Locals always have the best recommendations, and concierges always have the best connections - so we can’t think of a better resource than La Réserve Paris Assistant Chef Concierge Olivier Bordat. Read on for his favorite places for food, wine, culture, and people watching in the French capital.

La Réserve Paris Assistant Chef Concierge Olivier Bordat

In a city ripe with Palace Hotels, La Réserve Paris manages to feel special. The converted Hausmannian mansion opened its doors in 2015 and immediately established itself as one of the city’s best hotels by offering personalized, attentive service in an intimate atmosphere. Eschewing a formal lobby, the La Réserve Paris team opted for small salons where guests are warmly welcomed as if in a private home. The hotel’s 40 rooms walk a fine line between traditional and contemporary, with bedrooms outfitted in rich velvets and toiles, and bathrooms coated in sleek marble and shiny chrome. La Réserve Paris sits at the foot of the Champs Elysées and Place de la Concorde, but its legendary library bar and three Michelin star restaurant Le Gabriel give guests plausible reason to stay on property.

Checking into the hotel feels like staying at the home of your most fabulous friend, and that combination of taste and trust extends naturally to the on-property team. At the heart of this experience is Assistant Chef Concierge Olivier. His insider knowledge and personal recommendations transform a visit to La Réserve Paris into a curated journey through the city's most charming and authentic spots. Olivier has been part of the La Réserve Paris team for more than seven years, and deep affection for the City of Light ensures that every guest's experience is memorable.

Olivier's career began in 1989 at the Residence Maxim's de Paris as a Groom, Bellboy, Porter, and Valet during his school breaks. Next was a stint at Méridien Montparnasse/Pullman Montparnasse, where he ascended from Bellboy to Concierge Assistant and, ultimately, Concierge. In 2017, Olivier joined La Réserve Paris, where he has become a fixture. We chatted with Olivier about his favorites, from musts for first-timers to local haunts that are tucked off the tourist track. Read on for his expert recommendations and how he’d spend his perfect Parisian day.

A Perfect Day in Paris with Olivier

Imagine a day in Paris with Olivier as a recipe: A healthy helping of art, a dash of history, and a generous pour of wine, served with a side of pétanque, pastries, and picture-perfect views of the Eiffel Tower's golden glow.

Begin your morning with Parisian pastries and an espresso at the picturesque Hotel du Nord, savoring the views of the Canal St-Martin. Energize yourself with a run along the Quai de l'Arsenal, and then cool down with a stroll by the Seine. For a glimpse into local life, visit the Saxe food market, then unwind with a pre-lunch aperitif at Bistro St-Dominique, where you can admire the historic Fontaine du Gros Caillou. As midday approaches, immerse yourself in history at Café Max, a hidden gem that once played a significant role in the French Resistance.

Art lovers will find joy at the Musée d'Art Moderne, where the permanent collection includes works by Vlaminck, Derain, Duchamp, Braque, Matisse, and Picasso, followed by a scenic bike ride along Daumesnil Avenue to discover contemporary art and crafts in the district's vibrant ateliers.

No day is complete without indulging in a treat from Le Biscuit Alain Ducasse, before heading to Jardin de L'Arsenal for a friendly game of pétanque. As the sun sets, toast to the day's adventures with wine and tapas at the lively Frenchie Wine Bar, then head across the street to savor an Italian feast at L'Altro Frenchie, the newest outpost from Gregory Marchand, which opened in April. Conclude the evening with a cocktail on the outdoor terrace of Les Ombres with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

Olivier's Must-Sees in Paris

For those visiting Paris for the first time, Olivier suggests beginning with the Eiffel Tower, the city's most iconic symbol, initially built for the 1900 World’s Fair. A visit to the Louvre Museum is equally essential; once a royal palace, it now stands as the world's largest art museum, housing a treasure trove of masterpieces. The Musée d'Orsay, a former Beaux-Arts train station, offers an unparalleled collection of Impressionist art, making it a cultural must-see.

But beyond the classics, Olivier also suggests exploring Paris' hidden gems, such as the Hôtel de Bourrienne, with its meticulously preserved Directory-era interiors, and the Musée Gustave Moreau, where time seems to stand still in this 19th-century artist's atelier. For an authentic Parisian experience, wander through the bohemian Les Batignolles neighborhood, or the bustling Marché d'Aligre, where the local atmosphere is as rich as the market's offerings.

One of the best parts of a trip to Paris is the treats, and Olivier is a big fan of pastries from Stohrer, the city's oldest pastry shop, and savoring the exquisite creations of Jacques Genin, whose Paris-Brest is a true masterpiece. For a quintessential Parisian dining experience, visit Les Marches, where tradition meets flavor, or immerse yourself in the world of wine at Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, a haven for oenophiles. For those in search of unique finds, explore the timeless elegance of Bourrienne Paris X, where the white shirt is reimagined as a canvas of creativity, or step into the historic Officine Universelle Buly, where centuries-old beauty formulas are presented in a setting of architectural splendor.

Paris is a city that merits infinite return visits, and where the variety and depth of cultural and culinary “musts” can overwhelm even the most seasoned and ambitious visitor. Our favorite way to experience it is at a leisurely pace, incorporating recommendations from expert locals like Olivier with return stops at nostalgic favorites. And ideally, coming back at least once a year to dive even deeper.

More of Olivier’s Favorites

Art Galleries

· Viaduc des Arts: An old Bastille viaduct, built in the mid-19th century to carry the Paris/Bastille-Varenne railway line. Opened in 1859, this line was closed down a century later and replaced by the current express suburb line train. In the early 1980s, Paris City Council decided to restore this place and dedicate the vaults to arts and crafts. Since then, the site has expanded to include numerous workshops and shops dedicated to the arts from contemporary craftsmen and women who offer their latest talents through fashion, decoration, culture, jewellery, crafts, and more.

· Musée Jacquemart André: Beautiful private art collection with the treasures of a couple of collectors – works by Fragonard, Rembrandt, Botticelli…displayed in a sumptuous mansion dating from the Second Empire.

Parks

· Le parc des Buttes-Chaumont: One of the biggest and oldest green spaces in Paris, measuring 25 hectares. Its construction on quarries explains its impressive steepness and change in levels and heights.

· Parc Monceau: Settled in the 17th century, this is one of the most elegant gardens in Paris, full of surprises: Statues, a Renaissance arcade from the former Hôtel de Ville de Paris, spectacular trees, a wide variety of birds, and a large pond.

Cafes and Bistrots

· Les Papilles: Selling wines and spirits, fine groceries, and regional product tasting, this foodie spot features a unique daily menu called 'Return from the Market,' allowing you to taste regional products.

Wine Bars

· Freddy's: A narrow bar with lots of stone and hardwood flooring keeps Saint-Germain-des-Prés residents happy with delightful dishes prepared by chefs Eric Trochon and Hitoshi Minatani. There are 200 different wines to choose from: a Muscadet from the Domaine de la Pépière, a Tours Cabernet-franc from Nicolas Grobois, Traboules… Along with Deck & Donohue beer on tap.

Seasonal Events

· Paris Art Basel: In Autumn, the modern and contemporary art fair takes place in the gorgeous Grand Palais. The exhibition offers a showcase for the best in art, firmly rooted in the French capital and its cultural scene.

· Bastille Day Fireworks: The anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, major event of the French Revolution. A military parade is held on the Champs-Élysées in front of the President of France, along with other French officials and foreign guests, followed by a stunning fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower.

· Fête de la Musique: In order to celebrate the first day of the summer, Fête de la Musique takes place in the whole city, with street performers from early evening to dawn.

Industry Insider: The City of Light with La Réserve Paris Concierge Olivier Bordat