Yvette Lhuillier Warnod on Why Paris is Always a Good Idea

Navigate the City of Light with insider tips from the Paris-based beauty and Tatler friend Yvette Lhuillier-Warnod

What do you love most about your city?

Its sophistication, the beauty of its architecture with so many things to do and visit. Also hands down, the Opera Garnier watching a beautiful ballet.

What are your favourite top restaurants, hotels and bars?

My favourite restaurants are Le Bar de Près in St Germain with Cyril Lignac, George at the George V Hotel with an Italian flair, and Monsieur Dior at the new flagship boutique on Avenue Montaigne. For seafood, try the Giraffe at the Trocadero Langosteria at the newly opened Hotel Cheval Blanc. For hotels, my all-time favourite is The Ritz while a close second is Le Crillon. For bars, do check out the one at Hotel Costes.

For the first time travellers to Paris, what’s a place they shouldn’t miss?

Musée Rodin and its garden.

What’s the best place for shopping?

The Bon Marché department store and the luxury outlet mall in Marne La Vallée, next to Disneyland.

Above Yvette Lhuillier Warnod with daughter, Bianca

What are the best weekend markets?

The outdoor flea market Le Puce Saint Ouen in Clignancourt. For fresh produce, cheeses, flowers, go to Le Marché Président Wilson.

What’s a secret place you can share?

Institut Leonor Greyl on 15 rue Tronchet, Paris 75008. It offers the most incredible hair treatments. Your hair will feel like silk after.

What’s the best time of the year to go to Paris?

Without any doubt, September and October. The weather is still sunny and warm. There are less tourists and many new exhibitions, gallery openings, concerts happening at this time.

How would you describe the people?

They are not the friendliest at first but eventually they warm up to you. A true Parisienne divulges himself in time.

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 21: A general view at the 'Bon Marche' department store on January 21, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/GC Images)

Above PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 21: A general view at the 'Bon Marche' department store on January 21, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/GC Images)

People visit the statues of Rodin exposed at the Garden of the Rodin Museum, in Paris, France, on February 20, 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Daniel Pier/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Above People visit the statues of Rodin exposed at the Garden of the Rodin Museum, in Paris, France, on February 20, 2021 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Daniel Pier/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Where’s the place to go to see and be seen?

Caviar Kaspia.

If you had a weekend trip outside the city, where would you go?

Versailles and book a room at the hotel Grand Contrôle in the Versailles gardens.

What kind of clothes would you pack for Paris?

Comfortable walking shoes, chic coat, beautiful cashmere scarves, a crossbody bag, knee-high boots and evening wear preferably in black.

What’s your most recent discovery about Paris?

The Dior Museum and flagship store on avenue Montaigne.

Above Le Bar des Prés

Above The Equinoxe pastry by Cyril Lignac and Benoît Couvrand

Fill in the blank, Paris is _________.

Romantic.

What’s a local delicacy food that everyone must try?

The pastry chef Cyril Lignac makes the most delicious dessert called Equinoxe. It’s made of light vanilla cream with caramel on a crispy praline biscuit.

Where’s the best place to catch the sunset?

Montmartre, Le Sacré Coeur.

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Yvette Lhuillier Warnod on Why Paris is Always a Good Idea