As part of the France Passion “live event” in Paris, Luxury Travel Advisor joined Atout France and their invitées-- a trio of elite bloggers-- at Buddha Bar for a decadent feast. Atout France was celebrating the launch of the France Passion Magazine website, an online community created to provide an insider's view of France. The Blogger Excursion immersed its three participants in luxury in Paris and Champagne, with readers following the website and Twitter hashtag #FrancePassion. In conjunction with the live event, Atout France is running a contest where one lucky winner will score a lavish trip to Paris with Business Class flights from Air France, luxe accommodations, and VIP experiences.
As we reported before its opening in June 2013, the Buddha Bar Hotel Paris is a chic new boutique property just off the fashionable Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Step into the classic 18th century townhouse, and the lobby sets the scene: Asian glass lanterns bathe the entrance in a red glow, and the carpet is designed with a massive dragon motif. Upstairs, historic suites like the Suite de Gagny-- decorated with eye-catching contemporary Asian furniture-- have preserved the original 18th century details like mouldings, frescoes, and marble fireplaces.
At the lounge bar, Le Qu4tre, barman Rémy Rodriguez has devised a menu of clever signature cocktails themed around the four elements. While we sank into the plush couches, he emerged from the back-lit bar to make the Dragon Kiss, a flaming cocktail that adds theatrical flair to an evening of libations.
Around the corner, the original Buddha Bar restaurant is still an institution, drawing a crowd (even on a Sunday night) for Asian fusion cuisine and a soundtrack by the DJ behind the Buddha Bar music compilations. It's been around since 1996—and numerous other locations have cropped up around the world. Not to miss: the signature Buddha Bar Chicken Salad, Black Cod with miso, and the Wagyu Beef.
Buddha Bar Hotel Paris, 4 rue d’Anjou, 75008. Tel: +33 (0)1 83 96 88 88, www.buddhabarhotelparis.com.
Buddha Bar Restaurant Paris, 8/12 rue Boissy d'Anglas 75008. Tel: + (33) 1 53 05 90 00, www.buddhabar.com/en/restaurant-bar-buddha-bar-paris-20
