An art deco landmark built in the 1920s, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris<\/a>, has long been a cornerstone of French culture and creativity. But it\u2019s not just the building itself \u2013 with its ideal eighth arrondissement location, rich history and Eiffel Tower views \u2013 that\u2019s intimately intertwined with Paris; it\u2019s also the people. Concierges and butlers, chefs and designers, the George V family has always kept strongly connected to its home city.<\/p>\n We asked a handful of these in-the-know professionals for their favourite places in the City of Light, the ones that truly inspire, such as little-known cheese shops, picnic-worthy gardens and stores that showcase the latest in runway fashion. Here, their insider tips.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Born in Brittany, Chef Christian Le Squer originally toyed with becoming a sailor until, lucky for us, he was introduced to cooking. Today, he\u2019s known for his Midas whisk: He earned critical acclaim at restaurants such as Caf\u00e9 de la Paix<\/a> and Pavillon Ledoyen<\/a> before signing on to helm Le Cinq<\/a> at George V. The restaurant has been awarded three Michelin stars under his leadership. While Le Cinq\u2019s exceptional reputation is consistent, Le Squer\u2019s activity from day to day is anything but. \u201cThe thing I love about my job is the everyday challenge of not knowing what\u2019s going to happen, or who is going to walk through the door,\u201d he says. \u201cWe readapt every day, according to our guests.\u201d<\/p>\n What are a few of your favourite specialty shops in the French capital?<\/strong> Where do you like to dine?<\/strong> Chefs often have to eat after hours. What\u2019s your go-to late-night spot?<\/strong> A new generation of chefs are opening bistros in different neighbourhoods all over the city, and I love finding new spots. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n What would be your ideal day in Paris?<\/strong> What are your favourite places within George V itself?<\/strong> What should every guest know about dining at Le Cinq?<\/strong> George V has beautiful art deco bones and warm, sophisticated interiors, complemented by a feature we\u2019re willing to bet you\u2019ll never forget: the flowers. Over 12,000 stems are delivered to the Hotel every week, each one a potential brushstroke in Artistic Director Jeff Leatham\u2019s arrangements. His pieces \u2013 tightly bound in vases, flowing romantically from sculptures, arrestingly monochromatic or awash with colour \u2013 are living works of art. And while his most prominent arrangements change monthly in the Hotel\u2019s marble lobby, he\u2019s also behind more than 150 bouquets in its public spaces, suites and restaurants.<\/p>\n What\u2019s the best garden or public green space in Paris?<\/strong> Where do you seek artistic inspiration?<\/strong> If you could greet every George V guest personally, what would you want to tell them about the Hotel?<\/strong> After studying law and economics at Sorbonne University in Paris, Marine Sternbach rose through the ranks of the hospitality industry, working in restaurants and hotels (Plaza Ath\u00e9n\u00e9e<\/a> and Le Meurice<\/a>, among others) before assuming a Guest Relations position at George V. \u201cI am constantly impressed by the quality and skills of the people I work with,\u201d she says. \u201cEvery day we do our best to serve guests in the same way we would serve our family.\u201d<\/p>\n What cultural institutions should be on every traveller\u2019s Paris itinerary?<\/strong> You can order a cup of afternoon tea on the restaurant\u2019s terrace and look out over the water to see the intricate architecture of Notre-Dame. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Where do you go for the best city views?<\/strong> What\u2019s the best place for a celebratory dinner?<\/strong> What shops shouldn\u2019t be missed when in Paris?<\/strong> What\u2019s one of your favourite places within George V?<\/strong> What should every guest know about the Hotel?<\/strong>Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"Christian](\"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/christian-le-squer-market.jpg\")
<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nChristian Le Squer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Executive Chef, Le Cinq<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nHere in Paris, you can count on artisanship in every culinary craft or trade. As a Breton, it\u2019s important for me to eat fish at least twice a week, so at Passy Covered Market I always stop by and see Christophe, my favourite fishmonger. As for cheese, I make a habit of going to Aux Bons Fromages, located on rue de la Pompe in the sixteenth arrondissement. When I want a good pastry, I think of chefs Pierre Herm\u00e9, Christophe Michalak and Cyril Lignac, among others. We are lucky to have such wonderful pastry chefs in Paris.<\/p>\n
\nA new generation of chefs are opening bistros in different neighbourhoods all over the city, and I love finding new spots. Located in the fifteenth arrondissement, Beurre Noisette<\/a> by Chef Thierry Blanqui is one recent favourite for its contemporary take on traditional Auvergne-inspired cuisine.<\/p>\n
\nI like Harry\u2019s Bar<\/a>, a classic Parisian watering hole with wood-panelled interiors, for its late-night ambience.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Christian](\"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/christian-perfect-day-market.jpg\")
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\nI\u2019d start the day with a swim before having lunch at a restaurant with a terrace. After a nap, I\u2019d go shopping in the historic Le Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Pr\u00e9s neighbourhoods. Finally, I\u2019d dine in a little restaurant that\u2019s new to me, one where I don\u2019t have a reservation. This way, I keep discovering Paris.<\/p>\n
\nMy favourite place in the Hotel would have to be my office, a lab for researching foods and flavours. And it\u2019s hard to beat the Hotel\u2019s rooftop for its incredible city views. Then, of course, there\u2019s the dining room at Le Cinq. I always stop by to breathe in the atmosphere and chat with our guests.<\/p>\n
\nMy cuisine is an important cultural experience at George V. It speaks to an of-the-moment culinary movement that \u2013 just like the work of a perfumer or a fashion designer \u2013 truly represents the French art de vivre<\/em>, or lifestyle.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Jeff](\"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/jeff-leatham-intro-tower.jpg\")
<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nJeff Leatham<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Artistic Director<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nThe Tuileries Palace is lovely, as is the Jardin du Luxembourg. And I often go running up to the Sacr\u00e9-Coeur. Paris is just a beautiful place.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Jeff](\"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/jeff-leatham-balcony.jpg\")
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\nMy inspiration isn\u2019t so much from a single place or person as much as a collection of who I am. A lot of the things I find truly inspiring are in movies, music, art and architecture.<\/p>\n
\nMy favourite thing about George V is the spirit and soul of the Hotel. There\u2019s so much talent and history here. It\u2019s a sensory overload of sorts in terms of history, food, flowers \u2013 everything. I\u2019ve travelled the whole world, and there\u2019s no place like it.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Marine](\"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/marine-guest-services.jpg\")
<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nMarine Sternbach<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Guest Relations Manager<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nMy favourite Parisian monument is the Grand Palais<\/a>. It\u2019s not only a remarkable museum but also a lively cultural centre that hosts everything from fashion shows and art fairs to outdoor films and food festivals, all under its glass roof. I also recommend a stroll through the Parc de Bagatelle. Here, spectacular roses, many named for famous actors or singers, grow in abundance. And in the spring, peacocks walk among the visitors, fanning their tails.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nThe roof of the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA)<\/a>, in the fifth arrondissement along the Seine. You can order a cup of afternoon tea on the restaurant\u2019s terrace and look out over the water to see the intricate architecture of Notre-Dame<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nMy husband and I recently had a romantic dinner at Papillon<\/a>, a modern bistro. Chef Christophe Saintagne was a disciple of Alain Ducasse and ran the kitchens of the Plaza Ath\u00e9n\u00e9e and Le Meurice for many years. Dishes such as grilled mackerel with olives and citrus, or gnocchi with shellfish and horseradish, are surprising, flavourful and balanced.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"La](\"https:\/\/www.fourseasons.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/marine-la-seine-notre-dame.jpg\")
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\nI love Le Bon March\u00e9, located on the Left Bank, which was the city\u2019s first modern department store when it originally opened in 1838. To me, it symbolizes the true Parisian shopping experience because it carries a choice selection of designers, many of whom aren\u2019t very well known to mainstream shoppers. Even if you don\u2019t buy anything, it\u2019s a wonderful place to stroll among the stalls and discover the latest trends in fashion. My other go-to shop is Morenita<\/a>, located in the Batignolles neighbourhood. Not only does it have lovely furnishings \u2013 I outfitted my entire apartment here \u2013 but also lovely gifts such candles, vases and jewellery.<\/p>\n
\nThe Penthouse Suite.<\/a> The view from the terrace is one of a kind; it\u2019s a place where you can sit in the evening and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle, framed by millions of other lights. I was born in Paris and have lived here all my life, and I still find it magical.<\/p>\n
\nWe are the only palace hotel in Europe with a collection of five Michelin stars. Our restaurants each have their own identity and are a testimony to our team\u2019s savoir faire.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n