paris
travel guide
PARIS
A city that needs no introduction yet somehow always manages to surprise, where grand boulevards give way to hidden courtyards, neighborhood bistros, and a cultural richness that feels inexhaustible. Paris is a destination that reveals itself differently every time you visit.
paris
Paris is a living masterpiece—where world-class museums and centuries of art sit alongside some of the best food, wine, and fashion on the planet. Every arrondissement has its own distinct personality, from the intellectual energy of Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the village-like charm of Montmartre and the effortless cool of Le Marais.
Whether you're lingering over a café crème at a sidewalk terrace, discovering a small gallery tucked down a cobblestone side street, or simply watching the Seine catch the last light of the afternoon, Paris delivers a beauty that is both timeless and endlessly alive.
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Hôtel Particulier / Once the private family home of the legendary Hermès dynasty, this hidden gem tucked away on a quiet street in Montmartre has been transformed into an exquisite boutique hotel where each suite was individually designed by Pierre Lacroix, making every room a unique and stunning work of art. A favorite among discerning celebrities and those in the know, the lush secret garden, intimate atmosphere, and extraordinary pedigree make it our absolute favorite address in Paris—a place that feels like your own private corner of the city.
Hotel Monte Cristo / Inspired by Alexandre Dumas' legendary tale, this beautifully designed boutique hotel in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés transports guests to a world of exotic elegance, with richly layered interiors that draw from the Far East, Africa, and the great adventure novels of the 19th century. Every detail tells a story—from the moody, atmospheric bar to the intimate and theatrical guest rooms. Pro tip: rooms are tiny so ask for a suite.
Hotel Grand Amour / Set in a romantic corner of the 10th arrondissement, this effortlessly cool boutique hotel blends vintage French charm with a bohemian artistic spirit, where every room feels like it was designed for someone with impeccable taste. With its beloved brasserie, flower-filled courtyard, and a warm intimacy that larger hotels can only dream of, Grand Amour feels less like a place to sleep and more like a place to fall in love with Paris all over again.
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Arrondissements / Paris is a city of villages, each of its 20 arrondissements carrying its own distinct personality, history, and rhythm that rewards exploration beyond the tourist trail. From the intellectual energy of the 5th and 6th on the Left Bank, to the hip and effortlessly cool galleries, concept stores, and café culture of the 3rd, to the multicultural buzz of the 10th and the village-like charm of Montmartre in the 18th, every neighborhood offers a completely different side of the city. The best way to experience Paris is simply to pick an arrondissement, start walking, and let it reveal itself.
Monuments / Paris wears its history on its sleeve, from the soaring iron lattice of the Eiffel Tower and the gothic grandeur of Notre-Dame—now magnificently restored—to the triumphal sweep of the Arc de Triomphe anchoring the Champs-Élysées. Each monument tells a chapter of a city that has been shaping world history, art, and culture for centuries. Visit at different times of day to experience them in a new light—the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night is an entirely different experience from seeing it emerge through morning mist.
Museums / Home to some of the world's greatest museums, from the vast and magnificent Louvre—home to the Mona Lisa and thousands of other treasures—to the Impressionist masterpieces lining the walls of the light-filled Musée d'Orsay. Don't miss the Grand Palais, currently hosting the mesmerizing Leandro Erlich exhibition, where the Argentine artist's mind-bending large-scale installations play with perception and reality in the most spectacular architectural setting imaginable. For something more intimate, the Musée Rodin and Musée de l'Orangerie offer quieter, deeply moving experiences that remind you why Paris remains the art capital of the world.
Gardens / Paris takes its gardens seriously, from the formal symmetry of the Tuileries and the Luxembourg Gardens—where Parisians read, picnic, and play pétanque with quiet contentment—to the wilder, more romantic landscapes of the Bois de Boulogne. Each garden carries its own atmosphere and history, offering a natural pause from the energy of the city streets. On a sunny afternoon, there is simply no better place to be than a Parisian garden with a good book and something cold to drink.
River Boat Tour along the Seine / Enjoy a small, intimate cruise along the Seine, where you'll drift past Notre-Dame, the Musée d'Orsay, and the grand bridges at water level in the most unhurried and magical way. It's a completely different perspective of the city—peaceful and beautiful.
Canal Saint-Martin / A charming iron footbridge with tree-lined banks and iron locks. Stroll along its banks on a Sunday morning when the roads are closed to traffic, browse the independent boutiques and cafés that line its edges, and watch the city at its most relaxed and local.
Food Tour / Weave through market halls, fromageries, boulangeries, and specialty shops with tastings at every stop. You'll leave with a fuller stomach, a deeper appreciation for the ingredients and traditions behind each bite, and a list of addresses you'll return to for the rest of your trip.
Wall of Love / Tucked into a quiet square, this charming mosaic wall features the words "I love you" written in over 300 languages, making it one of Paris's most unexpectedly moving and romantic hidden gems. It's the kind of discovery that stops you in your tracks and reminds you that love, in every language, looks beautiful.
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur / A stunning white-domed basilica is one of Paris's most iconic and breathtaking landmarks, its gleaming travertine stone and Byzantine architecture visible from across the city. Climb the steps at sunrise or sunset for panoramic views over the Parisian rooftops that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
Pont Neuf / Despite its name meaning "New Bridge," it is actually Paris's oldest standing bridge, its elegant stone arches spanning the Seine with a timeless grace that has made it one of the city's most beloved and photographed landmarks. Stroll across at dusk when the river catches the last light of the day and the city feels impossibly beautiful.
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Tout Autour du Pain / A celebrated bakery turns out exceptional breads, viennoiseries, and pastries with the kind of quiet mastery that only comes from genuine dedication to the craft. Arrive early—the best things disappear fast.
Maison Verot / A legendary charcuterie is a temple to the fine art of French cured meats, terrines, and pâtés, where every product is made with the precision and passion of a true artisan. Pick up provisions for a picnic or simply stop in to admire a counter that reads like a love letter to French culinary tradition.
Fromagerie Jouannault / An exceptional fromagerie in the heart of Paris is the kind of cheese shop that makes you want to abandon all other plans and spend the afternoon sampling their carefully aged and curated selection. The knowledgeable staff guide you through each variety with genuine passion, helping you find the perfect pairing for whatever is on the table tonight.
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse / Chef Alain Ducasse applies his exacting standards to the art of chocolate making, crafting each piece from bean to bar in a process that celebrates quality, origin, and pure flavor. The beautifully designed boutique makes every visit feel like a luxury experience, and the chocolates themselves are nothing short of extraordinary.
Jean-Paul Hevin Chocolatier / One of Paris's most celebrated chocolatiers, Jean-Paul Hévin creates sculptural, sophisticated confections that blur the line between food and art. Whether you're after a single exquisite truffle or an elegantly boxed assortment, this is the address for chocolate lovers who take their passion seriously.
Rue de Matryrs / A beloved market street climbing through the 9th arrondissement is where Parisians actually shop, lined with exceptional fromageries, patisseries, fishmongers, and specialty food shops that make every trip a feast for the senses. Pick up provisions for a picnic, grab a pastry from one of the celebrated bakeries, and soak in the authentic neighborhood energy of one of Paris's most charming streets.
Baumea Perfumerie / An intimate and beautifully curated perfumerie is a sensory journey through the art of French fragrance, offering a carefully selected edit of niche and independent perfume houses that you won't find in the department stores. The knowledgeable and passionate staff guide you through each scent with genuine expertise, making the experience as educational as it is indulgent.
Baton Rouge / This utterly Parisian experience lets you create your own custom lipstick from scratch, choosing your perfect shade, finish, and even the scent in a hands-on workshop that feels equal parts beauty class and creative adventure. You'll leave with a one-of-a-kind lipstick in a personalized case—the most chic and uniquely Parisian souvenir imaginable.
Cave Arthus et Jean / A charming wine bar and a love letter to small-producer French wines, offering an intimate and knowledgeable tasting experience in a setting that feels warm, personal, and genuinely passionate about what's in the glass. Pull up a stool, let them guide your pour, and prepare to discover something new.
Papier Tigre / This beautifully designed paper goods boutique is a love letter to graphic design and fine materials, offering notebooks, cards, and desk accessories that make you want to start writing letters by hand again. It's one of those shops you enter for five minutes and leave twenty minutes later with a bag full of things you didn't know you needed.
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Coeur Coffee Roasters / A specialty coffee roaster that takes their craft seriously, serving exceptional single-origin brews in a warm and welcoming space that draws a devoted local following. The kind of place that ruins you for average coffee forever.
Marcelle / This charming breakfast and lunch spot serves fresh, market-driven dishes with a light and seasonal touch that feels both nourishing and deeply satisfying. The relaxed atmosphere and beautifully presented plates make it the perfect start to a Paris morning.
Hôtel Particulier / Breakfast or lunch at our favorite Montmartre hideaway is an experience in itself, served in the stunning secret garden or elegant dining room of this former Hermès family mansion. It's the kind of leisurely morning meal that makes you want to cancel every plan for the rest of the day.
Le Bon, la Butte / Perched in the charming streets of Montmartre, this neighborhood gem serves honest, seasonal French cuisine in a warm and unpretentious setting that feels like a local secret. The kind of bistro that reminds you why Paris dining is in a league of its own.
Substance / A refined and creative restaurant celebrates the finest seasonal ingredients with a light modern touch, where each dish is thoughtfully composed and deeply satisfying without ever feeling overwrought. The intimate setting is elevated further by an extraordinary Champagne menu that is among the most impressive in Paris, making it a perfect destination for a truly special evening.
Adami / A stylish and intimate restaurant delivers contemporary Italian cuisine with a confidence and creativity that makes every course feel like a discovery. The elegant but unpretentious atmosphere strikes exactly the right balance for a memorable Paris dinner.
Parcelles / A natural wine-focused bistro pairs a carefully curated cellar of small-producer bottles with simple, seasonal French cooking that lets the ingredients speak for themselves. Relaxed, genuine, and exactly the kind of place you hope to stumble upon in Paris.
Zoutra / A vibrant spot brings bold Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors to Paris in the most delicious way, and whatever you do, don't skip the incredible peanuts that arrive at the table—they alone are worth the visit. The convivial atmosphere and generous, flavor-packed dishes make it one of those places you'll be recommending to everyone.
Aux Lyonnais / A beloved Lyonnais bouchon in the heart of Paris has been serving the hearty, soul-satisfying cuisine of Lyon for generations, with classics like quenelles, gratins, and charcuterie executed with care and pride. Warm, lively, and deeply delicious—a must for anyone who loves French food at its most honest and comforting.
Dame Augsutine / A beautifully restored restaurant channels the warmth and generosity of classic French brasserie dining, with seasonal dishes rooted in tradition and executed with real skill. The gorgeous setting and convivial energy make it the kind of place where the evening always stretches longer than planned.
Classique / An elegant and intimate cocktail bar puts a brilliant spin on the classics, incorporating wines and Champagne directly into their cocktails for a uniquely Parisian twist—think a martini lifted with a splash of bubbles or a stirred drink deepened with a bold red. The kind of bar where you linger over a second drink without needing any convincing.
Danico / Tucked behind a restaurant in the 2nd arrondissement, this sleek and inventive cocktail bar is a favorite among those who take their drinks seriously, with a menu that pushes boundaries while never losing sight of balance and flavor. The intimate atmosphere and exceptional bartenders make every visit feel like a special occasion.
