Feed your mind

If you’re short on time, get a taste for the city with a visit to two small galleries nearby in Tulieries Garden. The impressionist Musée de l’Orangerie, showcases panels of Monet’s Water Lilies, while the contemporary photography museum Jeu de Paume shows work by both French and international artists. Nearby in Le Marais district, the Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano-designed iconic Centre Pompidou is one of the world’s most characterful galleries. Equally recommended are the contemporary art temple of the Palais de Tokyo and the indigenous art of the musée de quai Branly, both of which are fairly close to the Eiffel Tower, while Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton is located in the Bois de Boulogne.

Shop like a local

Paris isn’t known as the world’s fashion capital for nothing, and whether it’s boutiques or brands, Mandarin Oriental guests couldn’t be better located to shop for something chic. Fashion houses Alexander McQueen and Balmain sit opposite the hotel on the Rue Saint-Honoré. Chanel’s flagship store, with its incredible sweeping staircase, is nearby on Rue Cambon and a little further afield, Boulevard Haussmann is home to beloved department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

See some sights

The spectacular Beaux-Arts building of the Palais Garnier, home to the Paris Opera, is just a short walk away from Mandarin Oriental, Paris, so if you’re in town for a few days, browse its packed programme of ballet and classical music. Meanwhile, the buzzing medieval district of Le Marais, with its cobbled lanes full of crêperies and pavement cafés, is brimming with bohemian charm. Make time to visit the oldest square in Paris – Place des Vosges. (Victor Hugo wrote Les Misérables at number six.) If you’ve got time to go further afield, the up-and-coming area around the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin is peppered with boutiques. For parks, take a stroll around the regal Jardin du Luxembourg with tree-lined promenades, rolling lawns and classical statues.

Toast your arrival

Sip a cocktail in the lush foliage of the terrace of Bar 8 at Mandarin Oriental, Paris. The Once Upon a Time…Paris is a mix of Roederer Champagne, Chambord, Martell VSOP Cognac and Tobacco Liquor.

Dine in style 

The two Michelin-starred Sur Mesure by Thierry Marx draws guests and locals alike to dine at the hotel. A white canvas of a restaurant artfully showcases Marx’s haute cuisine. Quintessentially French, Mandarin Oriental, Paris also has its own patisserie serving delicious, fresh concoctions daily. And where could be more appropriate to try a choux bun than on Rue Saint-Honoré, the patron saint of bakers?