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| Like so many, I’m looking forward to returning to Paris on my next trip to Europe. On my most recent foray across the pond, I visited London, where I caught up with Geoffrey Gelardi, managing director of The Lanesborough, which has undergone a massive restoration. I think the craftsmanship of the newly renovated hotel is simply stunning, with detailing in every guest room and public space that’s just exquisite. |
What more to say about Paris, everyone’s favorite city, for whom our hearts have been breaking for the past few weeks? We take a look forward to what we’ll do next time we go, where we’ll celebrate the subtle joys the amazing City of Light delivers in the most elegant fashion.
“I plan to walk along the Seine and make my way to the Île de la Cité,” says Ignacio Maza, executive vice president of the Signature Travel Network. “I want to climb up the steps to the top of Notre Dame’s bell tower for the most beautiful view of Paris. My next stop is Berthillon, at 31, Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île for the best ice cream in the world.”
Peter Carideo, president of CRC Travel, says, “The first thing I am going to do when I go back this winter is to don a pair of ice skates and skate around the rink at the Plaza Athénée. I will already have a massage booked, as I have no false pretenses about staying upright! Post massage, I will walk over to a bistro to enjoy champagne and watch the people go by.”
Jim Strong, president of Strong Travel Services, is going back soon, “to once again enjoy a long leisurely lunch at Les Deux Magots, sitting outside watching the sights of St. Germain pass by.” His mother and CEO, Nancy Strong, “is excited to return to see her friend, Colin, the bartender at The Ritz, one of her favorite stops in Paris.”
Greg DeClemente, COO of Courtyard Travel, on his next visit will “sit in a typical French café enjoying a bowl of mussels in white wine and garlic, along with some great French bread. Garçon, un autre vin blanc, s’il vous plaît!”
Anastasia Mann, chairman and CEO of Corniche Travel, will repeat two of her favorite pastimes: “Spending a day at Marché aux Puces, the amazing flea market, and taking the Bateaux Mouches cruise down the Seine. The flea market is truly amazing, and I’ve acquired some stunning museum-quality art and sculpture pieces. There is a crazy little bistro tucked in the back called Chez Louisette. I hope it’s still there,” she says.
Mary Ann Ramsey, president of Betty Maclean Travel, will visit the flea market in Saint-Ouens. “You can find amazing antiques, with great buys on china, silver and furniture, along with along with vintage Chanel earrings and Louis Vuitton handbags, always negotiated and shipped with perfection by my guide. She’ll also go to Fauchon’s on the Place de Madeline to stock up on chocolates, teas, honeys and mustards. “They also have a great café, which is always a must,” she says.
Perry Lungmus, vice president, luxury travel at Travel Leaders, will go on an immediate search for macarons on his next visit, likely to one of the Pierre Hermé shops, “probably in the Marais because it’s a favorite place of mine. I will also join many Parisians in having a Belgian beer en terrasse, somewhere in the 10th arrondissement.”
Barry Liben, president of Tzell Travel Group, aims to dine at Le Cinq at the George V. “After one of the best meals anywhere in the world, I’ll visit a scenic nearby bridge where my son proposed to his wife,” he tells us.
Barbara and Michael King, co-presidents of Great Getaways Travel, love Esprit St. Germain on the Left Bank. “The staff welcomes us back each time with genuine affection. I see us walking to the patisserie around the corner for some delicious macarons. We’ll walk down some of our favorite streets and always snap a photo by the Arc de Triomphe, reminding ourselves of those who gave their lives in the name of freedom. Lastly, Michael and I will go to Hermès to purchase a scarf for my collection, a custom we began on our honeymoon. We could buy a Hermès scarf anywhere, but this is Paris, and we celebrate this city!” she says.
Anne Scully, president of McCabe World Travel, was on her way to Paris when we caught up with her: “It’s time to give all our friends in Paris the warm hug and love they have always given to us,” she said.