Le Tour du Web: What We’re Reading This Week

The luxe factor is soaring on the Paris hotel scene. France Today attended the exclusive pre-opening gala for The Peninsula Paris— officially opening today (August 1)– and we were wowed by the restoration project that employed the country’s top artisans. The New York Times‘s Elaine Sciolino files her “Letter from France.”

Speaking of luxury, Hotel Plaza Athénée is quietly unveiling a big makeover this month. [The New York Times]

Top 10 (Transport) Sights in Paris [Scientific American]

France combat against “reheat and serve” food in restaurants with campaign to cook from scratch [French Entrée]

The Jardin des Tuileries is plagued by a rat infestation [Le Monde]

France and the Loss of Greatness: Why French Politicians Appropriate Jean Jaurès [The New York Times]

A French hospital will open a wine bar to improve the quality of life for its terminally ill patients [France 24]

Christian Louboutin enters the beauty business! The new nail polish collection is inspired by his iconic stilettos [PSFK]