From the elegance of Audrey Hepburn to the sordidness of arms dealers, the Ritz in Paris has made quite a name for itself over the years. Since its opening in 1898, it is also one of the few Paris landmarks that has remained largely unvisited by Parisians and tourists alike--no doubt making it all the more enticing to those who can afford it. Of course, no matter what you're able or willing to pay (11 euros for a glass of juice or 300 times that much for a modest suite), the Ritz is more than happy to offer you a taste of its name--not that that makes it any less intimidating to push your way though its turning doors past chic veiled women laden with even chic-er carrier bags.
But walking out into the city again with echoes of the French staff addressing you in hushed, polite--dare I say helpful?--tones, it's hard not to feel like that that was one taste of Paris that was deliciously worth it.
Peter O'Toole and Audrey Hepburn as Simon Dermott and Nicole Bonnet. [Online image] 1966.
