school R&B playlist fills the atmosphere with a gentle nostalgia. In the kitchen, chef Artemio Gaddi mixes Asian influences with Michelin-starred inspirations. The oven-baked feta, melting and slightly caramelized, rests on a bed of candied cherry tomatoes, where acidity and sweetness meet in perfect harmony. The generous and fragrant stuffed portobello mushroom combines ground beef, red onions, spring onions, and citrus soy sauce for an explosion of flavors. The Melon Tonic, a marriage of watermelon-infused gin, melon liqueur, and supasawa Tangy, it brings a subtly balanced freshness. A taste journey without artifice, where each bite surprises and the bill remains reasonable for such a setting.
44, rue des Petits-Carreaux, Paris 2e
lovejourney.co
Tea Time at Peacock Alley – Waldorf Astoria Versailles
In the refined setting of the Waldorf Astoria Versailles, Peacock Alley reinvents theafternoon tea With understated elegance and a touch of contemporary indulgence. Amid refined woodwork, soft lighting, and impeccable service, pastry chef Eddie Benghanem, a virtuoso of sweets, orchestrates a tea time where each bite tells a story of textures and flavors. The experience begins with a hot drink accompanied by seasonal vegetables to spread, to be enjoyed with a crispy cracker. Then comes the Smoked Treasure of the Sea, where delicately smoked fish is balanced with a smooth cream and subtle condiments. The delicate fresh cheese, enhanced with crunchy spices, brings a sweet and slightly spicy note. On the sweet side, the crispy garden tart, on a thin, buttery shortbread, celebrates seasonal fruits in all their freshness. The soft almond cake, enhanced by a fresh fruit marmalade, combines melt-in-your-mouth texture with intense flavor. Finally, the Chef's Cuddle, an airy marshmallow, reveals a creamy and crunchy center, the signature sweet treat of the owner. To accompany these delicacies, we are presented with a menu of exceptional teas, carefully chosen to prolong the moment. tea time Unparalleled, conceived as a suspended moment between tradition and modernity, where Chef Benghanem's touch elevates every detail. An address where the art of fine dining reaches its zenith, with an offering worthy of the setting.
1, Boulevard de la Reine, Versailles
The Intercontinental's Grand Afternoon Tea: an exceptional gourmet experience
In an elegant setting, the Intercontinental elevates the art of afternoon tea every weekend. Bathed in soft lighting, the experience begins with a selection of delicate sandwiches: lobster with cocktail sauce, foie gras with fig chutney, or farm-fresh egg with avocado and curry, accompanied by a glass of champagne. Next comes an assortment of exquisitely refined pastries. The mille-feuille, crisp and airy, alternates between golden puff pastry and light cream. The Opéra cake, rich and melting, plays on notes of coffee and intense chocolate. The pear-tonka bean dome, with its subtle aromas, adds an exquisite fruity touch. For a moment of comfort, the Madeleine de Proust, with vanilla and strawberry-cherry blossom jam, evokes childhood memories. A menu of rare teas and infusions complements this experience, including Darjeeling with almond notes, Sencha Fukuyu from Japan, and a surprising Caramel Oolong from Taiwan. An afternoon tea where elegance is invited to the table, in a setting that makes each bite a special moment.
ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/fr/fr/paris
Weekend getaway: Les Prés d'Eugénie, a gourmet and relaxing escape
Located in the Landes region, just a few hours from Paris, Les Prés d'Eugénie offers a timeless retreat where bucolic charm and absolute well-being blend in perfect harmony. Nestled in a verdant landscape, this exceptional estate combines refinement and simplicity in an atmosphere where every detail invites serenity. From the moment you arrive, the magic takes hold: lush gardens, authentic buildings, and a hushed ambiance that envelops visitors in a bubble of calm. Here, the whisper of the wind in the leaves, the delicate fragrance of flowers, and the soothing rhythm of time transform every moment into a precious one. At its heart, the thermal spa offers a haven of deep relaxation, while the light-filled spaces invite contemplative pauses, perfect for reading or strolling along the verdant pathways. On the culinary front, Michel Guérard's Michelin-starred restaurant celebrates the terroir with cuisine that is both delicate and generous. Each dish showcases the richness of local produce, enhanced with a touch of precision and elegance, for an experience where authentic flavors blend seamlessly with culinary excellence. Each dish, conceived as an ode to nature, reveals exquisitely refined flavors: grilled squab with wild juniper, onion and offal tatin, or light and elegant desserts that combine textures and subtle aromas, such as the fruit tart made with fruit from their own hillsides. Offering both absolute relaxation and gastronomic delights, Les Prés d'Eugénie stands out as an exceptional destination. Here, authenticity meets refinement, creating a suspended moment where time seems to stretch out, allowing you to savor every instant. A weekend where the art of living is savored at every turn. A stay where every detail is designed to offer a high-end experience, befitting the location and its refinement.
Eugenie les Bains
lespresdeugenie.com
A wellness escape: the exclusive spa experience at the Hôtel de Crillon
Behind the hushed doors of Sense, A Rosewood Spa, the Parisian bustle fades away, giving way to an atmosphere where time stands still. Inspired by ryokan Japanese in style, this sanctuary of well-being combines minimalism and refinement, with its sculpted wood and ceramics. raku and soft lighting that envelops the space in a gentle serenity. The scent of essential oils invites relaxation from the moment you enter, while a hand basin carved into the rock and sliding paper panels complete the experience. washi They evoke the Japanese art of letting go. Among the signature rituals, EviDenS de Beauté's Advanced Lift promises an immediate lifting and regenerating effect. Lying on a treatment table with immaculate sheets, one experiences a sensation of relaxation from the very first touch. The movements combine techniques of deep tissue and acupressure, delicately sculpting the contours of the face, stimulating microcirculation, and revitalizing the epidermis. Each pressure is applied with precision, working deep down to tighten the skin and reveal a radiant complexion. Next comes the application of the EviDenS de Beauté Serum, a high-performance active concentrate that intensely nourishes the skin and restores its elasticity. The treatment concludes with a Bio-Collagen mask, available in Hydra Lift or Radiance versions, applied for seven minutes. Under its effect, the skin is plumped and instantly regains firmness and radiance, while a scalp massage completes this exceptional moment. In this intimate setting, every detail is designed for complete relaxation, blending Japanese expertise with the timeless elegance of the Crillon. A treatment that offers much more than just a radiant glow: a true rebirth of body and mind.
10, Place de la Concorde, Paris 8e
rosewoodhotels.com | evidensdebeaute.com
A haven of well-being at the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal
In the heart of Paris, a stone's throw from the Palais Royal gardens, the spa at the Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal is a haven of serenity, where intimacy and refinement blend seamlessly. Behind its large bay windows, natural light enhances a minimalist space designed for immediate relaxation. Noble materials, elegant lines, and soft lighting create an atmosphere conducive to sensory escape. The experience is structured around bespoke rituals, combining expertise and a holistic approach. In partnership with Holidermie, Mélanie Huynh's brand, the spa offers a comprehensive vision of beauty, blending clean cosmetic treatments, nutritional supplements, and mindful massage protocols. Among the must-try treatments, the Holidermie facial illuminates and regenerates the skin with highly concentrated natural active ingredients, combined with techniques inspired by... Kobido For a lifting and plumping effect. The hot stone massage, a true invitation to let go, works on energy points to release deep tension and restore the body's balance. The signature relaxing massage alternates between gentle pressure and enveloping movements, allowing for total muscle relaxation and a lasting sense of well-being. Each ritual is designed as a sensory journey, where science and nature meet for visible effectiveness and absolute relaxation. A private haven, where understated luxury combines with a holistic approach to beauty and well-being, ideal for a break from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
4, rue de Valois, Paris 1er
grandhoteldupalaisroyal.com
CULTURAL ESCAPE
FILMS AND EXHIBITIONS
Laia Abril – “On Mass Hysteria” at BAL
A powerful exploration of the mechanisms of mass hysteria throughout history, intersecting anthropology, psychology, and feminist struggles. Disturbing photographs and narratives are presented in a poignant scenography, challenging our perspective and questioning our relationship to history. A series by Laia Abril, on display until May 18, 2025.
Hervé Guibert – “Travels in Italy” at the Les Douches Gallery
Each black and white photograph captures the luminous and poetic essence of Italy. Through the interplay of light and shadow, Hervé Guibert offers an intimate perspective on the Italian landscape, imbued with emotion and melancholy. The exhibition will run until April 3, 2025.
