Les paradis cachés des Champs-Elysées

The hideaway: la Maison du Danemark, recently taken over and entirely relifted. This institution is the must-go trendy Scandinavian address near Etoile. Its interior terrace hides a highly appreciated bucolic Eden—far from urban frenzy.

On the program: happy hour around a cocktail (12 €) and delicious Smørrebrøds, the famous tartines (17 €) in the patio on the brasserie side. For foodies: testing the “new Nordic” cuisine of Andreas Møller, the international rising star at the helm of Copenhague on the terrace. A must.

La Maison du Danemark, 142 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris

The hideaway: slightly left by the wayside, the myth of the Drugstore is back on track. And to ensure its place on the social scene: Tom Dixon, the star of made in London design has imagined a very specific decor, straight from the series Mad Men—copper, marble and stylish cocktails bar. In the kitchen : triple star Eric Frechon creates the buzz.

On the program: show up any time (open non stop from noon to 1pm). The chef imagined a menu worthy of a fantasy filled room service: from the best burger in Paris (18 €) including a sea bass ceviche or finger food to share (tarama of urchins, madeleine with comté cheese, hoummous, avocado toast, from 6 € to 16 €). And let’s not forget the wahou breakfast (24 €), cocktails (17 €) and afternoon tea (21 €). Amazing. Reservation recommended for lunch and dinner.

Le Drugstore, 133 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris

The hideaway: installed under the arcades of the Grand Palais, it is difficult to find a place that is more elegant, charming and majestic than the terrace of the Mini Palais with view on the Petit Palais, the Seine and Pont Alexandre III. Quite simply magical!

On the program: to each their own hour to come hang out in this small corner of paradise. In the afternoon after an exhibition around an ice cream. At happy hour you can sip a cocktail and continue the evening around chic nibbles. It also happens to be the perfect venue for a refined love bird dinner: vitello tonnato (20 €), gnocchis with glazed lemon (19 €), strawberry shortcake (12 €).

Mini Palais, 3 avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris

The hideaway: facing the Grand Palais, this small gem, created for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, provides a confidential aura and remains a real Parisian nugget. First of all, for its absolutely divine collection filled with works of art such as Sunset on the Seine by Monet, the portrait of Sarah Bernhardt and other paintings by Fragonard. But mostly for its heavenly little café in the middle of a tropical garden.

On the program: a pit stop under the palm trees of this outdoor tea salon around a lemonade (3,50 €), an al fresco breakfast, a lunch (quiche salad or salmon club sandwich (12 €) - Caesar salad (15 €) or a tea time signed Lenôtre (9,90 €). In a very unique tropicool ambiance. Cool: no obligation to visit the museum before sitting down on the breezy terrace.

Petit Palais, Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris

The hideaway: up there, perched on the 8^th floor, the roof-terrace of the Marignan Hotel is now accessible for all from 6pm to midnight. A première for the 5 star hotel, that delights 30-year-old Parisiens wishing to see the world from above.

On the program: champagne pools to sip quietly (at 28 €, in can last for a while) with truffle tarama, truffle almonds and house tapas signed Juan Arbelaez, the Colombian noticed in Top Chef. A small piece of advice, call before, just in case the venue is closed for a private party.

Le Rooftop de l’Hôtel Marignan, 12 Rue de Marignan, 75008 Paris

The hideaway: royal! Across from the Elysée, the garden of Pavillon Ledoyen opens its doors to inside-track Parisiennes. The brilliant owner of the place, Yannick Alléno, has decided to annex to his 3-star restaurant a more up-to-date ephemeral, with jazz and bistro prices. A summer dream.

On the program: accessible luxury by Yannick Alléno for lunch or a romantic dinner: squid with aïoli (21 €), salade niçoise (32 €), club sandwich (38 €), green risotto (32 €), strawberry tart (11 €). To be noted: the possibility of improvising a happy hour around a drink (6,50 € for a glass of rosé) with the gals in the evening.

La Terrasse du Cercle, 8 Avenue Dutuit, 75008 Paris

The hideaway: a change of owner and a major lifting, the legendary brasserie has reclaimed the glam’ of its heyday. A big success for Laura Gonzalez, who has dusted off the hangout of night owls, without betraying its identity. Open 24h/24 every day of the year, in case of a last night hunger pang, you will know where to go!

On the program: choucroute of course (23 €) and other local specialties: flammekueche, munster cheese, strudel and Pierre Hermé desserts with of course a nice Riesling wine. Chauvinist but not sectarian, the menu also offers mussels or XXL seafood platters.

L’Alsace, 39 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris

The hideaway: a skip and a hop from the Etoile, this lovely healthy cantina with a shop space propels you straight to an imaginary land. A perfect mix between the bright colours of tropicool Peru and the hygge ambiance of Scandinavia. Can we move in?

On the program: ceviche, poke bowl (16 €), açaï bowl (5,50 €), Swedish meatballs and lots of cakes. Special kudos for the carrot cake (5 €). And since you are there, you will surely go home with a cushion, a wicker basket of a vintage lamp under the arm.

Maison Sibille, 4, rue Arsène Houssaye, 75008 Paris

The hideaway: unusual and super confidential. Don’t let yourself be intimidated by the prestige of the place: even if this Italian restaurant happens to be in the venerable Artcurial auction house, everything has been conceived to make you feel comfortable. Starting with the setting, a warm winter garden located under a superb skylight.

On the program: Italian style refined. Ravioli stuffed with San Daniele, pigeon risotto, house tortellini from Bologna, an authentic tiramisu (lunch menu 32 €). Tops also, the aperitivo between 6pm and 8pm, to enjoy a Spritz with a killer mozzarella. And the brunch served every Sunday (39 €).

Le Caffè Artcurial, 7 Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées Marcel-Dassault, 75008 Paris

The hideaway: right next to the Elysée, here is the most confidential and select 5 star hotel of Paris to rub elbows with American celebs, the first Lady or BHL and Arielle who all come as regulars. In short, lots of beautiful people who enjoy this address where one can come incognito. To see and be seen. That is the statement.  

On the program: whip out your Louboutin and go through the door of this incredible private mansion to settle on the patio around glass of rosé (20 €) or a magical potion prepared by the best (and most good looking) mixologist while snacking on haute couture nibbles: deluxe panini or arancini. Another option: a stylish lunch behind your best looking sunglasses.

La Réserve, 42 avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris