Naomi Rougeau

Paris has no shortage of architectural icons. But few are quite as vibrant or charming as the Hôtel Plaza Athénée, with its signature red awnings and coordinating balcony planters and window boxes, flush with geraniums. Like most well-known spots in the city, it is steeped in history: Some time after Jean Gabin and Marlene Dietrich ended their love affair, the actress purchased an apartment across the street. The next time Gabin booked a room at the hotel, still thinking of Dietrich, he asked…