My city: A busy day in Paris

Clement Dupoirier
Herbert Smith Freehills, Paris

Paris is a city that captivates visitors from all around the world with its charm and beauty. Known for its stunning architecture, rich history, world-class art, fashion and food, Paris is a destination that has something for everyone. 

To help you make the most of your trip whilst you are here for the IBA Annual Conference, here are some of my local insights and suggestions for 24 hours in the Ville Lumière…

7.00am: Early bird

Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements, or neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character. Strolling the city of Paris is the best way to have insights and discover its hidden gems, from charming cafes and boutiques to architectural masterpieces and stunning views. The Seine river flows through the heart of Paris and is a great place to start your day. A run along the riverbanks – both sides are pedestrianised – is a perfect way to start the day and see some of Paris' highlights whilst working off those croissant calories! You can start at the Eiffel Tower and run east towards the Notre Dame Cathedral via the Louvre, taking in the views of the river and the city's landmarks along the way. Cross the river and circle back on the other side. Another option would be to hire a bike – With over 218 miles of biking paths in Paris including along the river, it’s a great way to see the city.

8:30am: Breakfast of champions

Parisians are seen to eat croissants every morning, but that is not the case. However, if you fancy a sumptuous breakfast, I recommend the historic Hotel Plaza Athénée. This elegant five-star hotel is located in the heart of Paris' prestigious 8th arrondissement and offers a breakfast menu featuring a range of French delicacies such as croissants, pain au chocolat, marmalades etc. The hotel's outdoor terrace also provides stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, making it the perfect spot for a morning meal (weather depending in October…).  

10.00am: Culture vulture

After breakfast, head over to the newly opened La Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection. This contemporary art museum, housed in a stunning 18th-century building originally used as a place to negotiate the trade of grain and other commodities, showcases part of the personal collection of French billionaire Francois Pinault. The collection features work by renowned artists such as Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Cindy Sherman, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. 

12.30pm: Get stuck in

For lunch, stop by the last grand bistro of Paris, Le Griffonnier. A charming Parisian bistro that offers classic French cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. The menu changes regularly, but you can expect to find delicious staples such as oeuf mayonnaise, steak frites, escargots, and crème brûlée. During your lunch, you might grasp bits and pieces of French politics: you are a few metres away from the Elysée Palace and the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

2.30pm: Village vibes

After eating your weight in local cuisine, why not head south to the Rive Gauche for a stroll around the neighbourhood of Saint Germain des Pres, home to literary legends and a plethora of charming cafés. Make a stop at one of Paris' oldest coffee houses, Les Deux Magots, which was once a hub for the city’s intellectual crowd including the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Julia Child and Simone de Beauvoir. Just across the street, you’ll find the oldest church in Paris, l’Eglise de St-Germain-des-Près, which dates back to the 6th century. 

5.00pm: Repos

Head back to your accommodation to get refreshed and ready for the evening. For those who dare, it is also officially 'goûter-time', ie time for an afternoon snack and therefore for an additional croissant (or patisserie) and possibly a hot chocolate at Angelina (you may pick the flagship on rue de Rivoli or the spin-off in the Musée du Luxembourg, so that you can take a walk in this unique garden built around the Senate).

7.00pm: Trendy tipple

Start the evening as you mean to go on! Designed by Philippe Starck, the Royal Monceau hotel is an ideal spot for enjoying a pre-dinner drink. One of the grandest of Parisian hotels, it houses Le Bar Long. This sleek, narrow bar provides an opportunity for face-to-face interaction between bartenders and customers as cocktails are tailored to specific tastes.

8.30pm: ¡Buen provecho!

A short walk away is the Oxte restaurant. A contemporary restaurant which skilfully combines French and Mexican flavours. The menu changes with the seasons but it is above all the sauces and accompaniments of the signature dishes that evolve, like octopus or black pudding. For dessert, avocado is symbolically invited in all its forms (mousse, powder, charcoal, etc.) alongside, for example, lime and Mezcal. For those who would prefer French modern cuisine at its best, walk a few hundred meters more and enjoy fantastic Muria.

11.00pm: Sip back and relax

After a busy day of sightseeing, wind down with an after-dinner drink at the Ritz Hotel. The Ritz Paris is one of Paris's most iconic hotels, and its Bar Hemingway (named after Ernest Hemingway, who was a regular at the Ritz) is a must-visit for anyone looking for a sophisticated after-dinner drink. Alternatively, for rum fans, go straight to Bar 1802 of hotel Monte Cristo: there is no list, because it would be too long with the 1,000+ references; cocktail lovers (rum-based!) will not be disappointed either. 

Disclaimer: These suggestions reflect my own views only.  There is so much more to do and see in Paris that I have no doubt you will enjoy your time in the city. Importantly: do not forget to squeeze in your diaries the Litigation Committee's sessions! Have fun!