An insider’s guide to Paris, from the city's newest designer hotel

So we’ve got the inside scoop from Kimberley Cohen, the co-founder and artistic director of Maisons Pariente. Cohen spent her early childhood in Paris and now lives in the city. On 18 September she will open the brand’s fourth property, and its first in Paris, Le Grand Mazarin. 

The 61-key, five-star property is located at the corner of Rue des Archives and Rue de la Verrerie, in the heart of the Marais district. 

Tell us why you love Paris

Paris is the most beautiful and romantic city in the world, and while I have travelled to more than 60 countries, the Parisian food and exciting fashion are partly what makes the city so unforgettable. I love to walk around and get lost in the small alleys, always discovering hidden gems, particularly in Le Marais.

Which bakery always hits the spot, and what goodies do you recommend?

I love Babka Zana, which is a 10-minute walk to our new hotel Le Grand Mazarin. They make the greatest and most comforting chocolate brioche. I would recommend the Babka chocolate and hazelnut roll. Also Carette on Place des Vosges is always a good idea if you are looking for more traditional French pastries as well as Le Loir Dans La Theiere for traditional pastries.

And which bars are impressing you?

At Le Grand Mazarin I love Le Cabaret and Le Bar at Le Mazarin and nearby La Perle is a more casual choice, but at night it’s nice and trendy. For only drinks I recommend Chez Julien, and for fantastic cocktails make sure to visit Andy Wahloo.

Which new restaurants should visitors book for dinner? 

If you like Japanese cuisine, Hando Parisian Handroll in the 6th district has a great handroll. As well as Cache in the 20th district which has some great seafood. Le Grand Mazarin will also be introducing its new restaurant Boubale, which will offer delicious revisited Eastern European cuisine by Israeli Michelin star chef Assaf Granit. 

Where’s best to escape the crowds? 

I recommend visitors walk on the lower part of Quai de la Seine below Hotel de Ville just before the sun sets. It is quiet and peaceful and somewhere I like to sit with a friend and have a drink. I also suggest Square Georges-Cain behind Musee Carnavalet and Carpenters Workshop Gallery, as I love architecture and seeing all the furniture they carry. Plus, the pool area of our hotel, with its magnificent artistic fresco made by artist Jacques Merle, will make you feel transported, and the whole atmosphere evokes emotions.

Which lesser-known museums and galleries would you suggest?

I’d suggest Maison de Victor Hugo which I adore, as well as The Shoah Memorial, the Foundation Azzedine Alaia and the Palais Galleria which is a fashion museum.

And for those looking to treat themselves, which luxury stores should they visit?

They should definitely head to Rue des Francs-Bourgeois in the bourgeois area, the department stores La Samaritaine and Le Bon Marche, and the little streets in St Germain. I also recommend The Frankie Shop boutique in Le Marais and Merci Paris, which is a trendy three-storey boutique. 

You can arrange trips to normally inaccessible places, could you share some examples?

Absolutely! We can organise a private boat on the Seine for up to 12 guests and take you to Ile St Germain (near Saint-Cloud). It’s an island that you can access only if you are a resident and is very small with incredible houses. You don’t even feel you’re in Paris!