With wonderfully original restaurants, trendy hotels, and museums with bold designs, France remains a refreshingly innovative destination, pioneering fashion and trends.
France is already there on the “taste” front. On a cultural and architectural level, new art collections and beautifully stylish locations, both in Paris and elsewhere, are on their way up…
Paris and its stunning restaurants, lounges and bars
Ice Kube Bar, blending hot and cold
http://www.kubehotel.com/
The high-tech and trendy Ice Kube Bar is sheltered by the historic façade of the picturesque Montmartre district. This bar, designed with an "ice" motif, features techno music and vodka cocktails, which help to heat up the atmosphere! It is of a select nature since the maximum capacity is 20 people, and a reservation is mandatory. However, it is possible to reserve the bar for a private function, and its hip character and wonderful design extend to the restaurant and the rooms of the “Forty1” hotel.
Tokyo Eat - modern-art style and designer decor
Tokyo Eat, revolutionary in its aesthetics and design, is situated in a 1930s art deco building and since 2002 has featured an invaluable museum of contemporary art known as le Palais de Tokyo.
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Dans le noir (in the dark), an experience to awaken the senses
http://www.danslenoir.com/
While drinking a cocktail in the lounge area of the bar or while dining in the restaurant, time spent in Dans le noir will unravel into an unusual yet indescribably novel experience. This will all take place in complete darkness and while being served by blind personnel. Since sight cannot be depended upon, this dining experience will awaken the other senses (hearing, smell, taste, and touch) and will allow exceptional cuisine and fine wines to be appreciated in a new way. This concept exists in New-York, London, and Moscow, but remains a firm favorite in Paris -- the so-called City of Lights!
The 1728, steeped in tradition
www.restaurant-1728.com
This combination of tearoom, art gallery and restaurant is designed in the charming authentic style of the 18th century. The townhouse of Mazin-Lafayette, located on the rue d’Anjou, was constructed in 1728 and still retains floors, decor, furniture and paneling of the era as well as the long-lasting imprint of the famous general of La Fayette.
The tasteful musical atmosphere and the service, most appropriate for the classical style of the restaurant, make for a fine balance alongside the light and refined French cuisine and the Oriental tea selection. The owner, who renovated the establishment eight years ago, is a Chinese concert musician.
The Jules Verne, on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower
http://www.lejulesverne-paris.com/
The Jules Verne, a gourmet restaurant in an exceptional location at 125 meters of altitude, overlooks the spectacular city of Paris. This outstanding restaurant, with the highly regarded Alain Ducasse’s hand-picked team in charge, is further enhanced by the elegant touch of a renowned designer and dinner service signed by a distinguished graphic artist.
Sur un arbre perché (perched on a tree) with its quirky style!
http://www.surunarbreperche.com/
Located in the heart of Paris near the Garnier Opera House, this restaurant is originality itself with a cozy atmosphere, charming decor (there are swings but no tree!), a light cuisine and, if desired, a fifteen-minute or hour-long Shiatsu massage! Massage reservations can also be made for couples and can take place at any moment during the soirée!
The George, on the rooftop of the Pompidou Center - Beaubourg Museum
Managed by the renowned Costes brothers (Hotel K, etc.), The George enjoys a spectacularly designed decor, and the famous Exhibition Center delights in numerous works of acclaimed contemporary art.
Maison-Blanche, on the rooftops of Montaigne Avenue
Though it is not a presidential palace, the “White House” is nevertheless a restaurant of exceptional standard, rated number one worldwide in Forbes magazine for its business lunches and dinners. Situated on a rooftop on the Champs-Elysées and alongside the grand fashionable houses and luxury brands of the Triangle d’or, this magnificent establishment is best experienced at night to enjoy the spectacular view.
The Toi, colorful style situated near the Champs-Elysées
Flirting with '70s style, The Toi is undoubtedly a colorful location, yet the trendy velvety feel establishes a fine atmosphere, making it a very enjoyable and relaxing experience!
The Djoon, new style in an-up-and-coming district!
http://www.djoon.fr/
The Djoon, firmly rooted in an up-and-coming district (near the National Library, etc.), enjoys a refined aesthetic and a combination of restaurant-lounge and bar-club. The French cuisine with an oriental touch and the beautiful presentation make it a restaurant well worth visiting.
The Mini-Palais, in an extravagant setting
http://www.minipalais.com/
Ideally located between the Champs-Elysées and the majestic Alexandre III bridge, this combination of restaurant, lounge and bar is also situated inside the magnificent Grand Palace (location of major art exhibitions and the International Trade fair of contemporary art). Furthermore, the cuisine is enjoyable and entertaining and the restaurant possesses a refined interior design and a splendid terrace area.
Le Starcooker
http://www.starcooker.net/
Situated on the avenue of the Garnier Opera House and in the Marais district, the Starcooker enjoys comfortable armchairs, a cozy decor and a photograph exhibition of famous artists and is a prime spot in Paris’ nightlife!
More restaurants, looking further along the river Seine...
The Capitaine Fracasse
http://www.lecapitainefracasse.com/
The Capitaine Fracasse, a restaurant on a boat catering for 250 people, is a recommended a night trip down the Seine -- what a splendid way to enjoy a reasonably priced gastronomic cruise! Furthermore, the chef Martial, having been awarded “best chef of the year” in a prestigious competition, also provides a vegetarian menu.
Le Don Juan II
http://www.yachtsdeparis.fr/en/
The restaurant on board the cruise boat Don Juan II, belonging to one of Paris’ first-class river cruise companies, possesses a cozy and intimate atmosphere with room for only fourteen tables! Furthermore, the cuisine bares the mark of the talented chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, also chef of The Apicius (rated two stars in the Michelin guide book).
Elsewhere in France
L'Auberge angevine, in the Loire Valley
www.auberge-angevine.com
Situated in a deconsecrated 19th-century chapel, L’Auberge Angevine has been converted into a restaurant in a neo-gothic style. This establishment enjoys a tasteful medieval atmosphere and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights the restaurant re-enacts a splendid medieval banquet with troubadours and minstrels for fabulous entertainment! Furthermore, the establishment is reminiscent of the historic treasures and beauties of Anjou (one of the most stunning French fortresses remaining in tact) and the Loire Chateaux...
"Fingerfood" in the trees, near Marseille
http://www.chateaudescreissauds.com/
Fingerfood in the trees is a wonderful summertime restaurant (open between May and September) in a spectacular pine forest setting. The lovely wooden terrace built within the trees and four meters high is the perfect spot for a family or a group of friends (fitting up to approximately 20 people). There is a relaxed countryside feel to the sound of the crickets ,and with picnic and fingerfood-style meals you are in for a real treat!
Dine 3.842 meters high, in l'Aiguille du Midi, above Chamonix
http://www.restaurants-altitude.com/
L’aiguille du Midi is one of Europe’s most picturesque destinations with the alpine skiing capital stretching out to one side and the Mont Blanc on the other. This idyllic spot, situated on the rocky peak, possesses a wonderful restaurant, only open for lunch, and a most amazing panorama.