Two European Experiences Worth Adding to Your Summer Itinerary

High above the bustle of Paris and London, hospitality takes on a more elevated form this summer

Few seasons inspire travel quite like summer in Europe. Long lunches stretch into the evening, city terraces come alive, and destinations reveal a different side of themselves beneath warmer skies and slower rhythms. Yet with so many possibilities competing for attention, the most memorable itineraries are often shaped not by how much is seen, but by the experiences that capture the essence of a place.

From rooftop dining above Paris to elevated wellness in the heart of London, these are two experiences worth building into a European summer itinerary.

Summer Above Paris at Le Jardin

Paris in summer has a rhythm entirely its own. Terraces fill early, gardens become gathering places, and long afternoons seem to unfold without urgency. Few places capture that atmosphere more beautifully than Le Jardin at Cheval Blanc Paris.

Located on the seventh floor of the maison, the seasonal terrace has become one of the city's most sought-after summer destinations. Spanning 650 square metres, the space has been designed as a retreat above the city, where greenery, colour, and understated elegance combine to create an atmosphere that feels removed from the pace below.

Chef William Béquin's seasonal menu celebrates the produce and flavours of summer, from cherry tomato tart and Provençal stuffed vegetables to lighter dishes intended for leisurely lunches beneath the Parisian sky. The experience is completed by Pastry Chef Maxime Frédéric's strawberry sundae, an elevated interpretation of classic Italian gelato that has quickly become one of the terrace's signatures.

What distinguishes Le Jardin, however, is not simply the food. The space itself has been conceived as a destination. Fragrant herbs, flowering plants, and carefully landscaped pathways create an environment that encourages guests to linger, while thoughtful details such as handwritten postcards invite visitors to embrace the slower pace associated with summer holidays.

In a city celebrated for its café culture, Le Jardin offers a distinctly contemporary interpretation of the Parisian terrace, one that feels simultaneously intimate, elegant, and unmistakably seasonal.

Wellness Above the City at Shangri-La The Shard, London

London's energy is part of its appeal, but it can also be relentless. Finding moments of calm within one of Europe's busiest capitals has become an increasingly valuable luxury, particularly for travellers balancing sightseeing, dining, shopping, and cultural exploration within a limited timeframe.

Perched high above the city within The Shard, Shangri-La The Shard offers a different perspective on London, both literally and figuratively. The property's summer offering encourages guests to extend their stay and embrace a slower approach to the city. At its centre is the hotel's Level 52 wellness floor, home to Western Europe's highest infinity pool and Sky Sauna, where sweeping views extend across landmarks including St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London.

The experience reflects a broader shift taking place within urban hospitality. Increasingly, luxury city hotels are recognising that wellness is no longer reserved for remote resorts. Instead, it has become an essential component of modern travel, providing balance amidst the intensity of urban exploration.

At Shangri-La The Shard, that philosophy extends beyond the spa. Scenic running routes along the Thames, in-room yoga sessions, personalised fitness experiences, and restorative treatments create opportunities to engage with the city while maintaining a sense of wellbeing. Even the evening turndown ritual incorporates wellness through an iced tea infusion crafted with Dragonwell green tea and citrus botanicals.

For travellers spending several days in London, it offers a reminder that some of the city's most memorable moments can be found not only at street level, but high above it.

A Different Way to Experience Europe

What connects these experiences is not geography, but perspective. Whether lingering over lunch above the rooftops of Paris or watching London's skyline from an infinity pool suspended in the clouds, both offer an opportunity to experience these iconic cities at a different pace. They invite travellers to pause, settle into their surroundings, and discover the quieter moments that often become the most memorable.

As summer unfolds across Europe, it is often these experiences, the hidden terrace, the lingering afternoon, the restorative escape above a bustling city, that remain longest in memory. They serve as a reminder that the most rewarding journeys are rarely defined by how much we see, but by how deeply we experience the places we visit.