PARIS, FRANCE
There's a reason Paris is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and it truly is. Everything about it will serenade you - beautiful streets and classic architecture, charming cafés and busy bistros; palatial museums, idyllic gardens, and monumental bridges to wander through. A city so rich with history, culture, and cuisine it's a never-ending wonder to explore.
TO STAY
In the heart of historic Paris, Le Meurice is a splendid place to stay in the First Arrondissement. Located on the iconic Rue de Rivoli and across the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, it's also within walking distance of major landmarks like Palais Royal and the Louvre, Musée des Arts Decoratifs, and Place Vendôme. Its central location helps navigate the city, which is especially ideal for first-time visits. Besides its beautiful location, staying at Le Meurice is a luxury of its own. An original palace hotel with opulent interiors and open views of the garden, a Michelin-star restaurant by Alain Ducasse and pastries by Cedric Grolet, and all the tailored luxury you can expect from a Dorchester Collection hotel. A pleasant stay and an unforgettable experience.
FOOD & DINING
BOULANGERIES & PATISSERIES
Within walking distance to Montmartre and Place du Tertre, Leonie is a neighbourhood boulangerie with now one of the best croissants in Paris. Nicely browned with a well-laminated centre, Leonie's croissaint is softer on the outside and lighter in texture but still rich in flavour. With a few tables inside as well as outside, it's a nice place to start the morning before heading up to Montmartre.
One of Paris's younger and trendier bakeries, Mamiche is a small take-away bakery near Montmartre with a range of traditional viennoiserie as well as artisanal pastries, breads, and lunch sandwiches. The croissant here is paler in colour with a soft but dense texture. Grab a few of their unique creations to try as well.
A luxurious bakery by the Ritz with lavish creations from Francois Perret. Le Comptoir serves a variety of creative treats to try but the "millefeuille to go" and madeleines are the main highlights. Located on Rue Cambon at the back of Place Vendôme.
For some of the best Parisian sandwiches, this is the place to go. A tiny gourmet shop specialising in charcuterie, Caractère de Cochon offers a variety of smoked & cured meats to take home or make into any sandwich you like. The Jambon-Blanc is a top-seller; a freshly baked baguette (which is excellent on its own) lathered in rich butter, generously layered with paper-thin comté and some of the highest quality jambon (ask for cornichons on the side). Located in the Third Arrondissement by Marché des Enfants Rouges and just a short walk from Le Marais. Get a sandwich to go and walk down to Place des Vosges for a delightful lunch in the garden.
CLASSIC CAFÉS
CARETTE
For a proper French breakfast in a charming atmosphere, Carette does it best. This vintage café-eatery has two locations and each one offers a remarkable setting: the one on Place du Trocadero enjoys views of the Tour Eiffel, and the one on Place Des Vosges overlooks the garden. Their soft scrambled eggs are a house speciality, served with freshly baked baguette and salted butter. End on a sweet note with their XL palmier and their signature hot chocolate. They offer an all-day menu for lunch and dinner as well, and a range of finger sandwiches to go. A classic favourite among locals and travellers alike.
This iconic Left Bank café needs little introduction. Café de Flore is an institution and legend of Parisian café culture, and rightfully a landmark of its own. Set on a corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain, it's nostalgic and romantic with an old-world charm; perfect for a leisurely afternoon or evening of drinks, snacks and people watching. It's always busy and it's very touristy, but it is still a lovely place to glimpse a bygone era of Paris.
On a second corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain is another iconic café with a legendary past. Les Deux Magots was once a creative hub for Paris's finest and today it's a meeting point for some of the city's elites. It's a little more elegant and spacious than Café de Flore, but just as busy and popular throughout the day.
CAFÉ BONAPARTE
Just off of Saint-Germain on the corner of Rue Bonaparte, this vintage café is a great place to escape the crowds. Set on a small side street, it's more discreet than its neighbouring cafés and more popular among locals. Take a seat on one of its terrace tables and watch life in Saint-Germain unfold on all sides.
Just across Palais Garnier, this belle-epoque café offers a beautiful refuge in the heart of Place de L'Opera. Dating back to 1862, it's an opulent place to experience classic café culture; with both terrace seating as well as a dining space inside, it's an ideal place to stop by before or after the opera.
Situated between Rue Saint-Honoré and Place Colette, Le Nemours is a fashionable little brasserie set beneath the grand pillars of Palais Royal. It's tucked away behind Jardin du Palais Royal but it's also a short walk from the busy Rue de Rivoli, the Louvre, and Musée des Arts Decoratifs, making it an ideal spot for drinks in the area.
RESTAURANTS
A plate of steak-frites is a quintessential meal when in Paris. At Bistrot Paul Bert, it's almost mandatory. Situated in the lively 11th arrondissement, Bistrot Paul Bert serves traditional French fare that is both unpretentious and remarkable. Coupled with a cosy and rustic bistro setting, it's perfectly Parisian. Their menu changes seasonally but a few staple classics include the Sole Meunière (nicely buttered fish) and of course the legendary Filet au Poivre (juicy, tender steak served in a pool of black pepper sauce) with a side of really, really good thick-cut pommes frites. If it's your first visit, their large soufflé is a must-order for dessert. They're busy every single night, reservations by telephone are essential.
This small, laidback Parisian bistro in Pigalle offers some of the best wine and steak in the city. An intimate space with wooden tables, a chalkboard menu of seasonal dishes, and an impressive book of wine bottles to choose from. Two steady staples to order are the Steak au Poivre and Steak Haché (which is especially remarkable but uncommon in other French bistros); and the undressed, hand-chopped Steak Tartare is an ode to their high quality meat. Their perfectly cooked and salted pommes frites are just as incredible as the main dishes. For dessert, make sure to order their iconic off-the-menu mousse chocolat - it's a generous portion to share, and it is one of the best in Paris. The service is remarkably polite, prompt, and attentive. One of the best dining experiences to be had. Reservations required.
A fashionable brasserie-style restaurant with Art Deco interiors, a buzzy atmosphere, and a menu of French cuisine with a flare. It's fancy without extra frills. Just a short walk from Le Bon Marché in the 6th arrondissement, Le Petit Lutetia is a delightful choice for lunch or dinner. Expect traditional French dishes like escargots, tartare, and steak au poivre, alongside house-specials like their creamy morel rigatoni. For dessert, the mousse chocolat and thin tarte tatin are especially famous. Elegant but laidback dining in a lively setting.
In the heart of Saint-Germain, Allard pays an elegant homage to the traditional French bistro. Run by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, its culinary reputation speaks for itself. With warm, wooden interiors and intimate bistro-style seating, Allard provides an elevated experience of Parisian dining. The menu often changes seasonally, but a house-favourite staple is the canette de challans for two - tender roasted duck served in a pan with tangy green olives; a hearty, comforting meal and an iconic Allard dish. If you're looking for a traditional bistro experience with the finesse of Michelin-star dining, Allard is the perfect place for it.
On Boulevard Saint Germain, just across Café de Flore, Lipp's is a Parisian institution and a local favourite. Modest French food in a typical brasserie setting, with tightly set tables, vested waiters and a vintage atmosphere. If you've read Hemingway, you'll know he went regularly for the hearty potato salad, the house-special cervelat rémoulade and unlimited beer. The menu offers a big variety of typical dishes like escargots, foie gras, sole meunière and filet de boeuf, as well as heartier dishes like pied de porc, andouillette, and saucisse au couteau. Their minutely-chopped and dressed steak tartare is particularly excellent if you enjoy a finer and paste-like texture. Go with an appetite and stay for dessert. It's always loud and busy and the waiters can be intimidating, but it's all part of the experience at Lipp's.
A cosy little restaurant for traditional French food in a 1950s-inspired setting. Pink-washed table cloths, dim bistro lighting, and tiled floors, coupled with black-vested waiters and old French music for added nostalgia. The menu is typically French, with options like escargots, paté en croute, filet au poivre and of course their signature poule au pot; the finely-minced steak tartare, prepared at the table, is also worth mentioning here, another excellent one. An ideal and easy choice for lunch or dinner in the first arrondissement, just a short walk from Les Halles, Bourse de Commerce, Palais Royal and Rue de Rivoli.
Nestled in the historic Passages des Panoramas, this has been a culinary hotspot since it first opened. Serving Italian food in a typical French-bistro setting, Racines brings together two very different cultures in an unexpected but totally curated harmony. The menu changes often but always features a selection of small antipasti to share, several pasta options and larger entrees to follow. It's a very small space with only a handful of tables, making the experience more intimate, romantic and enjoyable. Open for lunch and dinner, reservations required.
A lively and trendy spot for Italian food in Le Marais. Much like its neighbourhood, Carboni's attracts hip and cool crowds with its buzzing atmosphere and contemporary cuisine. The restaurant space is stripped back with bare walls, modern bistro-style seating, and hanging plants. The menu offers Italian favourites like buratta and vitello tonnato, as well as a few pasta options and meat dishes. Their signature Pici Cacio e Pepe is a must-order. Head downstairs for pre or post dinner drinks at Bar Sotto.
PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO
THE RIGHT BANK
As one of the most famous art museums in the world, the Louvre is of course an essential visit in Paris. It's always busy and crowded, and it can get a little overwhelming inside but there are a few tips to follow for a smoother experience: 1. Book tickets in advance with a timed-entry slot, preferably earlier in the day or later in the afternoon, open til 9 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays (closed Tuesdays); 2. Map out any specific collections or artworks you want to see because there is a lot to get through; 3. Use the museum app to navigate the multiple buildings and pavilions; 4. Finally, take your time, enjoy your visit, and understand that it's practically impossible to see it all in one go.
For decorative art & design, Musée Des Arts Decoratifs hosts a large permanent collection of artefacts from medieval times to the 20th century, as well as temporary exhibitions. Everything from fashion and jewelry to furniture and design, there's plenty to see from all eras of history. The museum sits right by the Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries on Rue de Rivoli. It's also home to the fashionable Loulou restaurant for an upscale lunch or dinner with a sweeping view of Jardin du Carousel.
PALAIS ROYAL
Blending Renaissance architecture with modern art, Palais Royal is a 17th century palace most recognised for its pillared arcade lined with antique boutiques, Daniel Buren's famous 1980s striped columns, and a small but beautiful garden to stroll through. Located between Rue de Rivoli and Place des Victoires, it's also within walking distance to major landmarks like the Louvre and Musée Des Arts Decoratifs on one side, and the Bibliotheque National on the other. A short and pleasant stop between the First and Second Arrondissements.
JARDIN DES TUILERIES
The largest and most popular garden on the Right Bank, Jardin des Tuileries offers a gorgeous landscape to stroll through and large fountains to sit around. Located in the First Arrondissement and connecting Place de la Concorde to the Louvre, it's a very scenic route to get from one side to the other or to simply while away an hour or two.
Situated between Jardin des Tuileries and Place de la Concorde, Musée de L'Orangerie is most famous for Monet's masterpiece series of 'TheWater Lilies'. Displayed as a sweeping panorama across two rooms, it's one of the most mesmerising pieces of art in Paris. As with most museums, book timed-entry tickets in advance.
PLACE VENDÔME
In the First arrondissement, just across Jardin des Tuileries, Place Vendôme is one of Paris's most iconic squares; adorned with a monumental column and luxury boutiques on all sides, it's a wonderful place to pass through. It's also the connecting point between Rue de Rivoli, Saint-Honoré, and Place de L'Opera.
A beautiful and opulent architectural masterpiece, Palais Garnier is as much a historic landmark as it is an opera house. It's a breathtaking revival of Baroque architecture with an enchanting imperial staircase, intricate ceiling art and large marble statues, gold fixtures and a larger-than-life chandelier. Very much worth a visit of its own.
This former 18th-century stock exchange building now houses one of Pinault's largest art collections. The building's circular architecture and painted dome ceiling are alone worth visiting; and there's usually some exciting temporary exhibition on show. Located in Les Halles in the 1st arr., within walking distance to Palais Royal and Place des Victoires.
GALERIE VIVIENNE
A beautiful 19th-century arcade in the 2nd arr., Galerie Vivienne is one of the city's more emblematic passages and a beautiful example of French Art Nouveau. Lined with luxury boutique shops and within walking distance to Palais Royal, Chez Georges, and Bibliotheque National, it's a lovely place to pass through.
BIBLIOTHEQUE NATIONAL DE FRANCE
The BNF houses one of the most impressive library collections and reading hall, with a large glass-domed ceiling and circular multi-storeyed bookshelves. Make sure to visit the Richelieu Site for the large reading hall. Located in the 2nd arr., just a short walk from Palais Royal, it's worth a quick visit in the area.
LE MARAIS & PLACE DES VOSGES
A charming neighbourhood in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements with cobblestoned streets, quaint buildings and a small-town feel. Lined with hip shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, it's a fun and lively area to roam around both in the day and at night. In the heart of Le Marais, connecting the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Place des Vosges is an idyllic little square of shopping arcades and a beautiful garden in the middle.
MONTMARTRE
This is one of the more culturally and historically significant areas to explore. Perched on a hill with narrow cobblestoned streets, old-style bistros and street artists on every corner, Montmartre looks and feels like a village of its own. There are also several little landmarks to visit there. Starting at the foot of the hill, make your up to the Sacre-Coeur Cathedral, circle around to the charming Place du Tertre, the famous La Maison Rose, and the Montmartre and Dali Museums. It's a short climb from the 9th arrondissement and Pigalle, which means you can pick up some pastries from Mamiche, Leonie, or PainPain and enjoy breakfast to a panorama of Paris.
THE LEFT BANK
SAINT GERMAIN/LATIN QUARTER
The heart and soul of the Left Bank, Saint-Germain des Prés and the Latin Quarter are two of Paris's most charming and emblematic neighbourhoods. Once the creative hub for students, artists, poets, and celebrated figures like Sartre and Picasso, they have a long revered legacy and a full life of its own. Set along the Seine, it's a wonderfully busy area for sightseeing, shopping and dining. This is where you'll find Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots and Lipp's, Shakespeare & Company, Jardin du Luxembourg, and of course the Notre Dame Cathedral. Lots to explore on this side.
Second to the Louvre, Musèe D'Orsay houses a large collection of the world's most famous paintings. Set in a former train-station with an iconic clock overlooking Paris, Musèe D'Orsay sits right along the Seine on the Left Bank; just a short walk from Jardin des Tuileries via Pont Royal or from the Louvre via Pont du Carrousel. Queues and crowds can be overwhelming; book a ticket online and try to visit as early as possible. Make sure to go up to the big clock on the 5th floor for a wonderful view.
Set in an 18th century mansion with an iconic staircase, this quaint but enchanting museum showcases some of Rodin's most famous sculptures like The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Hand of God. Located in the 7th arr., it's a short walk from places like Esplanade Les Invalides, Le Petit Lutetia, and Le Bon Marché. It's worth visiting not only for Rodin's works but for the museum's beautiful palatial setting and garden.
JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
If there's one garden to visit in Paris, it's certainly Jardin du Luxembourg. A wonderful and whimsical green oasis in the heart of the Left Bank, just between Saint Germain des Près and the Latin Quarter. Inspired by the famous Italian Boboli Gardens, the grandeur of its Renaissance design is so beautiful and idyllic; make sure to visit the Medici Fountains as well. It's a short walk to Boulevard Saint-Germain from there.
COUR DU COMMERCE SAINT ANDRÉ
A hidden passageway with a back door to the oldest restaurant in Paris, Le Procope. Just off of Blvd Saint-Germain, Cour du Commerce Saint André is a small cobblestoned alley that's easy to miss but worth looking for a glimpse of 17th century Paris and where Napoleon used to dine.
Considered the holy grail for literary fans and readers of Hemingway, Shakespeare & Company is perhaps one of the most celebrated bookshops in the world. Originally founded by the famous Sylvia Beach in 1919, it was once a hub for the intellectual crowd of 20th century Paris (Hemingway, James Joyce and Fitzgerald, to name a few). There's a large collection of old and new books, as well as a small shop for rare editions next door. A cosy and charming place to visit on the Left Bank, just a short walk from Notre-Dame and La Maison D'Isabelle.
ÎLE DE LA CITÉ
Floating on the Seine between the Right and Left Bank, Île de la Cité is a historic island where Le Notre Dame and Saint Chapelle sit - two of the oldest, most emblematic Gothic cathedrals in Paris. Attending mass at one of them is an especially memorable experience.
VERSAILLES
Just a half hour train ride from Paris is the stunning Château de Versailles. This is the easiest and quickest day trip to take, and very much worth planning for. Book a ticket in advance and visit as early as possible. If the weather is warm, it's a perfect chance to enjoy the vast botanical gardens.
SHOPPING
LUXURY BOUTIQUES
For upscale brands, the best streets to go to are Avenue Montaigne, Rue Saint Honoré, and Boulevard Haussmann.This is where you'll find most designer fashion and jewellery, high-end boutiques, and department stores.
LE MARAIS
This hip and trendy neighbourhood in the 3rd & 4th arrondissements is lined with fashionable shops, independent boutiques, galleries and restaurants. It's a fun area to walk around and explore on foot, hopping from café to shop to gallery; its small, cobblestoned streets and historic buildings give it a unique charm and a distinctive look to other neighbourhoods.
Recognised by its white-tile interiors and criss-cross escalators, Le Bon Marché is a large department store that has it all. Everything from designer brands and luxury cosmetics, to technology and homeware. They also have an incredible gourmet food hall at Le Grand Epicerie. One of the finest department stores in Paris, located in the 6th arrondissement near Musée Rodin, Jardin du Luxembourg, and a short walk from Blvd Saint-Germain.
A wonderful and whimsical luxury department store with decorative interiors and an avant-garde flair. La Samaritaine is one of Paris's largest department stores with a selection of high-end fashion brands and jewellery, beauty, home accessories as well as a dining space on the roof. Just across Pont Neuf and a short walk to Rue de Rivoli, it's worth visiting for its unique architecture and design.
This luxury French perfumery was originally founded in 1803 and has remained one of the most famous perfume houses in the world. With old apothecary interiors, vintage perfume pumps, intricately illustrated bottles and hand-calligraphy labels, shopping at Officine Buly is quite an experience. They have several locations around Paris, each uniquely designed and equally marvellous. Start at the first official shop on Rue Bonaparte on the Left Bank. A marvellous shopping experience and a unique souvenir to take home.