Paris City Guide

After going to Paris my whole life and even living there for six years, I am still surprised at how many things are on my to do list when I get there. After all, Paris is one of the most visited city in the world for a reason. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, the list of things to do and beautiful historic sites to see never ends. And, of course, the food needs no introduction. But what if there was a way to mix the must-do visits with more local experiences, to live life like a true Parisian for a week? This Paris city guide has been designed to make your trip the most French and the most unique, and I promise that it doesn’t involve standing in line at L’Entrecôte!

The Ritz Hotel, Paris

Where to stay:

• The Ritz Paris

  The Ritz Paris is reborn and invites you to experience anew the City of Light. Now freshly restored, its grand décor and intimate salons welcome guests to rediscover a unique atmosphere and the inimitable French art de vivre. It overlooks the Place Vendôme in the city's 1st arrondissement.

  Fora Perks:

  • Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking

  • Daily full breakfast

  • Complimentary roundtrip private airport transfer

  • Early Check-in / Late Check-out are confirmed at booking time

• Cheval Blanc Paris

  Overlooking the Seine River, and adjacent to Pont Neuf metro station, this premium hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Musée du Louvre and 2 km from the Tuileries Garden.

  Fora Perks:

  • Complementary round-trip private airport transfer

  • Breakfast daily

  • Upgrade and extended check-in/out when possible

• Le Pavillon de la Reine

  An 8-minute walk from the lively Marais district, this sophisticated hotel in an elegant building is also a 2-minute walk from Place des Vosges, Paris's oldest square.

  Fora Perks:

  • $100 food / beverage credit

  • Breakfast daily

  • Upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible

Bourse du Commerce - Pinault Collection, Paris

Things to do:

• Bourse de Commerce, Pinault Collection

  Located in the heart of Paris, the historic building, renovated by Tadao Ando is now home to the Pinault Collection and gathers more than 10,000 works from the 1960s to date.

• Musée d’Orsay

  Second most visited museum after Le Louvre, Musée d’Orsay gathers French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture and photography.

• Musée de l’Orangerie

  Located near Les Tuileries garden, le Musée de l'Orangerie is an art gallery specialized in impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. It is also the home of the famous painting “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet, an absolute must-see.

• Musée des Arts Décoratifs

  This is where you go if you are interested in decorative arts. From design to fashion, most exhibitions there are never to be missed. One of my all-time favorites.

• Shop at Officine Universelle Bully

  It doesn’t get more French Pharmacy than this. Founded in 1803, Officine Universelle Bully is a beauty brand and boutique that embodies the true spirit of an apothecary.

• Shop at Charvet

  Charvet is a high-end shirt maker and tailor located Place Vendôme. Trust me, just go and gift one to yourself.

• Walk around Canal St Martin

  I recommend going there from the north side of le Marais. Start rue de Bretagne, walk through Place de la République and end at Canal St Martin. Buy yourself a bottle of wine and enjoy it on the canal.

• A night at Opera Garnier

  When in Rome, right? There you can spend the night watching ballet or opera and visit the famous and stunning Opera Garnier.

• Take a day trip to Versailles

  As crowded as it gets, the Château remains one of the best places to visit around Paris. Make it a full-day ordeal, rent a bike to ride around the canal, go check Marie-Antoinette's property and have authentic crepes at "La Place" nearby.

Café near the Jardins du Palais Royal, Paris

Where to eat and drink:

• Le Dauphin

  Sister restaurant to Le Chateaubriand, Le Dauphin offers small plates, wine and cocktails. Sit around the marbled bar and enjoy!

• Chez Savy

  Opened in 1923, Chez Savy is a brasserie that offers typical French food in an old school and art deco decor.

• Localino

  Opened recently, this Italian restaurant located in the 6th arrondissement has everything you want: delicious pasta, great wine and an intimate atmosphere.

• Epicure

  A three-star Michelin restaurant located in the Bristol hotel. There you will enjoy gastronomy at its finest, thanks to chef Eric Frechon. Does it get more French than this?

• Brasserie Lipp

  Located across famous Café de Flore and Deux Magots, this institution serves french classics in the heart of St Germain des prés.

• Delicatessen Place

  Great wine selection and French food exactly the way it is supposed to be. Bonus, there is a wine shop next door if you want to bring back a few souvenirs.

• Dreaming Man

  Small café that serves delicious coffee and pastries made by a husband and wife. Cozy and authentic vibes.

• Telescope Cafe

  Another great café near Opera and Palais Royal. I am so happy Paris finally has good coffee shops and Telescope definitely contributed to the change.

• Du pain et des idées

  This bakery is as traditional as it gets. And of course, all the pastries are delicious. A must-go.

Ready to book? Send me a message and I will get back to you within one business day