With Paris standing strong following November's terrorist attacks, we're taking a look at the top travel stories from the City of Light, as gathered by our Paris correspondent, Richard Nahem.
An Inside Look at Fouquet’s Barriere Hotel
We started the year with a look at Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere on the Champs Elysees. Modeled after the historic Fouquet’s Café, which was opened by Louis Foquet in 1899, the 81 room-, 33 suite-property pays homage to its star-studded past, when it served as a watering hole for cinema celebrities like Marlene Dietrich and Jean Gabin.
Today the hotel annually hosts the Cesar Awards, the French equivalent of the Oscars. It is also home to five restaurants: Fouquet’s, Fouquet’s Café, La Petite Maison de Nicole, Galerie Joy and Le Diane, which has been awarded one Michelin star.
Cultural Events in Paris for Spring 2015
In February we took a look at spring in Paris, which promised a busy season for culture lovers.
From a revival of Sigin' in the Rain to an exhibit on Italian decorative art from 1900-1940, spring events in Paris offered something for everyone.
What to Expect From The Peninsula Paris
We got a chance to check out the recently opened The Peninsula Paris in March. The new luxury property was built on the site of a former grand hotel in 1906; in its time the building has seen the founding of The League of Nations, as well as the composition of the score for An American in Paris by George Gershwin.
When it opened the hotel was fresh from a six-year renovation led by Peninsula's in-house design team, Henry Leung of the Hong Kong-based Chhada Siembieda Leung Ltd and Paris-based designer Richard Martinet. Standout features include the Lobby Restaurant, a French-style dining room; the aviation-themed L'Oiseau Blanc; and accommodations that are said to be among the largest in the city.
Top Fashion Exhibitions in Paris for 2015
The month of April was all about fashion, as we took a look at the top fashion exhibitions in Paris to watch for the coming year.
Notable offerings included a retrospective on Jeanne Lanvin, one of the first female fashion designers in Paris, as well as explorations of the work of Yves Saint Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Five Gourmet Shops on Place de la Madeleine
Nothing makes a Paris getaway like grabbing a bite from a local shop to eat out. In May we rounded up some of the top gourmet and food shops on the historic Place de la Madeleine.
From the Maille high-end mustard shop to Fauchon, Caviar Kaspia and Masion de Truffe, we rounded up just the right lineup for an unforgettable picnic.
Top Summer Events in Paris for 2015
Summer in Paris is often thought to be the time when Parisians flee the city on their annual vacations. But recently with more restaurants staying open and an expanded lineup of local events, we were able to put together a unique to-do list for a summer in the city.
Travelers can cool off at the Paris Plage urban beach along the Seine, take in an outdoor movie at the Parc Villette with the Cinema en Plein Air or visit a classic carnival at La Fete du Tuileries in Tuileries Park.
Hotel Profile: The New La Reserve Paris
In July we got a chance to tour the La Reserve Paris, which has brought a smaller, more intimate experience to the city's booming five-star hotel market.
The 26 suite, 14 room property (decorated by Jacuqes Garcia) the lobby and overall design call to mind a 19th century Belle époque Parisian apartment. Since it is situated on a quite street between the Champs Elysees and the Elysees Palace, guests can use it as a quiet retreat during their stay in the city.
Top Marais Art Galleries
No trip to Paris would be complete without some art appreciation, which is why in August we checked out the Marais area. Similar to New York's Chelsea neighborhood, the Marais is known for having some of the top contemporary art galleries in the city.
What should travelers see? Galerie NEC started as a Swedish mid-century furniture gallery, but its popularity soon exploded with exhibits on ceramic art from the likes of Vincent Gagliostro, Gregoire Scalabre, Wouter Dam, Michael Geersten, Karin Tornell, and Thomas Humery. Other notable spots to check out include Almine Rech, Thaddaeus Ropac, Karsten Greve and Galerie Perrotin.
Five Top Art Exhibitions in Paris for Fall 2015
Our tour of Paris art continued in September with our special preview of the top Paris art exhibitions to check out in the fall.
From a chronological/thematic tour of Picasso's oeuvre to exhibitions on Warhol, pictures of prostitution in France and Karl Lagerfeld, fall proved to be another stellar season in Paris art.
Top Exhibitions for Paris Photo Month
November was Paris Photo Month. Since 1998 Paris has spotlighted the art of photography with exhibitions throughout the city.
This year our top picks were the perennial favorite Paris Photo, as well as exhibitions on Philippe Halsman, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie and the Foundation Henri Cartier Bresson.
My Five Favorite Paris Bistros
Another classic Paris experience is a visit to a neighborhood bistro. In November we rounded up five of our top picks.
From Chez Dumonet on the Left Bank to Le Reminet near Notre Dame, these classic Paris eating spots are the perfect place to unwind in the middle of a busy day.
Paris Now: How the City Is Bouncing Back From the Attacks
November also saw the devastating terrorist attacks in the Marais and around the city. Our Paris correspondent shared his firsthand experience of the attacks and their immediate aftermath, and how the city is still standing strong.
Where I Do My Holiday Shopping in Paris
Finally, with the holiday season approaching, we compiled a guide for shopaholics visiting Paris this season.
From charming boutique stationery at Melodie Graphiques to delicious food gifts from Jacques Genin, we pulled together gift ideas for everyone back home on your list.