Saint-Germain feels like home for Miles Aldridge, and he loves nothing more than hopping between his favourite trio of restaurants and cafés in the area. Here’s all of his favourite haunts in the City of Lights...
What’s your favourite destination and why?
Paris, it is so easy to get to — in many cases it’s easier to get to Paris than some parts of London! Plus it continues to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its combination of stunning architecture, parks and beautiful monuments. It makes you feel transported. I have such fond memories of being there in the early days of my career as a fashion photographer, using the Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Garden as locations.
Where do you like to stay there?
Le Bristol Paris. It’s very swanky! The swimming pool is on the roof where there is a structure like a greenhouse with windows that look out across the city — as you’re doing the backstroke, or coming up from the breaststroke, you get glimpses of the Eiffel Tower lit up. It’s so special. There’s also a wonderful old elevator which makes you feel as though you’re going back in time, and they serve the best scrambled eggs in town.
Read more: The best hotels in Paris
The best meal you’ve had there?
One of the most legendary meals of my life was at Café de Flore in Saint-Germain, after attempting to get myself to Verona to oversee the printing of a book that I was working on with my friend. We set off from City Airport, but a tiny bit of snow prevented all the flights, so I suggested we jump on the train to Paris and get the train on to Verona. When we got there the snow was falling thick and fast, so there were no trains until the morning. I said, “Let’s just go and eat,” so we ordered the whole menu — the great French cheeses, various pâtés, hams, tarts, quiches — all washed down with red wine! And at a certain point during this meal, I suddenly had the bright idea that we could be driven to Verona. I agreed for the car to collect us, and we carried on drinking and eating like a couple of czars until midnight when this beautiful black Mercedes pulled up outside.
What are your other favourite restaurants?
For Japanese food go to Yen — everything is great there. I remember sitting there once with Charlotte Rampling and thinking it was the epitome of chic to be having incredible Japanese food with this great star. Then there’s Brasserie Lipp, which is a very old institution; the waiters look like they’re from a turn of the century photograph of Paris, with handlebar moustaches and white aprons, and they treat you very well. It’s traditional — snails and steaks, washed down with a glass of red.
What’s the one unmissable thing you have to do?
For me as an artist, go to the art shop Sennelier on the Left Bank of the Seine. It has the most beautiful selections of art supplies, pastels and pencils. Bring home a sketchbook by Couleurs du Quai Voltaire.
Who would you call for a good time?
I have great memories of going to Crazy Horse with Jean Paul Gaultier. It’s so fun and he was amazed that I’d never been, given how much it relates to my work. The graphic look and sexiness of my pictures!
Where do you go to let your hair down?
There’s a bar I used to drink at a lot called La Palette. You would get a great mix of artists and students there, which I think is all one can ask for in life.
What’s your packing essential?
My Leica M6 camera.
What are your favourite shops?
The most spectacular book shop in the world was La Hune, and now it’s relocated around the corner in Saint-Germain. There’s a sensational array of art books from around the world.
Is there a dress code?
If there is, I don’t follow it! Everyone there looks so chic and suave. Even the scruffiest person in Paris is still smarter than any Londoner.
A song that reminds you of the place?
Something by the Pixies — I used to play them on repeat when I was shooting there a lot, and it reminds me of a certain moment in my career.
What’s your favourite beauty spot?
You can’t beat having a glass of wine at the Pompidou — it’s magical.
Which building would you love to live in?
Musée d’Orsay. I love the double clocks, and it’s filled with such great art that you’d never be at a loss for something to look at and consider. As told to Hayley Spencer
The Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris is showing a limited exhibition of Miles Aldridge’s work until November 29
