The Dome in Lyon
The place. He is said to be among the ten most beautiful hotel bars in the world. No matter the classification, this place is magical. Installed under a 32 meter high vault built by the architect Soufflot (Le Panthéon in Paris), in what used to be a Hôtel-Dieu, this bar is now the meeting point of the Intercontinental Lyon Hotel-Dieu. The last 5-star hotel in town opened a few months ago. In the purity of this historic monument, the stripped down and warm decor, benches and club armchairs, is organized around a backlit alabaster bar. Superb.
The majesty of a unique site classified as a Historic Monument, an absolute masterpiece of French hospice architecture. ICHD
A last drink? On the “Le Dôme” menu, a signature cocktail based on pink praline, a typically Lyonnaise candy, paired with vodka, rosé champagne and lemon. But also Lyon beers from the local brewer Ninkasi.
New for 2020, an afternoon tea with a choice of homemade pastry around a tea or hot chocolate, concocted by chef Mathieu Charrois.
We liked: Manuella Paul-Cavallier's paintings?
Let's go? Bar Le Dôme, 20 quai Jules Courmont 69002 Lyon. Phone: 04 26 99 30 20.
The Windo SkyBar in Paris
At 140 meters high, the tallest hotel in Paris. Hyatt
The place. From the 34th floor of the tallest hotel in Paris (140 meters), the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile promises thrills. Completely renovated by the American architect George Wong, in a fairly show off but refined decor, this bar obviously plays on the view, the most beautiful in Paris. The tables near the windows are the most popular, those on the mezzanine prized by those who are dizzy. Whatever it is at your feet, the capital, from the Bois de Boulogne to the Louvre, the perspectives are magnificent. If it is not a somewhat complex elevator game and a reservation more than advised, the Windo SkyBar is a must . Monday to Friday, as part of the “Golden Hours”, from 5 to 7 pm, the second drink offered. DJ sets every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
A last drink? "Alexandre III" is a 100 ° whiskey, caramel, Grand-Marnier, almond milk cocktail; the “Madeleine” based on gin, apple liqueur, yellow Chartreuse, Angostura and the “Rue Mouffetard” mixes vodka, cardamom, lemongrass, ginger and passion. Note the bubbles, a nice selection of Louis Roederer champagne.
We liked the hot chocolate from the young Jean-Antoinette house.
Let's go? Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile, place du Général Kœnig, 75017 Paris. Phone: 01 40 68 12 34.
The Dantès Skylounge in Marseille
Marseille at our feet at the Sofitel Vieux-Port. Sofitel Marseille
The place. Perched on the 7th floor of the Sofitel Vieux-Port, a luxury hotel institution in Marseille, the Dantès Skylounge offers a 360 ° view of the sea, the entrance to the Vieux-Port, the Mucem, the Fort Saint-Jean and the Good Mother. Hard to beat. An irresistible panorama that we also discover from the magnificent terrace which extends the glass bar. Very Mediterranean decor for this bar with a view, rounded bench seat, archiconfortable armchairs fitted with soft cushions ... When evening falls and night comes, you are as close as possible to the stars and Provencal scents. Magic.
A last drink? "Le Dantès". A signature cocktail based on Ferroni rum (a safe bet from Marseille) with pomegranate liqueur, orange juice, fresh raspberries and agave honey.
Let's go? Le Dantès Skylounge, 36, boulevard Charles-Livon, 13007 Marseille. Phone: 04 91 15 59 00.
Rooftop Night Beach, Bordeaux
On the roofs of Bordeaux and closer to the sky ... GHB
The place. The view over the rooftops of Bordeaux is exceptional. It is the privilege of the rooftop of the Intercontinental Grand Hotel which hosts this outdoor bar located on your roof terrace, which reopens with spring after a complete refurbishment. The very summery furniture sets the tone for a unique place in the Gironde capital, both chic and relaxed. Themed this year around the jungle with an abundance of greenery. The location, right in the city center, opposite the Theater, makes this bar very popular and particularly festive.
A last drink? In a traditional alcohol and soft menu we find the signature cocktail 2020 called "Mojito Yellow": passion fruit mango puree, fresh ginger, spiced rum and Ginger Ale.
Let's go? Intercontinental Grand Hôtel, 2-5 place de la Comédie, 33000 Bordeaux. Phone: 05 57 30 44 44.
The Ambassadors in Paris
The beauty of an exceptional lounge. Hotel de Crillon
The place. In a delirium of gold and marble, the Crillon bar open on a terrace, by its location, place de la Concorde, remains one of the most beautiful in Paris. Located on the ground floor of the former residence of the Duke of Crillon, of which he kept the Grand-Siècle decor of the purest 18th century, reopened after colossal works in 2017. Despite so much overwhelming size, he succeeded, thanks to sleek and chic furniture, to maintain a certain intimacy. An atmosphere sublimated in the evening by subtle lighting that highlights this lounge as much as the guests.
A last drink? The place lends itself to savor a glass of champagne. That's good since there are more than 150 references on the menu. But not only: homemade cocktails like "Concorde" (pisco, pear, hazelnut and chocolate) or "Mira" (Gin beefeater 24, Heaven Sake, Rubarde, verjus, soda ...).
Here we go : Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, 10 place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris. Phone: 01 44 71 15 00.
