Chef Jean François Rouquette relaxes on the terrace of Park Hyatt Vendôme

Paris can become pretty dreary in August when everything closes down but there are also special summer treats to be found. I went to the “Palazzo“, the terrace in front of Palais de la Porte dorée which features a great exhibition of photographs of gipsies (until August 26) and on Wednesday nights you get a free drink and a guided tour with the museum ticket.

The spritz, an Italian drink of Prosecco, fizzy water and Aperol or Campari is served everywhere in Paris including at Palazzo at Porte Dorée 

This is a museum I love, the Museum of Immigration built in 1931 as Museum of Colonies. Unfortunately it is quite far East, near Bois de Vincennes, and trafficless Paris in August could entice you to go there. It is a beautiful spot and at the moment the very interesting exhibition of photographs of gipsies  is particularly fun. The young and groovy Palazzo serves simple food and sophisticated drinks.

At Porte Dorée, a popular and young pop up terrace.

But of course the courtyard of Park Hyatt Vendôme on rue de la Paix, one of the trendiest palaces of the capital, is a more sophisticated halt. As most restaurants close down in August, this is a good solution for a cool and luxurious dinner with chef Jean François Rouquette feeding you delicious Italian food, fish and octopus for around 100€. You get the International atmosphere on top and very sweet service.

The courtyard of the Park Hyatt Vendôme is customized by Panerai watches

And if you are keen on a little culture with a zest of decorative arts, run to Beaubourg, where the Centre Pompidou has a very interesting exhibition devoted to “L’union des Artistes Modernes“, a group of decorators, painters, photographers, bookbinders who joined forces in the roaring twenties. Robert Mallet Stevens, Pierre Chareau, Jean Prouvé are among these fabulous creators who revolutionized art after the First World War.

A general view of the exhibition at Centre Pompidou

More furniture from the 1950’s follows like Jacques Dumond‘s great desk in glass and lacquer. There are many good ideas to steel from this who’s. (until August 27, Pompidou center)

Jacques Dumond, desk for exporters, 1955