SUMMER / FALL 2024 27
is year, plan to visit Paris. Following
this summer's Olympic crush of tourism,
fall and winter offer a wonderful oppor-
tunity to explore France's capital,
a world-class destination for art, shop-
ping, entertainment, and food.
Paris is divided into 20 arrondisse-
ments, or neighborhoods, that spiral out
and around the River Seine. In Le Pre-
mier, the first arrondissement, you'll find
many of the capital city's attractions. e
Louvre is there, housed in a 16th-century
royal palace, whose vast wings and cor-
ridors host an impressive art collection
stretching from ancient Egyptian artifacts
to the Mona Lisa. Nearby is Sainte-Cha-
pelle, a Gothic-style chapel replete with
glittering 13th-century stained glass
that dazzles rain or shine. e icon-
ic Notre-Dame Cathedral rises a few
blocks away and is slated to reopen this
December. Art-inclined visitors will also
appreciate the contemporary collections
of Centre Pompidou, just a 15-minute
walk from Notre-Dame.
In the eighth arrondissement, explore
the Champs-Elysees, including its famed
cafés and luxury shopping experience. If
second-hand is more your style, leave the
city core for nearby locales such as Saint-
Ouen-Sur-Seine, home to one of the
largest antique markets in the world.
All that adventuring is bound to make
you hungry. Share small plates and sea-
sonal specials from Le Grand Bain (20th
arrondissement), sip wine at La Buvette
(11th arrondissement), and purchase pas-
tries from Poilâne (sixth arrondissement).
And remember, when dining in Paris, a
little French will go a long way.
Whatever you do, make sure to take an
evening stroll to enjoy the city lights and
a view of that famous tower called Eiffel.
To visit a club, members must request
a letter of introduction.
Log on to wac.net/loi. Submit club reviews
at wac.net/reciprocal-reviews.
wac.net/reciprocal-clubs
SAINT JAMES CLUB
Rooms, apartments, and villas
in the 16th arrondissement
saintjamesclub.com/en/
RECIPROCAL CLUB
The City of Light
After the Olympics, a perfect time to visit Paris
club life
reciprocal club
