At Le Royal Monceau—Raffles Paris, Cyril Thurier Josse draws on 15 years as a concierge to guide visitors to the best sights, activities and meals in the French capital. Here he offers some expert tips for business travelers to the City of Light.
What are your top restaurant recommendations for a business lunch or dinner?
“Chiberta by celebrity chef Guy Savoy (3 Rue Arsène Houssaye; Ph: +33 (0) 1 53 53 42 00) offers Michelin-starred cuisine and a quiet atmosphere only a few steps from the Champs-Elysées. (President Obama loved it!) Rech (62 Avenue des Ternes, Ph: +33 (0) 1 58 00 22 03) is a very good fish restaurant that offers only in-season seafood. It traces its roots to 1925.”
What’s something that surprises guests about your hotel?
“Both our 99-seat private movie theater and our La Librairie des Arts bookstore, with more than 700 titles and objects by artists and architects, are unexpected delights for our guests.”
If business travelers only have a few hours for leisure, what must they see?
“A 90-minute boat trip on the Seine offers visitors a different view of Paris and our monuments. It’s a scenic and relaxing way to see the city.”
What’s the best option for outdoor exercise in your city?
“Le Parc Monceau, near our hotel, dates back to the 17th century. Its marble statues represent major writers and musicians such as Guy de Maupassant, Alfred de Musset and Frédéric Chopin. A large pond in the middle is very charming, and there are paths for walking or jogging.”
Business know-how
Concierge Cyril Thurier Josse’s top tips for getting business right in Paris:
Tip 1: Business communications and meetings are fairly formal; you’ll need an appointment, and make sure to arrive on time.
Tip 2: Be prepared to have long business lunch; it is the way of discussing business in France.
Tip 3: Negotiations are often concluded outside the office.
