Curator’s statement
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!
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Where to stay in Paris, France
Cheval Blanc Paris
This Art Déco heritage hotel carries with it the stately hospitality known to the Cheval Blanc name — located near the Seine in the center of Paris.
Fora Perks
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
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Complimentary round-trip private airport.
Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa
Sophisticated hotel with contemporary, mosaic-tiled rooms and suites, located in one of Paris' oldest neighborhoods.
Fora Perks
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hôtel Madame Rêve
This boutique hotel resides in this postmodern 19th-century building that used to be the Louvre Post Office revamped with a sleek, contemporary interior.
Fora Perks
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$100 hotel / resort credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel du Sentier
Stylish Haussmanian hotel with calm interiors.
Ritz Paris
Superlative stay on Place Vendôme fresh from a top-to-toe renovation — the stuff of hotel dreams.
Fora Perks
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Complimentary roundtrip private airport transfer.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Juliette to book your trip.
Things to do in Paris, France
Museums
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.
Shopping
Oh My Cream: A must-go for all things dedicated to clean beauty. They have several locations around the city and you can even get skin treatments and facials with Tata Harper and Dermalogica products.
Whitebird Jewelry: If you love jewelry, Whitebird carries one of the best selections in Paris. There are three locations around the city (Saint Germain is my fav!), and there is no doubt that you will find unique pieces made by designers from around the world.
Ralph Lauren Flagship Store St Germain: Although an American brand, this store is a must-go while you visit the 6th arrondissement. Located in an hôtel particulier on Boulevard Saint-Germain, you will feel like shopping in a luxurious Parisian apartment.
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.
Charvet: Charvet is a high-end shirt maker and tailor located Place Vendôme. Trust me, just go and gift one to yourself.
Experiences
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.
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.
Jardin des Tuileries: It doesn’t matter if you are a tourist or a Parisian, there is always a reason to go to the Tuileries Garden. My favorite thing to do when I visit is to sit with a friend by the big fountain and catch up for hours.
Private boat tour on La Seine: After all, is there a better way to see the beauty of Paris than by boat? You can even rent an electric one and drive it yourself along the Seine river, just do it!
Day trips
Versailles of course! 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.
Places to eat & drink in Paris, France
Restaurants
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?
Le Rigmarole: For what could be the last time, you will be able to enjoy Daniel Pearson’s insanely good pizzas at Le Rigmarole from June 22nd to August 2023. I can’t speak highly enough of this place.
Folderol: Sister restaurant to Le Rigmarole, Folderol offers exclusively wine and ice cream. The perfect spot to go to for a last drink after dinner.
Cafe de Flore: This place needs no introduction, but if you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend going there for a late-night (like, 11 pm) mille-feuille and a glass of champagne.
Delicatessen: 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.
ROOF at Madame Rêve hotel: This rooftop offers some of the best views of Paris, really. Located on top of the Poste du Louvre, ROOF offers signature cocktails and finger food.
Pastries and café
Breakfast at Le Ritz: Bar Vendôme, the Ritz all-day brasserie, offers decadent breakfast options starting at 10 am. Reservations are recommended.
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.
![Advisor - Juliette Michaels](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1711118066/contentful-migration/advisors/image/juliette-michaels-travel-advisor.jpg)
Travel Advisor
Juliette Michaels
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Briana Masson’s guide, An Extended Guide to Paris.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris.