NOV 04th TO 08th, 2024
PARIS, FRANCE
A photograph of the region
France DMCs share with DUCO tips on gastronomy, landscapes, and secret treasures
Jennifer Virgilio of luxury DMC Queen of Clubs invites us to pull up a chair to taste one of Paris’ most famous contemporary dishes by Guy Savoy in a sumptuous setting.
Gastronomic Storytelling:
Speaking from experience, Guy Savoy is an absolute must. He is truly one of the greatest chefs in France, quoted in the Michelin guide as “sincere and passionate, inventive without excess, unfailing generosity,” and his creations garner equally glowing reviews. An especially famous dish stands out in my mind as one of the best gastronomic experiences I’ve ever had in Paris: soupe d’artichaut à la truffe noire, brioche feuilletée aux champignons et truffes – or put simply, artichoke soup. For the chef, this popular dish deserves its rightful place in the tabernacle of French Gastronomy. A composition of artichoke soup, brioche with truffle butter, and truffle shavings makes this one of the most famous menu items at the 3 Michelin star restaurant.
Best Enjoyed:
To make the most out of your experience at Guy Savoy, I highly recommend the “Grand Menu” with wine pairings. The soup is always included in the menu, and you’ll also discover many other specialties of the famous chef!
For more information about Queen of Clubs, click here.
Emmanuel Cornubet from luxury DMC The 1492 Company reveals one of Paris’ many secrets “hiding in plain sight” that is both little-known and yet, extremely important to the city’s history.
What is the local hidden treasure?
The remains of the old fortification of Paris, and specifically the ruins of one main wall called the
enceinte Philippe Auguste (named for the French King Philippe II, known as “Philippe Auguste”),
were built just before he left France for the Crusades. The largest section can be seen in the Marais close to the River Seine on Rue des Jardins St. Paul, but another piece can actually be found beneath the Louvre itself.
What makes it so special?
Personally, I love that it is still standing and visible to everybody. Although not many people even notice or know what it is, it’s quite incredible to think that the modern city of Paris has in its very core some part of a fortification wall that is centuries old. It reminds me that the history of Paris spans hundreds of years and that it was originally built as a fortified castle. As the city expanded and grew in size, fortifications were continually being built all around it. Even the freeway circling the city was built on the footprint of the last historical fortification wall named Thiers, built in the 19th century.
How did you discover this treasure?
As with most things I learned about Paris at a very young age, I owe this discovery to my father, an iconic Parisian chauffeur and guide with 40 years of experience. I was probably about five
years old and very much interested in forts, castles, and medieval knight stories when he told me about those walls and how they were built to keep the king and his people safe from invasion.
How can visitors best experience this gem?
I really suggest visitors meet up with an experienced and exciting guide who can take them back in time. A true storyteller can bring the past alive with just a few stones and a bit of imagination.
For more information about The 1942 Company, click here.