A little prospect with a little pizzazz

A piece of glamour I wanted to share, since soon we'll hopefully be travelling again!

Hearing my boss's reference this week about the 'champagne-table dancing 1920's' era, made me think back to my well-before-covid family visit to the magical Maxim's in Paris.

A wonderful place, packed with history and decor, better than an immersive Gatsby night (although speculative as I haven't experienced the latter yet), that as soon as you step through the door, pulls you right in the ambiance of those iconic times! Hoping the venue will soon be accessible again, my Paris-hopping butt wildly recommends the visit, as warm memories stuck with me over time. To shortly depict it, entering the place you'll hit a very vintage ticket booth giving you the information about the guided tour rendez-vous as you cannot wander in there alone. We were lucky to be part of a small group of four and to get a guide who was very open to any question we had or form we wanted the tour to take. When the time came, walking up the grand wood-carved and forged iron art nouveau stairs, I remember a very vivid smell of cold cigarette butts. At the time it was still used as a nightclub, which didn't disturb me as on the contrary it gave us a relatively realistic sense of what it could have smelled like then... an old style augmented reality if you will. Wandering through the venue you'll get to see an interesting collection of vintage pictures of festive occasions, witnessing all the elite personalities it attracted and how they enjoyed these bubbly nights. Cocteau, Mistinguette, Tristan Bernard, Marcel Proust, and later on Onassis, Jackie Kennedy, la Callas to name a few, all used to hang out within these majestic walls. Further on you'll get to see the salons, the recreated courtesan private appartment, its boudoir-feel bedroom and the impressive reception rooms and restaurant. Last but not least, the collection that was enhanced by the late Pierre Cardin, when he acquired the property, includes a beautiful selection of art nouveau pieces, from furniture to ornaments and even a few gowns. So if like me you are a fan of the late 19th-early 20th century, and you've already experienced all the main Parisian Museums and landmarks, I would really encourage you to take this top-grade tour when next in Paris, as it truly is quite breathtaking.

And since it's only the most famous restaurant on earth, you might want to finish off your visit with a macaroon. Or ignore it and go for just a short walk down the street to maison Ladurée, if you can handle the queuing. Cheers to post-covid tourism!