“Every street, every stone, seemed to be only for us. We were alone on earth, in Paris in August “, Charles Aznavour, French singer

As in the song and film “Paris in August”, Umbert wants you to enjoy Paris and the charm of the “City of Lights”.

Not everything is closed, and above all everything is accessible !

Umbert enjoys terraces, gardens, a boat on the Seine and a motorcycle adventure …

When travelling to Paris Umbert recommends the travel guid Lonely Planet Paris. He likes it because it gives you a lo of details about the culture, monuments, maps, and other cool spots.You can buy it directly from link.

Day 1

Check-in

Do you know why 1,900 red geraniums decorate the front of the hotel ? This is the testimony of the love story between Jean Gabin and Marlène Dietrich. The Plaza is a haute couture hotel where luxury is in the details, and not in extravagance. The hotel is a flower paradise in spring and summer.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée 25 avenue Montaigne 75008 Paris

Etiquette : if you have already stayed at an hotel, you can ask by booking the room number that you like so much.

Brunch 14:00-16:00 

Umbert enjoys the terrace and beautiful people on the famous Avenue Montaigne. An ideal moment to let time slip between friends, and sharing an excellent bottle of fresh rosé wine.

L’ Avenue 41 avenue Montaigne 75008 Paris

Etiquette : a man always asks his female guest if the choice of wine suits her.

Shopping 16:00-18:00

A little tipsy, Umbert wanders along Avenue Montaigne, looking for a unique piece in haute couture boutiques.

Dior : the famous haute-couture shop presents a men’s collection with sleek and young design. Christian Dior said : “Real elegance is everywhere, especially in what is not visible”.  Dior Homme 24 rue Francois 1er 75008 Paris

Yves Saint Laurent : The Saint Laurent look remains timeless from costume to shoes. Umbert admires the decoration of the shop reminiscent of the “Art Deco” style. Yves Saint Laurent 53 avenue Montaigne 75008 Paris

Etiquette : if you drop a clothe, it should be picked up unless the seller is near you and does.

St Dupont : Umbert chooses Marilyn Monroe’s favorite lighter, Jackie Kennedy, Humphrey Bogart, and a fountain pen to rediscover the taste and chic of writing. St Dupont 58 avenue Montaigne 75008 Paris

Vuarnet : Umbert has tried Mick Jagger’s 02 mount, the 06 worn by Alain Delon, and Daniel Craig’s “Glacier” model in “Specter”.  He chose the 03 model created in 1960 and worn by Jeff Bridges in the movie The Big Lebowski. Vuarnet 28 rue Boissy d’Anglas 75008 Paris

Caron : Umbert now enters the sacred world of Caron perfumes. The perfume flows from crystal fountains. In 1934 was born the mythical “For a Man” and the choice is difficult : it will be “The 3rd Man” more racy. Caron 23 rue François 1er 75008 Paris

Etiquette : knowing how to perfume is an art. A perfume is put on the wrists and in the hollow of the elbows, to keep all of its aroma.

Hairdresser 18:00-19:00

Cercle Marc Delacre : Umbert goes to his fetish care center for a moment of relaxation that includes cutting, shaving and facials.

Cercle Marc Delacre 17 avenue George V 75008 Paris

Etiquette : let the hairdresser create for you, or be precise on your desires, he will accept your choice.

Dinner 21:00 – 23:00

The garden and the terrace of the Hotel Bristol are very green, with an excellent French cuisine. Umbert follows the men’s dress code recommended by the management : smart and casual outfit, mandatory jacket, tie not mandatory but preferable. For a gift : a tea set for two from the unique “Histoire Naturelle” collection of birds and butterflies hand painted on Limoges porcelain.

L’Epicure, Hôtel Le Bristol 112 rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré 75008 Paris

Etiquette : a linen jacket is ideal for this restaurant in the summer. To be even more chic, choose a printed suit pocket, be careful pocket and tie must be different.

Cocktail 23:00 

A splendid view, the calm of the Kleber Avenue in August, Umbert joins friends on the rooftop of the Peninsula Hotel, for a tasting of the cocktail menu and lots of laughs.

The Península 19 avenue Kleber 75116 Paris

Etiquette : if the choice of the cocktail is difficult, ask the waiter or tell the bartender to compose it according to what you like.

Day 2

Coffee & Croissants 10:00 – 11:00

The freshness of the interior garden of the Plaza Athenee hotel is so pleasant in the summer … Umbert decides to have a quiet breakfast while browsing through the latest fashion magazines.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée 25 avenue Montaigne 75008 Paris

Etiquette : you can cut the croissants in half, spread a portion of butter, jam, honey as and from the tip.

Exhibition 12:00 – 14:00

The exhibition “In the Tune with the World” follows two complementary paths : “Man in the universe of life” (Humans in the universal living) & the second plunges the viewer into the world of Japanese artist : Takashi Murakami.

Au diapason du monde, Fondation Louis Vuitton 8 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi 75116 Paris (until august 27th 2018)

Etiquette : when entering the different rooms, say hello to the guards, but do not ask them to explain the works, it’s not their job.

Brunch 14:00-16:00

Umbert chooses to have a quick lunch on the spot, admiring the greenery of the Jardin D’Acclimatation.

Fondation Louis Vuitton 8 avenue du Mahatma Gandhi 75116 Paris

Etiquette : The bread is not eaten before the first course is served, even if you are very hungry !

City boat tour 16:00-19:00

Unexpected moment, Umbert joins his friends Diane and Emma for a tour on the mythical Riva boat of the 1960s, to discover Paris from the Seine : champagne on board !!!

Paris Luxury Boat, contact Laurence laurence@parisluxuryboat.com ( 06 60 16 00 79)

Etiquette : there is an aperitif on the boat : do not throw anything in the Seine, it’s good to preserve our planet.

Dinner 21:00 until late …

Tonight will be a festive dinner with all Umbert friends remained in Paris. To continue the evening, they will enjoy cocktails at the bar L’Herbarium on the roof-top. All the charm of the roofs of Paris.

Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers 243 rue Saint Martin 75003 Paris 

City moto tour 13:00-16:00

Umbert wants to enjoy the summer and chooses a very original experience to visit Paris, its history and its secrets. How ? Equipped with a vintage helmet, it takes place on board in an authentic sidecar driven by a Gentleman Sider, after choosing the formula that suits him.

Retro-tour 

Etiquette : know how to listen to the explanations of the guide, do not cut the word especially by saying “me I …”

High tea 17:00 

The weekend ends in his favorite place in Paris. Ideal time before taking the plane, the Ritz Hotel terrace. “The Ritz is the ultimate step before paradise,” said E. Hemingway. French Tea Time, in the luxurious setting of this amazing place. Madeleines, a typical French pastry, served before the Melba Peach, and the tray of 3 floors filled with old-fashioned biscuits. Not to mention the “exceptional tea”. Advance reservations required.

Summer is ending and already the images and emotions are jostling … September will be rich in discoveries and events, Umbert will make you love the beginning of autumn in Paris.

As a bonus, Umbert offers you the first chapter of his French Etiquette training when you register for this Blog. 

In the meantime, to receive upcoming videos, podcasts, new articles, or all of this regularly updated training, subscribe to the YouTube channel, podcasts on iTunes or directly on this Blog.

Bon voyage !

Umbert de Paris

« Paris is the capital of divine temptations », « Paris est la capitale des divines tentations » Zoé Valdés Romancière

Umbert returns from the CANNES festival, the largest film event in the world. The stars, in famous designer dresses, have walked the famous red carpet behind Cate Blanchett president of the jury.

Umbert’s grandparents were on the same steps in March 1954, while Jean Cocteau was president of the jury.

Her grandmother in a long black dress, silver bodice, her grandfather in gala dress and white gloves.

The magic of Cannes is always present, the emotions too …

Umbert shares with you his June Week-end in Paris, and helps you discover the newest and very chic hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, hairdressers, shows and exhibitions in the City of Lights, as well as his French étiquette advices.

When travelling to Paris Umbert recommends the travel guid Lonely Planet Paris. He likes it because it gives you a lo of details about the culture, monuments, maps, and other cool spots.You can buy it directly from link.

Day 1

Check-in

1910, in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, was inaugurated the hotel Lutetia which offers to Parisian its magnificent facades Art Nouveau. The Lutetia will become the cultural center of the left bank, not to mention the proximity of the first department store “Au Bon Marché”. In 1930, the intellectuals were there : Hemingway, Saint Exupéry, Beckett, they made this place the center of the literature in Paris. 1950 : the jazz years give a new vibe. 2018 : after 4 years of renovation, the magic is still alive, the palace is reborned and Umbert is one of the first guests to stay in its sumptuous rooms. Hôtel Lutetia 45 boulevard Raspail 75006 Paris

Etiquette: if you arrive or return late to the hotel, 
customers are already sleeping:

- Do not talk with your friends in the hallway

- Do not slam the doors

- Lower the sound of the TV.

Brunch 14:00-16:00 

To escape, during lunch, the agitation of the Boulevard Saint-Germain, Umbert likes the interior courtyard of Ralph’s, where the water fountain murmurs. It is a parenthesis of elegance and refinement. Inside, a cozy atmosphere, an opulent Ralph Lauren decoration, very comfortable, a background of Sinatra music, remember the time of the Oak Room at the Plaza in New York. Umbert recommends lobsters, crab cakes or Saint Germain burger, while tasting selected wines. Ralph’s 173 boulevard Saint Germain 75006 Paris

Etiquette : enter and wait for the butler to place you.

Shops & hairdresser 16:00-19:00

“The cathedral of modern commerce” already wrote Emile Zola about this first store, founded in 1838. Umbert starts a shopping session and discovers the 100% French brands that Parisian loves :

• Commune de Paris 1871 : a strong identity for this brand dedicated to the new dandy, sophisticated and a little insolent.

• Balibaris : casual-chic trend, clean design, easy to wear.

• Common Projects : stylish shoes and always chic.

• Isabelle Marant : exclusives for man from the world famous designer for Le Bon Marché.

• Maison Margelia : a casual-chic line that Umbert will wear for sport.

• Guerlain : Umbert has his own perfume custom made. An exclusivity at Le Bon Marché : choose your fragrance, the color of the bottle, its size, the color of the engraving, as well as the ribbon. As a gift a travel bottle. Umbert recommends the perfume “Voyou D’Arsène Lupin”.

– Umbert takes advantage of the presence of the polisher to refurbish his « Richelieu ». Only shoe polishers of Paris have the art of maintaining with quality products.

Umbert takes the opportunity to go to the barber and hairdresser La Shaperie . It begins with the “Bullfrog” beard oil treatment, and the “Triumph and Disaster” moisturizer, which is an exceptional product.

Le Bon Marché 24 rue de Sèvres 75007 Paris

Leaving Le Bon Marché Umbert goes towards the shops of Saint Germain-des-Prés, and particularly :

Fusalp : in 1952, the Fusalp brand launched its ski outfits, highlighting the French elegance, with a sleek, slender, yet sporty line. Fusalp will be a partner of the French Olympic Ski Team from 1964 to 1972. The summer 2018 men collection, whose waterproof material has just been created in collaboration with the NASA, goes from light jackets to polos, and stays in the tradition of casual-chic style. Fusalp 155 bd Saint Germain 75006 Paris

L’Egoïste : created in front of the Atlantic Ocean, these clothes have a quirky chic design, and the “preppy” style of France west coast. Boutique Bernardin 9 rue des 4 Vents 75006 Paris

Etiquette : before entering a shop, hold the door to people coming out.

Dinner 21:00 – 23:00

In 2015, Hélène Darroze is honored “World’s Best Woman Leader” in the « World’s best” ranking. For her, cooking is a family affair, Hélène Darroze being the 4th generation of restaurateurs. She selects products from France south west with care. Umbert loves the oysters, the Kristal caviar, the southwest foie gras, the Landes asparagus and the lobsters from Britany. At the end, he savored the vintage Armagnacs preserved by the family. La Salle à Manger Hélène Darroze 4 rue D’Assas 75006 Paris

Etiquette : the towel should not be tied around the 
neck, shirt or belt. It must stay on your knees, except to wipe your lips before drinking, so the glass is not dirty.

Cocktail 23:00 

A cozy decor, with brick-walls, a library, which charms the international clientele of Saint-Germain. Umbert loves their cocktails, especially the “Mazarin” specialty with champagne and red berries. Jazz atmosphere on weekdays, and a DJ during Friday and Saturday  from 10pm to 4am, for a clientele of dandies and pretty girls. Prescription Cocktail Club 23 rue Mazarine 75006 Paris

Etiquette : the champagne alone is drunk with great sips, the cocktail is sipped.

Day 2

Coffee & Croissants 10:00 – 11:00

In 1855, the store “Les Deux Magots” becomes a café and keep the same name. « Magot » means “Far East figurine”. On the inside wall are 2 statues depicting Chinese mandarins from the time when the store was selling silk goods. Picasso, André Gide, André Breton will make this place famous. One of the oldest cafes in Paris,  always attracting the world of arts, literature and fashion. Les Deux Magots 6 place Saint Germain des Prés 75006 Paris 

Etiquette : when you drink coffee or tea, do not leave the spoon in the cup. When you're done, put the cup and spoon on the little plate.

Exhibition 11:00 – 14:00

The exhibition not to be missed, thanks to its originality. It’s a revolution ! Can a robot create a piece of art ? What is the place of artificial intelligence in the artistic creation? An interactive tour and thoughts on “Robotic art”. Artists create algorithms and robots, which themselves create the work that is released. The work becomes a spectacle always varied and different, and the artificial intelligence interacts with the environment where the work is created. The exhibition shows us that the human body and its intelligence are already obsolete. Artists & Robots, Le Grand Palais 3 rue du Général Eisenhower 75008 Paris

Etiquette : do not criticize loudly the works if you don’t like them. Say it in a low voice or go out.

Brunch 14:00-16:00

Then Umbert enjoys a delicious sea meal at this fish and seafood bistro, where the cuisine smells the sea and fishing ports. A marine, fresh, chic and Parisian decoration. Bistrot de Marius 6 Avenue George V 75008 Paris 

Etiquette : to eat oysters with elegance, it is necessary to take the shell in the left hand, to unhook the flesh with the oyste fork, to suck it with the water from shell without making noise.

City tour 16:00-19:00 

On a beautiful Parisian day, Umbert decides to walk the streets of Saint Germain, where each address, each angle has a story. He dwells on :

• Saint Germain Church : the oldest church in Paris. 3 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris.

• Le Procope : the oldest café in Paris. Le Procope 13 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 Paris  
• Saint André des Arts street where once lived together poets, little bandits and crowned heads 

• Chanut bookstore : old books specialist. 41 rue Mazarine 75006 Paris

• La Chambre aux Confitures : offers a large choice of homemade jams with local products from France. 20 rue de Buci 75006 Paris

• La Maison des Millésimes : where Umbert selects each season the best Bordeaux shipped directly where he wants them. 173 boulevard Saint Germain 75006 Paris

Etiquette : when visiting a church, please respect the place. It is better to not speak out loudly.

Dinner 19:00 – 20:00

Located right in front of tonight’s theater, Umbert chooses a young and casual place, where he will find small dishes to share with his friends, for a light dinner. Hotel des Grands Boulevards 17 Boulevard Poissonnière 75002 Paris 

Etiquette : do not put elbows on the table while eating.

Show 20:00 – 23:00 

The show is in English. You love Paris but you think that Parisians are … different? You are completely right ! Do you need help to understand Parisians? Do not wait and come to the training approved by more than 500 000 spectators ! Olivier Giraud will teach you everything you need in Paris ! After the show, you’ll act like a real Parisian in every situation encountered during your trip : taxi, metro, restaurant, shop, night club… Enjoy a night out in the heart of Paris surrounded by Parisians and a multicultural audience ! How to become a Parisian in one hour, Théâtre des Nouveautés 24 boulevard Poissonnière 75009 Paris 

Etiquette : in private theaters the tip is 3 to 5 euros.

Cocktail 23:00 

For tonight last drinks, Umbert chooses an address full of history. Jim Morrison, Grace Kelly and Liza Minelli loved this place, which became legendary because of Oscar Wilde, who spent hours there, under the name of Sebastian Melmoth ! Mick Jagger used to share the rounded banquette with his friends. Jonny Depp or John Penn also have their habits. Jane Birkin honors the place with regular visits. Le Bar de L’Hotel 13 rue des Beaux-Arts 75006 Paris 

Etiquette : the fruits in decoration are not to be 
eaten unless they are presented on a skewer.

Day 3

Brunch 13:00 – 15:00

One of the biggest Parisian brunch, served in a lounge that opens on a terrace and an indoor garden. Umbert loves this casual-chic brunch arranged with several buffets : breakfast, cold buffet, hot buffet, barbecue, sweet buffet. Le Fouquet’s 46 Avenue George V 75008 Paris 

Etiquette : to call the staff, say "sir" without speaking too loudly, and without making big gestures.

City tour 15:00 – 17:00

Umbert takes the time for a walk to visit the 8th district. He enters at No. 24 rue Boissy d’Anglas to discover “The Royal Village », a small street created in 1725 that has kept all of its charm.

He then goes outside to the Royale street to visit the Madeleine Church where he can admire the work that began in 1763 and lasted 85 years … because of the political changes. Inside, he admires the monumental organs.

Then he stops at number 3 of the Place de la Madeleine, where the chocolate artist Patrick Roger does amazing chocolate sculptures ! Surprising ! He will bring back a gourmet gift to his friends. Patrick Roger 3 Place de La Madeleine 75008 Paris  

Etiquette : on the sidewalk, the lady is always walking by the wall, and the man on the other side.

High tea 17:00

The “taste of feast”, the tea-time of the palace is a unique tasting moment, taken in the winter garden that opens on the main courtyard. Umbert chooses the menu “Moment of Relaxation” which allows to taste the “Croque Monsieur”, followed by pastries and travel cakes. The Paris-Brest Peanuts is divine ! Among a large selection of teas, the “Pu’er Tonka » is a grand cru, accompanying divine chocolate pastries like Le Lupor. Le Jardin D’Hiver, Hôtel de Crillon 10 Place de la Concorde 75008 Paris 

Etiquette : pastries are served and eaten with a knife and a fork. The biscuits can be soaked with fingers in the coffee, not in the tea. The dessert spoon is used 
to eat fruit pieces.

The summer beginning was charged with emotions for Umbert : culture, sport, visits and gastronomy. Next month he will share with you July great moments …

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Bon voyage !

Umbert de Paris