Run, Don't Walk

Frequent travelers often need to stretch their legs—literally—to keep up their fitness regimen or adjust to a new time zone and climate. If guests arriving at Fauchon l’Hotel want advice on the best jogging paths in the center of Paris, they can ask the hotel’s in-house expert: Jérôme. A dedicated city runner, he knows the routes through the Tuileries Gardens or along the Seine River that provide for the best workout for the eyes as well as the legs and heart. And if guests want company along the way, Jérôme would be delighted to lace up his shoes and join. All they have to do is ask. "Running is a great way to see a city," he says. "Especially this city."

Even the hardiest art lovers can find themselves defeated by the crowds at the major Paris museums. That is particularly so at the Musée d’Orsay (1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur; +33-1-40-49-48-14), where the wealth of its collection and the building’s stunning architectural features make it one of the most-visited sites in the city. Jérôme understands that while some travelers have all the time in the world, others need to make every minute count. For Fauchon’s guests, he has arranged with the curatorial department at the Orsay to set up before-opening or after-hours visits to the museum, including to the workshops where the artworks are restored.

Paris is the city of lovers, and often those lovers return as parents hoping to share their passion for the city with their offspring. But how to find an activity unique to Paris that the whole family will enjoy–one that will produce smiles rather eye-rolls? Seine Avenue (+33-6-60-45-40-96), a private cruise company, is standing by for guests of Fauchon l’Hotel Paris to book small-boat excursions on the Seine River for up to five people at any time of the day or evening–with, of course, a Fauchon-catered meal to be enjoyed on board. Gazing at riverside monuments, discovering gourmet treats, taking selfies that no one else in the world will have–sounds like a happy memory in the making.

The window-shopping begins as soon as the taxi pulls up the Rue Royale into Place de la Madeleine, with rows of shops dedicated to boldface-name designers, luxury boutiques, and small artisanal pop-ups. Fauchon l’Hotel Paris is an ideally located headquarters for fashion-forward travelers–whether on a business trip to Fashion Week or out for a girlfriends’ weekend. To make sure that even repeat visitors find something original to bring home in their luggage or on their backs, Jérôme and his team have developed good relations with the neighborhood’s merchants. Just ask, and a guide will open every door.

It is sometimes easy to forget that Europe’s grand cathedrals are also parish churches. The Eglise de la Madeleine (Place de la Madeleine; +33-1-44-51-69-00) is no exception, and the priest of the church is eager to welcome guests of Fauchon l'Hotel Paris of all faiths at services. And, for hotel guests so wishing, he has also offered to arrange a private ceremony–to celebrate a wedding anniversary or special birthday, commemorate a loved one’s passing, or mark any memorable occasion. “I was so touched by his offer,” Jérôme says. “It’s something he wants to do because we are neighbors. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”