Beirut and Paris Through the Eyes of Selim Mouzannar

The Lebanese jeweler, one of the most talented of his generation, describes himself as a "dreamer, optimistic but realistic, soldier of non-violence". His latest creation is "Flowers for Lucy", a necklace with a feminist message: he made it as a tribute to women's power and freedom. Here's a quick tour of his two favorite capitals:

PARIS
 
Where to sleep?
"Under the bridges of the Concorde, on a barge flooded with lights of the Eiffel Tower. Otherwise, the warmth of the hotel Daniel*, the Meurice and its history or the discretion and tranquility of Relais Christine **."
* 8 Rue Frederic Bastiat, 75008 Paris.
** 3 Rue Christine, 75006 Paris.

Best restaurants in town
"At the Toyo bar *, Le Duc **; a must-see place that has as much finesse as it has French know-how. Legrand Filles et Fils ***, Vivienne gallery, where the best of the flavors of France are."
* 17 Rue Jules Chaplain, 75006 Paris.
** 243 Boulevard Raspail, 75014 Paris.
*** 1 Rue de la Banque, 75002 Paris.

My favorite museums and galleries
"The Jardin des Plantes, the Musée de Minéralogie MINES ParisTech, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs."
www.jardindesplantes.net
www.musee.mines-paristech.fr
madparis.fr

Have a drink
"When the day is coming to an end, I go to the bar of Meurice *. Or listen to Jazz at Le Baiser Salé ** for its beautiful atmosphere."
* 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.
** 58 Rue des Lombards, 75001 Paris.

My shopping place
"Le Bon Marché *; Dries van Noten **."
* 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris.
** 7 Quai Malaquais, 75006 Paris.

BEIRUT

My go-to restaurants
"At home, where I like setting tables and entertaining my friends, if not at Burgundy."
www.burgundybeirut.com

To stay in shape
"Move! I move all the time. Take life to the fullest, the sea, the oceans, the waves. I am passionate about skiing, especially water skiing. Walking in the mountains as well as in the city. Jogging in Beirut along the waterfront."
 
My walking routine
"Wander on the streets of Beirut, listen to the spirits that inhabit them. In the mountains, walk to the edge of the valleys where the sun sets on a sea of clouds."
 
Pastry
"I love chocolate, its power and its brilliance."

My favorite place
"My reading, music and contemplation room that opens on my secret garden."

The beach
"The whole Mare Nostrum (Latin expression which means the Mediterranean).