When away from the catwalks the fashionistas can be found at the latest branché (literally, 'plugged in') boutiques, cafés, restaurants, clubs, bars and hotels. Mere mortals may never step foot in a live fashion show, but you can always catch a bit of the electric atmosphere by following in the jet-set's stiletto'd footsteps through Paris!
Where to Stay: The Hôtel de Crillon, Ritz Paris, Hôtel Meurice, and Le Bristol need no introduction. If you can afford to stay in these classic Parisian palace hotels, make sure to book in advance, as they fill to capacity with the beautiful and famous (and their inevitable entourages). Sleek and comfortable, the Montalembert is one of the young and fashionable luxury hotels in the St-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, once a place for Bohemian intellectuals, today home to designer concept stores and boutiques. Nostalgic Parisians and rock stars stay down the road at L'Hôtel, a decadent hotel where Oscar Wilde spent his last days. Some hotels are a world unto themselves where you can sleep, eat and party all night long (or just visit for a digestif if you can't afford the suites). The Plaza Athénée has one of the best designer bars in town, and a restaurant run by superchef Alain Ducasse. Hôtel Costes (239, rue Saint Honoré, 1st Tel: 01 42 44 50 00) is part of the Costes brothers' empire, so trendy that it sells the music compilations played by the world-famous DJs in its bar. Be sure to book lunch here at least once for the people-watching. The Hyatt Regency Paris-Madeleine is in a prime haute couture shopping district, which keeps its restaurant and bar "M" filled with the manicured "locals" until late into the night. Le Pershing Hall, decorated by André Putnam, has a hanging garden in the courtyard where you can dine during sunny days. The bar is an elegant and sophisticated place to pose with a potent cocktail like the June Bug. Less expensive (from about €150), L'Hôtel du Bourg-Tibourg (19 rue Bourg-Tibourg, 4th, Tel: 01 42 78 47 39) is still stylish and well-placed in the party-central Marais. If you're looking for an artistic-bohemian-punk atmosphere at bargain prices, try the Hotel Eldorado (8 rue des Dames, 17th, Tel: 01 45 22 35 21). For rooms under €60, you'll have to content yourself with the "undiscovered" talent and the laid-back courtyard bar.
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