Agenda

The first large retrospective exhibition dedicated to Yves Saint-Laurent the fashion designer is set to take place from 11 March to 29 August, not far from the Best Western Hotel Montcalm, at the Petit Palais.

“I’ve always had the highest of respect for this profession, which isn’t an art form per se, but which needs an artist in order for it to exist” - Yves Saint-Laurent.

The Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation and the Petit Palais (City of Paris, Museum of Fine Arts) are showcasing the first Yves Saint-Laurent retrospective exhibition since the fashion designer passed away.

A total of 307 haute couture and prêt-à-porter models are on show, ranging from the designer’s beginnings at Dior in 1958, with the famous “Trapèze” collection, to the splendour of the evening dresses from 2002.

^{The museum is opened from Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 6pm}

^{Late-night opening: Thursday until 8pm.}

^{Closed on Mondays and public holidays}

^{For further information, please click HERE.}

Though less well known than its rival Parma variety, Jambon de Bayonne, a salt-cured ham, is no less delicious.

Locals honour it at the annual Bayonne Ham Fair held at the Carreau des Halles as well as the Chaho Pelletier.

Join this fair by booking your stay at the Best Western Le Grand Hotel,

and taste this fine local specialty.

Covering the three areas of 'Home and the Environment', 'Well-being and Leisure' and 'Cultures of the World', the annual Paris Trade Fair takes place in the cavernous Porte de Versailles Exhibition Arena, at just 10 minutes walk from the Best Western Hotel Montcalm.

It is the place to be to learn more about up

and coming industry trends in these fields.

The fair is opened to business people as well as members of the public who come to learn more about the various exhibitors promoting products ranging from wine tourism and spa holidays to the latest innovations in home design.

So, if you are looking for inspiration for a new bathroom suite or ideas for your next holiday, this is the place for you - but prepare to be bamboozled by the scale of this huge event and the number of exhibitors showcasing their latest products.

For further information, please click HERE 

Faithful to its tradition Bayonne celebrates its chocolate every year during the Ascension weekend in May.

The chocolate centres are dipped in their coating in the streets of the town and enthusiasts are invited to partake in the delights produced by the master craftsmen.

Bayonne was thus the first town in the kingdom to successfully work the cocoa bean and today still enjoys a reputation for its famous chocolate.

So, if you love chocolate then you will love Bayonne. Not only is some of the best chocolate in the world produced here, but also there is actually a festival dedicated to this delicacy from May 14th until May 15th. 

Test your temptation by booking the

Exclusive "Bayonne's Chocolate Fest" Package

suggested by the Best Western Le Grand Hotel,

a hotel that will take you to this event.

Guided visits are available from the Tourist Office and retrace the history of chocolate and the town via the streets and quaysides. Every year a chocolate producing country is invited as a special guest of honour to the chocolate festival.

Book your room at the Best Western Hotel Montcalm,

a few minutes from Paris' most famous departement stores:

Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

If the only thing you’re familiar with in Paris is the Eiffel Tower, don’t worry.

Even if it’s your first time in Paris, you’ll know exactly where to start and where to go thanks to the “Paris Shopping Book”.

This free guide with more than 300 Paris addresses has all the information you need: maps, practical information on the sales, currency exchange, tax refunds etc., not to mention all the best places to shop, sightsee and eat.

Slip the guide into your bag and set off to explore whichever of the six itineraries suits your personal style: classic, trendy, creative, bobo-chic, fusion fashion world and the new “savvy” itinerary.

If you wish to have a look at the guide, click HERE.