Luxury in Paris Luxury stories and style tips for your travel to Paris

Fashion Designer Christian Lacroix is selling his Paris apartment for 2 million euros which is $2.6 million US dollars. The apartment is housed in a 17th century building in the chic Marais district.
With a 13 feet high ceilings, gilded moldings in the master bedroom and French doors, this gorgeous 2000 sq ft space with a 200 sq ft terrace has four bedrooms, library and three bathrooms.

Yes, contrary to the French custom of always drinking bottled water, you CAN drink the water in Paris. It's fine to drink, even unfiltered. It’s a little high in Calcium but it won’t hurt you to drink it for a few weeks. I have one English friend who lives in Paris and she has been drinking it since she arrived here 50 years ago and she is over 80 years old now. You will save a lot of money if you ask for a "carafe d'eau" (pronounced “carafe doe”) in restaurants. Otherwise they bring you bottled water automatically when you ask for water and, of course, add it to your bill and its not cheap!

Let's face it Paris is not an athletic town. Okay you might spot a jogger or two in the Jardins du Luxembourg, a few actually hard core training for the Paris marathon held in May, www.parismarathon.com. This is an event that most Parisians will admit is strictly spectator. The biggest crowds are reserved for the third week in July with the final stage of Tour de France(www.letour.fr) races through Paris before final print on the Champs Elysees.

On Saturdays, smart Parisians lined up to a tiny chocolate boutique on rue Bonaparte for their sugar or let's say cocoa fix. Pastry genius Pierre Hermes forms chocolate into stylish shapes which he parades during fashion week ala catwalk. Don't worry, if chocolate isn't your thing, the macaroons are heaven sent. 72 rue Bonaparte, 6th arrondissement

Currently the darling of the Parisian trendsetters, a night out a Le Paris Paris is an experience. Please expect a strict door policy at this basement club on the avenue de l'opera. 5 avenue de l Opera, www.leparisparis.com

VIP Rooms is for the media junkie who doesn't need or care about fine wine and great conversation, just revel in the floor to ceiling LED lights and flashing plasma screens. Rip out the big moolah for the overpriced cocktails. 76-78 avenue des Champs-Elysees, 8th arrondissement, www.viproom.fr

Most Americans will announce Gerard Depardieu as our favorite French actor so it's only fitting to pay homage to his restaurant, La Fontaine Gaillon. Thank goodness, this isn't a dreadful tourist trap, it's a nestled in one of Paris' unforgettable 18th century houses, neatly divided into private dining rooms. Former Chanel spokesperson and Depardieu's gorgeous wife, Carole Bouquet decorated the space which includes a stunning Miro and a Picasso in the hallway. The menu as is it should be is seasonal with wines from Depardieu's own vineyard. The restaurant is closed on weekends and is ridiculously popular during the week so make reservations well in advance.
1 place Gaillon, 2 nd arrondissement, www.la-fontaine-gaillon.com

Whether you want a romantic evening or a cool place to gather with friends, this chic establishment with leather stools, baroque chandeliers adorned with pearls and ribbons and framed sketches of Venice bring home the allure of Italia. The concise menu consists of pizzellas( crowd pleasers are the rocket w/truffle oil and the fontina) accompanied with the standard fare of pastas, fish and several meat entrees. Cafe Baci is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a weeks, so it is worth a stop for at least one mean during your Paris stay. 36 rue de Turenne, 3rd arrondissement, www.cafebaci.fr

Above Kenzo's headquarters is where Paris meets Tokyo. This Philippe Starck 2 floor restaurant named Kong on 1 rue du Pont Neuf is adorned with pictures of geishas, blinking plasma screens and beautiful people. Be a smart cookie, and reserve a table on the upper floor, next to the glass rooftop.

In 2005, Alain Senderens open his world class restaurant admidst fanfare. The chef's cuisine remain unforgettable without the usual stuffiness and ridiculous prices. Expect to find Moroccan style sardines with rice noodles or Scottish Salmon with whisky. Located in a historical building on 9 place de la Madeleine in the 8th arrondissement.

For the traditional at heart, a visit to 1912 staple Chez Benoit is mandatory. Recognized by many as the ultimate Parisian brasserie. The portions are huge and the food is consistent. Don't come dressed to impressed, you can unveil the Chanel suit at another establishment. This gem is located on 20 rue Saint Martin in the 4th arrondissement.

Opened in 1911, this hotel boasts the largest suite in Paris. On the fifth floor, one will find a 4500 sq ft Royal suite with partial view of the Eiffel Tower. The head chef is world famous Alain Ducasse and the infamous bar is the place to be seen. Hotel Plaza Athenee is on Avenue Montaigne, also known as Saudi heaven.

A futuristic boutique hotel in the Marais with a glimmer of the brilliant Kubrick masterpiece Clockwork Orange. With 43 rooms and nine suites, it's the Cheers of Paris hotels where everyone knows your name. If you are hungry at 2am, the 24 hour room service will allow you to order pumpkin soup or foie gras so you can spoiled yourself to the core.

Paris is one of the world's great hotel cities although you need the right formula to determine whether it's best to stay in modest hotel with a nice room, luxury hotel hotel with a tiny room or just opt for a vacation rental.

If you are yearning for old world elegance, get the Birkin bag out and dust off the Louie Vuitton and head to Hotel Plaza Athenee. Yes, this is the place Carrie got slapped by the Russian and ran into Big's arms. For the fashion mavens, the obvious choice is Christian Lacroix's Hotel du Petit Moulin in the uber trendy Marais. For the urban set, Kube Hotel in the rather edgy part of Montmatre is ideal. The Raymond Morel, 41 guest rooms and suites have a cube theme. The beds are square and underlit, so they appear to float above the floor. The grand dame or old dame of Paris is Hotel Meurice which recently had new life brought to her and is recognized by some as the fashionable place to be in Paris. A good source recommends rooms 601 and 604 which have views of the Jardin des Tuileries from the bathrooms.