Nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, L’Hotel is a true cultural treasure. Once home to Oscar Wilde, the hotel’s 20 unique suites and theatrical interiors designed by Jacques Garcia blend Parisian elegance with Wilde’s eccentricity. With dramatically draped four poster beds, Parisienne city scapes and an intimate subterranean hammam, L’Hotel has attracted luminaries from Frank Sinatra to Tilda Swinton with its old-world grandeur.

A short stroll along the Seine leads to Le Voltaire, a beloved institution steeped in history. Occupying the ground floor of Voltaire’s former residence, this family run, ‘secret canteen for artists and academics’ honours French history in its own right. Helmed by Chef Tony Ducroq crafts French classics from sole meunière to profiteroles as timeless as the philosopher’s musings.

The newly minted Art Basel Paris lands at the revamped Grand Palais this Wednesday 16 October. With 195 galleries from 42 countries, curated by Director Clément Delépine, this year’s edition signals a fresh and dynamic evolution. “There’s an intoxicating energy in uniting artists and galleries in this iconic space,” Delépine reflects, highlighting the fair’s expanded vision and its 26% growth in exhibitors.

Up in the clouds casting views across the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre, Hotel Madame Rêve is situated in the city’s historic central post office. Under the direction of Laurent Taïeb, the 82-room hotel dazzles with its fusion of French artistry, from murals to modern design touches that set the tone for contemporary luxury in the city.

This culinary gem, guided by Chef Pierre Touitou, marries quality and minimalism, influenced by his father’s iconic Parisian brand APC. The mise-en-scene menu, featuring current standouts from saffron cuttlefish to barbecued pear, strikes a balance between precise preparation and subtle innovation.

Commemorating the centennial of Breton’s Manifesto, the Pompidou presents a mesmerising 14-part exhibition curated by Didier Ottinger and Marie Sarré. Following a ‘maze-like’ journey featuring works by icons like Dalí, Joan Miró, and Dora Maar, the exhibition weaves together paintings, drawings, photography, and archival film. With a fresh lens on the origins and evolution of the surrealist movement, the show running until 13 January 2025 is not to be missed.

A haven for fashion collectors, The Parisian Vintage offers rare gems like Christian Lacroix surrealist brooches and Courrèges two-piece sets. Curated with an eye for drama and originality, this boutique is a treasure trove for those seeking bold, statement pieces that blend fashion history with avant-garde flair.

Cours de Vosges, nestled in Le Marais, reimagines 16th-century aristocracy through a modernist lens. The hotel’s 12 rooms, brimming with artistic influence from ceramics to sculptures, invoke an intense sensory immersion. Designer duo Yann Le Coadic and Alessandro Scotto channel French history’s drama while weaving in touches of contemporary elegance.

In a 17th-century hôtel particulière, Ogata distills Japanese culture into a refined dining experience. Paris meets Kyoto as Chef Shinichiro Ogata crafts dishes that honor ingredients' purity and a philosophical approach to food. It’s a harmonious melding of art, food, and craft, from red snapper with shiso to ritual tea ceremonies.

Opening 15 October 2024, "Jackson Pollock: The Early Years " explores the American painter’s early career (1934-1947) and cross-cultural influences that steered his iconic style. From Native American art to European avant-gardes, Pollock’s work becomes a rich study of mid-century expressionism. The show is on until 19 January 2025.