Pitter Patter through Paris

Running Through the City of Light and Unfiltered Elegance

Ah, Paris, the city of light and l'année de folie. Fresh from the Olympics and Paralympics, this glorious metropolis is practically glowing—whether from its charm or the sheer exhaustion of hosting the world, who’s to say? And what better way to experience a city’s soul than by running through it while battling jet lag?

With trainers laced and a healthy dose of misplaced optimism, I joined my good friend Justin Cogley, the culinary mastermind behind Aubergine in Carmel-by-the-Sea and a man whose idea of a light jog is a casual 40 miles. As a mere mortal among ultra-runners, I braced myself for humiliation cloaked in grace. And so, we set off into the dawn.

The Route: Très Chic, Très Tiring
Our jog was nothing short of cinematic. From the Champs-Élysées, where we startled pigeons and ignored disapproving stares, to a picture-perfect Eiffel Tower view from the Jardins du Trocadéro. The Seine, naturally, demanded we sprint along its banks like protagonists in a French rom-com. And then there was the advance on the Louvre—grand, majestic, and absolutely inaccessible thanks to an oh-so-Parisian closed gate. No matter; we improvised, darting into the Jardins des Tuileries, which at dawn feels less like a park and more like an open-air Louvre extension.

Post-run, an espresso served as my lifeline to consciousness, jolting me out of the eight-hour travel haze and six-hour time difference. Honestly, it felt less like caffeine and more like intravenous therapy.

Work (a.k.a. Feasting in Versailles)
The real reason for this Parisian escapade was the annual Relais & Châteaux Rendezvous, celebrating 70 years of turning luxury into an art form. Where else would such an event culminate but Versailles? And not just any corner of Versailles—the Hall of Battles, where suits, gowns, and Tattinger flowed as easily as the gossip.

With our hotels Storfjord Hotel now joining Union Oye in these esteemed ranks, it was only polite to join our friends and colleagues in this grand palace.

Feasting beneath the masterworks of French opulence, I found myself navigating the Hall of Mirrors, champagne flute in hand, dodging existential questions like, “Do I deserve to dine in a palace?” (with no fewer than 12 Michelin stars on the menu, the Answer: probably not). The conversations sparkled, the food was impeccable, and the event firmly secured its place in my personal highlight reel.

Exploring Paris: Where Nostalgia Meets Discovery
The great thing about work trips in Paris is the opportunity to steal a few moments of unstructured wandering. My Parisian nostalgia took me back to Le Café des Musées on Rue de Turenne—a spot that earned my loyalty years ago with a late, life-saving Boeuf Bourguignon. This time, the buttery mash and rich stew once again justified the trek to the 11th arrondissement. Some culinary moments are worth repeating.

Across the street, I stumbled upon a new gem: Serica, a watch brand founded by Jérome, whose craftsmanship defies all logic in a world dominated by horological giants. Building a luxury watch brand in this era? Insanity. But his pieces are sublime. Chapeau, Jérôme.

Final Notes and Farewell
As my Parisian adventure wound down, I managed one last run—this time to Café Buvette, thanks to a tip from my New York friend JD. The Paris branch may play second fiddle to its NYC sibling, but its charm is undeniable. With other branches in London, Tokyo, and Mexico City, it seems I’ve unintentionally started a global Café Buvette scorecard.

And so, with sore legs and a stomach full of butter, I bid Paris adieu. Until next time, City of Light. Keep your gates locked and your espresso flowing.