Galerie-Musee Baccarat (Baccarat Gallery-Museum), Paris

In a stunning testament to the building's Surrealist heritage, trend-setting designer Philippe Starck imbued the headquarters and museum of the esteemed Baccarat crystal firm with an irreverent, whimsical approach that evokes the fanciful atmosphere of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland". This opulent mansion, owned by Countess Marie-Laure de Noailles, was a frequent haunt of artistic luminaries such as Cocteau, Buñuel, Dalí and Man Ray.

At the entrance, a display of talking heads, projected onto towering crystal urns, captivates visitors, while a luminescent chandelier is suspended in an aquarium. Upstairs, the museum boasts an impressive collection of masterworks produced by Baccarat since 1764, including candlesticks crafted for Czar Nicholas II and the perfume flacon that was the fruit of a collaboration between Dalí and Schiaparelli. The rotunda's "Alchemy" exhibit, curated by Gérard Garouste, showcases the intricate technical history of cutting, wheel engraving, enameling, and gilding.

In addition, visitors can indulge in shopping for contemporary crystal crafted by top-name designers, as well as stemware, vases, tableware, jewelry, chandeliers, and even furniture in the on-site shop. One can also take a few moments to explore the charming little park located just outside in the Place des États-Unis, adorned with impressive statues of Washington and Lafayette.

For those in search of a memorable dining experience, the Crystal Room restaurant is a must-visit. Adorned with the house's vibrant crystal vases and dinnerware, and topped off by a grandiose 157-light Baccarat chandelier, it provides a stunning backdrop for lunch, dinner, teatime, or an evening drink in the outdoor Garden Lounge.