VIBE

Since 1764, the House of Baccarat has been supplying the world’s elite (think everyone from the Prince of Wales to Indian maharajas to Josephine Baker) with incredibly ornate, crystal-studded luxury items. Their current premises were designed by avant-garde poster boy Philippe Starck, but it’s their classic metal work and crystals that really steal the show. Highlights include a selection of made-to-order pieces designed for royalty in the “Folie des Grandeurs” room and the massive display pieces created for the 19th century expositions in the “Au déla de la transparence” room.

GO HERE WITH

Design or history buffs; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

A joy of a bite-sized museum. The collections are incredible (we particularly dig the show-offy pieces commissioned for the expositions) and the displays are extremely well curated. (Plus, we love finishing off with a visit to their onsite boutique to snag an exquisite Baccarat souvenir or two.)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Not much.

GOOD TO KNOW

The stunning (and très stylish) onsite restaurant, the Cristal Room (open for lunch and dinner), mixes classic Baccarat sensibilities with Starck-designed impertinence, while its menu has a complementary “modern twist on classics” vibe. Reserve well in advance, as it can be tough to get in. Group visits for the museum are by reservation only.

CLOSEST COMPS

Tiffany and Co. (New York)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris