PERCHING BAR @ PARC ARBOXYGENE- Champagne, France

In France, there certainly is no shortage of absolutely fabulous ways for one to spend their time. However, the Perching Bar is truly the definition of haute fabuleaux (no pun intended), because you are, in fact, sipping a gorgeous selection of champagnes 18 feet above ground in a positively glamorous treehouse.

15 minutes from Reims (or 45 from Paris) puts you in the heart of Parc Arboxygene, which in itself is a bit of a haven for zip-liners and jungle acrobats alike. 10 more minutes of upward trekking which includes a stint on a suspended wooden footbridge and you’ve arrived at what is certainly one of the most unique outposts in the world. Inside, they’ve kept it classic rustic treehouse with a dab of chic- we’re talking stilts, comfortable furniture, modern designs carved into the wooden benches surrounding the perimeter, and sexy low-lighting at night which makes for a fairy tale-like setting. If your inner child isn’t convinced yet, they’ve even got rope-handle swings hanging from the ceiling.

Whether you sample the menu or simply want to soak in the incredibly lush views, entrance is 15 Euro (1 glass of bubbly included), and you definitely want to be there to see or be seen on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights. Just delightful… www.perchingbar.eu

VERSAILLES DELIVERY-For all things French
It’s Bastille Day, and you know what that means…a great excuse to go out and by something French! If a last-minute hop to Paris doesn’t fit into the schedule, how about the next best thing- a splurge on some sumptuous items that will make you feel like you’ve slipped away on your own mini-gastronomic trip to France.

Meet Versailles Delivery, a delightful, delicious collection designed by French gourmet creator Pierre Lion who has assembled the finest and most luxurious products that celebrate France and it’s epicurean cuisine. We’re talking Fauchon, Dartagnan, Dom Perignon, not to mention a most gorgeous tribute to culinary perfection in the form of homemade baguettes, sandwiches, pastries, macarons all waiting to be discovered…and devoured. Hey, you’ve got an excuse as any to indulge and enjoy today so take advantage of it (and our fantastic deal). www.versaillesdelivery.com

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save 20% on any online order, with extra time to enjoy the savings all the way up to 31 July! Simply mention code EXPLORATE when ordering and voila…. Eat well, live well, and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

LE BURGUNDY- Paris

Oooh how we love to spill new scoop…and today we’ve got a good one. Le Burgundy Paris is the city’s newest 5-star hotel which we are in love with because it’s got everything we feel a fab boutique property should have- elegance, a fiercely bold blend of impressive contemporary art and architecture, luxurious décor, exquisitely personalized service and a quietly discreet, almost confidential location.

Rooms here offer a striking combination of modern ornate luxury with brilliant colors contrasting with soothing light stone and chrome in the bathrooms, while the suites, aptly named for districts like Vendôme and Saint-Honoré pay homage to the splendor of their affluent nature. Don’t miss the impressive monumental fresco across the ceiling of Le Baudelaire, the hotel’s cozy restaurant, and for relaxation after a long day out and about in this gorgeous city, there’s a Zen retreat awaiting your return with a Hammam, array of available treatments and a beautiful pool. C'est absolument magnifique! www.TheCollektion.com/paris1.html

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Complimentary upgrade to next available room category, late check-out, complimentary room amenity such as Champagne, and complimentary daily breakfast. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!
*2 night minimum stay required, late check out and upgrade subject to availability.

EVIAN ROYAL RESORT- Evian-les-bains, France
There are few places remaining in the world today that evoke a feeling of well-being in its purest form, luckily we still know a few to be able to enjoy. While we're sure you've certainly sampled Evian water from a bottle, we encourage you to take a step further and visit the source- a place so rich in natural therapeutic energy and exceptional beauty that it's overwhelming at first. The Evian Royal Resort sits almost suspended between the magnificent lake and the mountains, in its own lush regal gardens that are pure perfection with their fragrant blossoms and carefully manicured paths. The resort evokes harmony in its design, service, spa offerings and rooms that are the utmost in quintessential French elegance. The staff here certainly has perfected the art of anticipating their guests' needs which one can not put a price on. For those traveling with children, you'll certainly appreciate the endless, and most thoughtful activities that are as energetic as your little ones, full of curiosity, wonder and an educational theme with everything from cake workshops and pottery, to circus acts and even Mini-Olympics...absolutely adorable, and assuring parental peace of mind which again, one can not put a price on either. Stunning all around and a true 5-star winner in our book.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Special in-room gift treats upon arrival including a splendid VIP welcome basket filled with champagne, chocolates, fruits & more plus 2010 Paul Smith Evian water bottle - all this on top of an amazing savings of 30% off of room rates for travel now through 31 Mar 2010. 3 Night minimum stay required- visit http://www.evianroyalresort.com/ or email reservation@evianroyalresort.com for reservations and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

CHATEAU DE BAGNOLS- Beaujolais, France
Château de Bagnols is truly one of France's greatest treasures, a luxury chateau situated in an absolutely gorgeous vineyard, enveloped in aromatic emerald gardens accented with fluorescent hues. Part of the Relais & Chateaux family, this restored 13th century chateau has been painstakingly restored to its original splendor, every bit deserving of its lengthy list of accolades and awards.

As you'd expect, dining and wine are paramount in Beaujolais. Truly indulgent, seductive delights are served at their Michelin star restaurant under the shade of centuries-old fruit trees with the verdant Beaujolais expanse encompassing your view just beyond, while the Sommelier proudly showcases his impressive and celebrated French wine selection.

The selection of suites here is like none other, breathtaking upon first sight and all bearing the names of those who have influenced their individual styles with restored Renaissance frescoes, shimmering linens, unique and rare antiques, yet not without ultra modern technological amenities for guests' convenience.

One of the world's finest in every way, and no better time to enjoy it than now with fabulous offers and our Explorateur Exclusive...merci!

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Enjoy a complimentary room upgrade* plus a visit for 2 to the special Saint Vérand Cave during your stay when booking a Junior Suite or Suite for 2 nights or longer. Email bagnols@relaischateaux.com or visit http://www.chateaudebagnols.fr/ and mention special code "THE EXPLORATEUR" when booking. And, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!
*subject to availability, blackout dates apply

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HOTEL LUTETIA- Paris
We admit it, we are enamored with the Hotel Lutetia. The love affair started long ago on one of our first trips to Paris and has continued through the years for so many reasons- the Art Deco-style grandeur, its sparkling personality, and the ever-efficient, warm staff who so seemingly effortlessly have the ability to ensure all aspects of your stay are perfect. (We fondly recall one concierge in particular who, upon discovering we had a lost wallet situation, worked tirelessly with us through the night on countless international phone calls to ensure all was sorted out).

When you enter the Hotel Lutetia, it just feels like Paris should feel, 1930's classic decor starting at the corridors adorned with works and photos of famous artists that once called the hotel their home, winding their way to the chic lobby which offers plush and surprisingly comfortable period furniture and bathed in the soft lighting of elegant chandeliers and sounds of soft jazz emanating from the famed Lutetia Bar where you can sample some original cocktails and large selection of cigars. There are even stylish 60's-style individual phone cabins that provide privacy with flair. And the location, perfect and at the crux of districts filled with fashion, literary, and artistic splendor...just walking distance to the Seine, Notre Dame, and incredibly chic boutiques and delivering gorgeous views of the Eiffel Tower.

All rooms are lovely, but we recommend the suites because they are each so individualized with their own unique style. There's the Literary Suite complete with it's own library, the Eiffel Suite on the top floor which couldn't possibly be any more romantic, and all of them making you feel as though you've been given the keys to your very own Parisian apartment. Happy 100th anniversary, Lutetia, here's to another century of Parisian perfection.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- To celebrate the Centennial, guests traveling in 2010 will receive a 100 Euro food & beverage credit PLUS a complimentary room upgrade*. Contact mdefrisching@concorde-hotels.com for more information or to book this special offer and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

*3 night minimum stay required. Credit is per room, per stay

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