Paris

Famed French luxury goods house Cartier has come out with a poker set equaling Asprey's incredible crocodile skin version for opulence. Cartier, founded in Paris in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier, presents their offering to the gentleman gambler in a lockable red and black lacquered Sycamore wood chest with striped sides and a checkerboard pattern on the lid, gold-plated hardware and an Art Deco-style gold Cartier key plate. The interior, lined in black Alcantara like the upholstery on an exotic sports car, holds two packs of Cartier playing cards, 360 chips in five different colors and denominations bearing Cartier logos, and five dice. It's priced at $10,000 so you'll need to have a pretty good poker face.

Only a few short steps away from the Champs-Elysées, is the world-renowned Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris. This world-renowned hotel in the heart of Paris is the Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Winner for Best City Hotel.

The opulent hotel's gracious lobby is beautifully decorated with an impressive collection of objets d'art; the 17th-century tapestries adorning its walls are breathtaking. The hotel has a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces. The Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury and impeccable service in the City of Light.

Rising eight stories above the city, the hotel was built in 1928. It offers 245 guest rooms with nearly one-quarter being suites. All feature unique architectural details and many feature private terraces overlooking Paris. The guest rooms are among the most spacious of all Paris hotels.The hotel is ideally situated in what is referred to as the "Golden Triangle of Paris". The River Seine is nearby as is the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, while some of the world's best shopping is a delightful 10 minute walk away.

Parisian haven at the corner of the Champs Elysées and Avenue George V, Hotel Fouquet's Barrière, has a new VIP package -- but this time, VIP stands for Very Important Planet.

Luxury travel is starting 2010 off on the right foot, with a bevy of eco-friendly options for savvy, conscientious travelers. One of these options is the five-star Hotel Fouquet's Barrière's VIP package, which includes:

• Luxury accommodations
• Special "Fitness Breakfast" for two (includes freshly squeezed fruit or vegetable juice, an egg white omelet, multi-grain bread and a blend of pumpkin, linseed, sunflower and sesame seeds)
• One 50-minute natural oil treatment at the hotel's U Spa, per person
• Organic lunch for two at the hotel's Joy Gallery
• A bottle of eco-friendly Pop Earth Champagne in-room upon arrival
• Carbon offsetting through the non-profit organization "Action Carbone"

Though carbon offsetting has been skewered by critics for functioning as a sort of "indulgences" payment for the wealthy, it's better to offset than not to offset (and the wealthy are going to travel anyway). This package is part of the hotel's "Dignified Luxury" plan, one which implies that environmental responsibility is noble and honorable. The hotel also decorates with fair trade flowers and participates whenever possible in events which benefit environmental organizations, such as Neoplanet and GOODPLANET Association.

Further amenities can include pickup in a hybrid limousine, organic meals at La Diane, electric E-solex bikes for exploring Paris and, of course, room upgrades for an additional cost. The VIP package starts at €990 (approximately US$1,436), based on double occupancy, and is available through December 28, 2010.

Only a few short steps away from the Champs-Elysées, is the world-renowned Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris. This world-renowned hotel in the heart of Paris is a Readers' Choice Nominee for Best City Hotel.

The opulent hotel's gracious lobby is beautifully decorated with an impressive collection of objets d'art; the 17th-century tapestries adorning its walls are breathtaking. The hotel has a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces. The Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury and impeccable service in the City of Light.

Rising eight stories above the city, the hotel was built in 1928. It offers 245 guest rooms with nearly one-quarter being suites. All feature unique architectural details and many feature private terraces overlooking Paris. The guest rooms are among the most spacious of all Paris hotels.The hotel is ideally situated in what is referred to as the "Golden Triangle of Paris". The River Seine is nearby as is the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, while some of the world's best shopping is a delightful 10 minute walk away.

The spa is a peaceful respite in the heart of the bustling city. It is decorated in muted colors and 18th century prints. Considered to be the most luxurious and finest hotel spa in Paris, the spa offers a comprehensive menu of skin and body treatment rooms, a whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, massage facilities and a relaxation room. The hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool that is decorated with exquisite trompe l'oeil murals depicting the gardens of Versailles. There's also a fitness center with state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment and strength machines.

The hotel's restaurant, Le Cinq, is an elegant dining room featuring classic French culinary techniques. Just two months after its opening, Le Cinq was awarded its first star from the Michelin Guide; within the first year a second star was awarded. Michelin awards stars for excellence in food, quality, creativity, service and atmosphere.

Rates at the Four Seasons George V Paris are approximately 750 euros for a moderate room, while suites start at 1,795 euros per night. Rates include taxes and service charges. Reservations can be made here.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

The Hôtel de Crillon, a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best City Hotel, is among the most beautiful and elegant hotels in the world.

Originally a family residence, the building was designed by eminent architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel, who was commissioned in 1758 by Louis XV to design the columned palace. History says that Marie-Antoinette came here to take her music lessons. The palace was initially home to the Duc d'Aumont, who decorated it sumptuously in the typical French style of the period. In 1788, the Comte de Crillon acquired it and gave it his name. The Crillon remained a family home until 1907, before being turned into a hotel in 1909. While the hotel offers a wide range of accommodation, it still retains the intimate atmosphere of a private residence.

The hotel has hosted Kings, Queens and presidents alike. Crillon guests include Emperor Hirohito of Japan, King
George V of England, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophie of Spain, Sir Winston Churchill, Presidents Herbert Hoover, Theodore Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton and George Bush and the Dalai Lama.

The Hôtel de Crillon is ideally situated across the street from the Place de la Concorde and next to the American Embassy. It is situated next to the elegant Rue du Faubourg St Honoré. Its set of three reception rooms are classified as historical monuments and its ceilings are six meters high. The hotel is home to one of Paris's finest restaurants, Les Ambassadeurs, which is located in the former ballroom of the Dukes de Crillon. The hotel's Winter Garden is one of the most romantic spots at the Crillon. Coffee and croissants are served in the morning, followed by light meals and drinks throughout the day.

Each of the hotel's rooms are generously sized and elegantly decorated. It offers 103 rooms, 39 suites and five luxury apartments. Each room, suite and apartment has its own decor and color scheme. Among the hotel's suites are the "Duc de Crillon", which was formerly the private chapel of the Crillon family. Its Leonard Bernstein Suite, which was frequently visited by the famous composer it is named for, is situated on the fifth floor of the hotel. The suite has the finest decor and is luxury without ostentation. It has an exceptional view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower from two large terraces.

Rates during the low season range from 770 euros a night for a superior double room to 1,620 euros for a superior suite. Rates include all applicable taxes.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

A rare 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I Coupé Aerodinamico, known as the "Ferrari of Kings" due to the model's popularity with aristocrats and heads of state, is being offered for sale during Bonhams' Retromobile auction in Paris on Jan. 23. Expected to fetch up to $1.5 million though possibly quite a bit more, the Superamerica Series I was created by Enzo Ferrari and Battista Pininfarina for introduction at the 1961 Geneva Salon. Quickly becoming one of the most coveted Ferarris ever made, the model's list of illustrious owners included the Shah of Iran, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, President Juan Peron, Emperor Bo Dai of Viet Nam, his wife Princess Nam Phuong, Count Giovanni Volpi di Misurata, Count Graf Fritz Somsky, and comedian Peter Sellers.

A extremely rare 1970s Swiss supercar prototype is one of the starring attractions at Bonhams' Retromobile sale in Paris on Jan. 23. The ex-Geneva Motor Show, ex-Pebble Beach concours 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450 SS coupé prototype (above) is expected to fetch up to €500,000 or about $750,000. The Monteverdi Hai is one of a kind sports prototype that "represented the pinnacle of the contemporary avant-garde performance car thinking" when it was first exhibited. One of the earliest mid-engined supercars ever built, Swiss businessman Peter Monteverdi designed it to compete with Ferrari, and it cost twice as much as an Aston Martin at the time. The car is capable of over 176 mph and can do 0 - 60 in 4.7 seconds. Also on offer at the auction are a c.1930 Bentley Le Mans-style Tourer (estimate €450,000 - €550,000); a 1929 Mercedes-Benz 630K "Town Car" (estimate €400,000 - €600,000); and a 1920 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50HP Double Phaeton (estimate €250,000 - €350,000).

Few would argue that Paris is one of the most romantic cities on earth. It's virtually impossible to avoid falling in love strolling along the Seine with the city lit up at night. So what better place to celebrate Valentine's Day with your sweetheart than the City of Lights?

In honor of the holiday, Concorde Hotels & Resorts is offering special Valentine's Day packages from Feb. 5 to Feb. 28 with rates starting at $276 at each of its five Parisian properties - Concorde Opéra Paris, Hotel du Louvre (above), Hotel Concorde Montparnasse, Hotel Concorde La Fayette and Hotel Lutetia.

The packages includes a double room, breakfast buffet for two each day, and surprise gifts, which vary depending on the property but could be Champagne, access to the Baccarat Museum, spa treatments or gourmet chocolates.

Rates fluctuate depending on the hotel but the package is also available at Concorde's other properties in Germany, Switzerland, Prague and elsewhere in France (Cannes, Lyon, Nice, Marseille, Toulouse, Nimes).

Here's to love!

Creed of Paris, supplier of bespoke fragrances to royalty and aristocracy since 1760, has released a limited edition bottling of a cologne originally created for the Duke of Windsor in 1936 during his brief reign as King Edward VIII before he abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson.

Only 320 bottles of the kingly cologne, presented in a shatterproof 1.7 oz. leather-wrapped flask numbered and signed by sixth-generation master perfumer Olivier Creed, will be available in the U.S. for $400 apiece. It's made exclusively from ingredients grown in what was once the British Empire.

The subtle, elegant top notes of Creed Windsor are British gin, Jamaican lime and a touch of Scottish highland pine; the middle note the variety of roses now known as the "Duke of Windsor"; and the bottom notes Bahamian orange, Canadian cedar and a dab of Australian eucalyptus.

[via Duncan Quinn]

For our final installment on the eye-popping holiday offerings from that glossy chronicle of the filthy rich Robb Report - following the matching custom private jet and megayacht set costing $500 million and more - we have a bespoke basket of goodies from famed French luxury goods house Hermès. Starting at $215,000 depending on what exactly the recipient chooses to indulge in, the gift includes: a custom eight-piece luggage set handcrafted by a single Hermès craftsman in Paris from their incredible range of luxurious, exotic leathers (above) including crocodile, alligator, ostrich and lizard, dyed in any of 300 shades; consultation with a specialist from Hermès to create a bespoke suit, topcoat, shoes, and leather and knit accessories, all of which will be made to the recipient's specifications; and a private tour of the Hermès leather atelier in Paris for the recipient and a guest. Some luggage items, like the portable alligator skin bar trunk the firm once made for Sammy Davis Jr., may take up to a year to complete.

Part of the lure of drinking older vintages is the idea of quaffing history, imagining what was happening when the bottle was first sealed. The 427-year-old La Tour d'Argent restaurant in Paris recently auctioned off some of its drinkable history in an auction that brought in 1.54 million euros in two days. A bottle of 1788 Clos du Griffier cognac was one of the first of around 18,000 bottles auctioned off. French entrepreneur Raphael Zier paid 25,000 euros for it but is quoted by Bloomberg as saying that he paid 10 times the asking price because he was eager to contribute to the charity for children, Association Petits Princes, which would get the proceeds. Ivan Imenitov, a Russian businessman picked up another bottle of the 1788 Clos du Griffier for 15,000 euros. It was priced lower because mold had obscured the label. Imenitvov said he was just happy to get the aged cognac, label or not. Collectors from around the world picked up bottles of aged Bordeaux and Burgundy. The bottles, which were bought directly from vinters and sent straight to the seller, had an impeccable provenance, a concern in these days of wine fraud.

The auction also brought attention back to the historic restaurant which is currently trying to earn back a second Michelin star (at one point it had three but is now down to one). Most of the auction proceeds, except for the charity sale of the cognac bottle, will go toward fleshing out the wine cellar with newer vintages and sprucing up the kitchen.

Famed French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent's incredible collections of art, antiques, furniture, decorative objects and personal effects were recently auctioned off in a series of sales fetching a total of over $700 million. Now the legendary couturier's Paris duplex on the Rue de Babylone, which housed many of his most prized possessions collected with longtime partner Pierre Bergé, is being put up for sale as well. The 5,400-sq.-ft. spread with a massive garden has been listed with prestigious Paris-based agency Emilie Garcin and is expected to fetch at least $30 million, WWD reports. Pictured above is the cover of The Private World of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, a stunning book about the eye-popping environments Saint Laurent created.

If you are traveling in Paris right now you might have some difficulty visiting local museums. Workers are at the city's top museums went on strike on Wednesday. The AP reports that the Pompidou Center modern art museum and the Musee d'Orsay were closed Wednesday and the Louvre was only partially open. At issue in the strike is a policy of not replacing half of retiring public servants. Meetings on Wednesday afternoon between union leaders and Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand did not yield any resolution.

The Louvre Museum and the royal palace at Versailles closed Thursday as the French museum workers' strike began to gather strength. The AP paints a scene of tourists gathered outside the Louvre unable to enter past the blockade of protesting workers. Workers at the Francois Mitterrand National Library in southeast Paris have voted to join the strike Friday. At this point it is not known how many workers are on strike. The culture minister has remained adamant that France cannot make an exception for museum workers in the sweeping government staff reductions and that the museums must find a way to survive with fewer employees.

We've been following the fortunes of Christian Lacroix as the brand struggled to find a buyer. For a time it looked like there were a variety of suitors ready to snap up the brand but as Fashion Wire Daily reports a French court has now advised that the couture house should undergo a massive restructuring and lay off about 100 employees, essentially turning Lacroix into a licensing business rather than a functioning fashion house.

The ruling from the Commercial Court of Paris says that Lacroix must close down its ready-to-wear business and couture division and won't be part of the upcoming Paris couture season in January for the first time since his show in 1987. The French Industry Ministry has said that it will continue to search for a buyer for the brand. One of the bidders for the company was Sheik Alhassan Bin Ali d'Ajman but the financial woes have recently commanded his attention. Italy's Borletti Group, owner of the Printemps and La Rinascente department store chains, has dropped out of the running.

In order to continue on in name only Lacroix will need to select a manufacturer to license its women's ready-to-wear and accessories collections and close the three Lacroix boutiques in Paris, New York and Las Vegas.

Art Basel Miami Beach starts on Thursday, and the word "test" is being used instead of "expectation." Even though there have been signs this month that the art market is turning the corner (or at least trying), caution remains pervasive, and the market is still seen to be fragile. The fair's organizers have said that profits will be down at least 20 percent for everyone involved, because of lower prices and a decline in the number of exhibitors.

Sixty of last year's participants have dropped out already, and the number of satellite art fairs around Art Basel Miami Beach has fallen from 22 to 16. Layout changes are taking the shift in participation and making it benefit those who remain. Exhibit space has been increased by 20 percent, and booths in the main art galleries area will be larger, as a result. This is where most of the action is. Eighty-five percent of the dealers have come back, and the number of stands has increased from 265 to 270.

Though prices are expected to be down at the Miami fair this year, artists and galleries aren't giving their work away. Emmanuel Perrotin, the Paris gallery, is trying to move Takashi Murakami's "Warp," painted this year, for $1.5 million. The same gallery is also pushing a Duane Hanson sculpture for $425,000 and a photographic print by Paola Pivi for $33,000. Edward Tyler Nahem, a first-timer at Art Basel Miami Beach, has a room full of paintings by Alejandra Icaza, which are selling for $35,000 a piece.

The crowd in Miami is likely to be a return to past decades, in which art collectors and investors -- rather than what Todd Levin, director of Levin Art Group calls the "fashionista crowd" -- dominate the scene. Art Basel Miami Beach thus might become an art fair again.