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Bonjour, Paris

Bonjour, Paris

Hello Paris ! (Last updated on Sept, 2025)

Lets get to understand a neighborhoods a bit first, before jumping into choosing the best hotels for you.

Neighborhoods

Paris has plenty of cool neighborhoods! Here are some of my favorites:

  • Saint-Germain-des-Pres In the heart of Rive Gauche on the south side of the Seine, a beautiful neighborhood to explore on foot. Fine antique shops, bouqitues and iconic cafes and restaurants.
  • Madeline The Madeleine area is a chic and elegant neighborhood in Paris’s 8th arr. 
  • Pigalle Packed with restaurant, close by foot to alot of the nicer areas such as Madeline, good for nightlife, with some hidden cultural gems. 
  • Le Marais Located right in the center of the city (design fashion and nightlife)
  • Triangle d’Or (Golden Triangle) One of the most known streets for shopping where most luxury stores are amongst Avenues George V and Avenue Montaigne

Hotel Suggestions:

Madeleine (8th arrondissement, near Place de la Madeleine / Opéra)

This area is elegant, central, and close to luxury shopping (Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, Rue St-Honoré).

  • Hôtel Le Burgundy ★★★★★ – Chic boutique luxury, contemporary style, walking distance to Madeleine & Rue Saint-Honoré.

  • Maison Astor Paris, Curio Collection by Hilton ★★★★ – More discreet, elegant, with a classic Parisian feel.

  • Hôtel Fauchon Paris ★★★★★ – Gourmet-focused hotel, perfect for food lovers, right on Place de la Madeleine.

  • Hôtel Alfred Sommier ★★★★★ – Set in a restored 19th-century mansion, refined with a residential feel.

Triangle d’Or (Golden Triangle – between Avenue Montaigne, George V, and Champs-Élysées)

This is the heart of Parisian luxury, home to haute couture, flagship stores, and ultra-luxury hotels.

  • Hôtel Plaza Athénée ★★★★★ Palace – Iconic fashion landmark on Avenue Montaigne.

  • Four Seasons Hotel George V ★★★★★ Palace – Legendary luxury, known for its floral displays and service.

  • Bvlgari Hotel Paris ★★★★★ – Modern, sleek, Italian sophistication on Avenue George V, with a stunning spa and bold design.

  • Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel ★★★★★ Palace – Overlooking Place de la Concorde, historic and grand.

  • La Réserve Paris Hotel & Spa ★★★★★ Palace – Ultra-exclusive, intimate, with just 40 rooms and suites.

  • Hôtel San Régis ★★★★★ – Family-owned, boutique-style luxury just steps from Avenue Montaigne.

  • Sofitel Le Faubourg ★★★★★ – Fashion-inspired design, very central between Madeleine and the Golden Triangle.

Trocadéro / Eiffel Tower

  • Shangri-La Paris ★★★★★ Palace – Former palace residence of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew, with arguably the best Eiffel Tower views in Paris. Luxurious, historic, and romantic.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Left Bank)

  • Hôtel Madison ★★★★ – Right by Saint-Sulpice church, chic and cozy boutique with Left Bank soul.

  • Hôtel Lutetia ★★★★★ Palace – Iconic Left Bank landmark, fully restored with modern art deco interiors and a gorgeous spa.

  • Hôtel d’Aubusson ★★★★★ – Elegant 17th-century townhouse with a jazz bar, refined suites, and a classic Parisian atmosphere.

  • Hôtel Bel Ami ★★★★★ – Contemporary design hotel, stylish and upbeat, close to Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.

  • St Germain – Boutique / Artistic Hotels

    • L’Hôtel ★★★★★ – Oscar Wilde’s last residence, intimate and opulent with a small indoor pool.

    • Hôtel Recamier ★★★★★ – Discreet and stylish boutique tucked behind Place Saint-Sulpice.

    • Esprit Saint Germain ★★★★★ – Feels like a Parisian private residence, known for warm personalized service.

Le Marais:

  • Pavillon de la Reine & Spa ★★★★★ – Hidden behind Place des Vosges, elegant, leafy courtyard, a true Marais classic.

  • Le Grand Mazarin ★★★★★ – Newly opened, flamboyant design by Martin Brudnizki, with pool & bold interiors.

  • Sinner Paris ★★★★★ – Provocative, eclectic, sultry design (part of Evok Hotels), for adventurous clients.

  • Hôtel Dupond-Smith ★★★★★ – Ultra-discreet boutique with only 8 rooms, hidden gem for privacy seekers.

  • Maison Proust, Hôtel & Spa La Mer ★★★★★ – Romantic, Belle Époque-inspired, by the Maisons Particulières collection.

  • Hôtel Bourg Tibourg ★★★★ – Gothic-meets-oriental design by Jacques Garcia, moody and intimate.

  • Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais ★★★ – 18th-century inspired, charming, right in the heart of the Marais.

  • Les Tournelles ★★★ – A cozy, modern boutique near Place des Vosges.

 

Pigalle Area:

  • Maison Souquet ★★★★★ – Secretive and decadent, designed like a 19th-century pleasure house, with opulent décor and a hidden spa.

  • Grand Pigalle Hôtel ★★★★ – By the Experimental Group (known for cocktail bars), stylish boutique with a strong foodie/bar scene.

  • Hôtel Amour ★★★ – Playful, eclectic, artistic, with a lovely courtyard café popular with locals.

  • Hôtel des Grands Boulevards ★★★★ – Chic, romantic, with a fantastic rooftop bar (by the Experimental Group).

  • Le Pigalle Hotel ★★★★ – Hip, creative, with local art, vinyl records, and a neighborhood vibe.

Best Places to See & Walk Around in Paris

Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world — every corner hides a story, a café, or a view that feels like it belongs in a painting. Here’s a guide to sightseeing highlights, iconic streets, and the most beautiful gardens worth exploring.

 

Sightseeing & Iconic Spots

  • Louvre Museum – The world’s largest art museum, home to the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and countless masterpieces. Don’t miss the glass pyramid at night when it glows.

  • Eiffel Tower – No visit is complete without seeing it up close. For the best photos, head to Trocadéro or take a Seine River cruise.

  • Trocadéro – The plaza across the river from the Eiffel Tower offers the most breathtaking panoramic views, especially at sunrise or sunset.

  • Seine River – Stroll along the quays, cross the famous bridges like Pont Alexandre III and Pont Neuf, or hop on a boat cruise.

  • Montmartre – The bohemian heart of Paris, crowned by the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Wander through Place du Tertre for artists, and tiny winding streets for charm.

  • Place Vendôme – Jewelers’ square, lined with luxury maisons like Cartier, Chaumet, and Boucheron. Elegant and glamorous.

  • Île de la Cité & Notre-Dame Cathedral – The historic island where Paris began. While Notre-Dame is under restoration, the area is still magical to walk around.

  • Opéra Garnier – A masterpiece of architecture, inspiration for The Phantom of the Opera. Perfect for lovers of culture and grandeur.

 

Streets & Neighborhoods to Explore

  • Rue de Rivoli – Iconic shopping street stretching along the Louvre and Tuileries, home to flagship stores.

  • Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré – Haute couture heaven, where Hermès, Chanel, and Dior sit alongside the Élysée Palace.

  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Left Bank charm with literary cafés (Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots), art galleries, and boutique shopping.

  • Boulevard Saint-Michel (Latin Quarter) – Lively, student-filled, with bookshops, bistros, and history around every corner.

  • Le Marais – Trendy, artistic, and diverse. Known for Place des Vosges, bakeries, concept stores, and design hotels.

  • Champs-Élysées – From the Arc de Triomphe down to Place de la Concorde, it’s the world’s most famous avenue for shopping, cafés, and people-watching.

  • Île Saint-Louis – A quieter, charming island next to Île de la Cité with beautiful architecture and Berthillon ice cream.

 

Gardens & Green Escapes

  • Jardin des Tuileries – Between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. Perfect for a stroll, statues, and fountains.

  • Jardin du Luxembourg – A local favorite in the Latin Quarter. Ideal for picnics, reading by the fountains, or admiring the Medici Fountain.

  • Bois de Boulogne – A massive park west of Paris with lakes, trails, and hidden gems.

  • Jardin d’Acclimatation – A family-friendly amusement park nestled in Bois de Boulogne, right next to the futuristic Fondation Louis Vuitton (LVMH’s art museum).

  • Parc Monceau – An elegant garden with statues and a romantic vibe, beloved by Parisians.

  • Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – Off-the-beaten-path park in the northeast with cliffs, waterfalls, and stunning views.

  • Champ de Mars – The wide green stretch under the Eiffel Tower, perfect for picnics with the Iron Lady in sight.

Museums & Art Galleries:

Classic & Must-See Museums

  • Louvre Museum – The world’s largest art museum and an absolute must. Home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory.

  • Musée d’Orsay – Inside a former railway station, this museum holds the world’s finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art (Monet, Van Gogh, Degas).

  • Musée Rodin – Dedicated to Auguste Rodin, with stunning sculptures like The Thinker, set in a beautiful garden.

Contemporary & Modern Art

  • Centre Pompidou – Famous for its bold architecture and modern/contemporary art collections. A must for fans of Picasso, Kandinsky, Duchamp, and beyond.

  • Palais de Tokyo – A temple of contemporary art, experimental exhibitions, and installations. Very trendy, often with late-night openings.

  • Fondation Louis Vuitton (LVMH Museum) – Designed by Frank Gehry, this futuristic glass vessel houses blockbuster contemporary exhibitions and fashion/art crossovers.

Unique & Niche Museums

  • Musée de l’Orangerie – Known for Monet’s massive Water Lilies panels, plus works by Cézanne, Matisse, and Renoir.

  • Musée des Arts Décoratifs – Inside the Louvre complex, focusing on design, fashion, and decorative arts (great if you love Dior & haute couture exhibitions).

  • Musée Picasso – Dedicated to Picasso’s genius, housed in a beautiful Marais mansion.

  • Atelier des Lumières – Immersive digital art space, projecting works like Van Gogh or Klimt across vast walls and floors (Instagram favorite).

  • Musée Carnavalet – Focused on the history of Paris itself, set in stunning Marais townhouses.

Where to Eat in Paris?

Brunch & Daytime Favorites

  • Trendy / Instagrammable

    • Benedict – Trendy brunch spot; must-try avocado with eggs and truffle fries.

    • Hollybelly 5 – Famous for pancakes and hearty brunch plates (no reservations; arrive early).

    • Rose Bakery – Organic, wholesome brunch with a chic Parisian vibe.

    • La Marlette – Cozy café with homemade pastries and brunch options.

    • Season Paris – Instagram-famous brunch & all-day healthy plates.

    • Claus Paris – Upscale breakfast and brunch near the Louvre.

    • Loulou – Elegant spot inside the Louvre’s Tuileries Gardens with a stylish terrace.

    Classic / French-style

    • Matignon – Known for its French toast and chic Parisian décor; great for brunch or lunch.

    • Eggs & Co – Cozy, high-quality breakfast and brunch; avoid weekends due to crowds.

    • Les Enfants Perdus – French-inspired brunch dishes in a relaxed, trendy setting.

    • Marcel – Neighborhood favorite, casual vibe with solid pastries and coffee.

    • Buvette Gastrothèque – French-American small plates; perfect for brunch or light breakfast.

    Market / Local Experience

    • Marché des Enfants Rouges – The oldest covered market in Paris (Marais); casual bites, fresh pastries, and small café options for a more authentic Parisian experience.

Iconic & Historic Cafés

  • Café de Flore – Legendary Saint-Germain spot, once frequented by writers and artists. A Paris must.

  • Café Ruc – Chic terrace facing Palais Royal, elegant and stylish.

  • Café Marly – Under the Louvre’s arcades, with pyramid views. Perfect for coffee with a side of grandeur.

Fashionable & Stylish Cafés

  • Ralph’s (Ralph Lauren Café) – In a historic Saint-Germain courtyard, chic American vibe with Parisian flair.

  • Café Kitsuné – Minimalist, cool café inside Palais Royal Gardens, popular with the fashion crowd.

  • The Terrace at Mandarin Oriental – Elegant courtyard, perfect for afternoon coffee or light bites in luxury surroundings.

  • The Four Seasons Hotel Tea Lounge (George V) – Sophisticated tea and coffee service in a palace setting.

Trendy Neighborhood Cafés (Marais & Oberkampf)

  • L’Improbable (Le Marais) – Quirky and colorful, housed in a former garage, great for casual coffee.

  • Strada Café (Le Marais) – Tiny, cozy spot with excellent coffee and a great egg sandwich.

  • Ob-La-Di (Marais) – Instagrammable café with avocado toast and specialty coffee.

  • Folks & Sparrows (Marais) – Rustic-chic, known for sandwiches and coffee.

  • Café Oberkampf – Friendly, local vibe with shakshuka and great brunch coffee.

Afternoon Tea & Sweet Cafés

  • Sugarplum Cake Shop – American-style cakes and pies (try the pecan pie) in the Latin Quarter.

  • Angelina (extra add) – Famous for its hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc pastry, near Tuileries.

  • Sézane Café (extra add) – Trendy boutique + coffee corner, very Instagrammable.

Specialty Coffee & Modern Roasters

  • Lockwood – Coffee by day, cocktails by night. Hipster favorite.

  • Coutume Café (extra add) – Pioneers of specialty coffee in Paris.

  • KB Coffee Roasters – Popular spot in South Pigalle for serious coffee lovers.

Best Bakeries in Paris

No trip to Paris is complete without sampling the city’s world-class bread, croissants, and pastries. Here are some of the must-visit bakeries:

Classic & Award-Winning Bakeries

  • Le Grenier à Pain des Abbesses (Montmartre) – Famous for its traditional baguettes; even won the “Best Baguette in Paris” competition.

  • Poilâne (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) – Iconic for sourdough loaves and rustic French bread.

  • Du Pain et des Idées (10th arrondissement) – Legendary croissants, escargot pastries, and one of the most photographed boulangeries.

Trendy & Contemporary Bakeries

  • Liberté – Stylish, design-led bakery with a modern take on French classics.

  • Boulangerie Sain – Organic, natural fermentation bread with a cult following.

  • Maison Landemaine – Creative pastries and breads with multiple Paris locations.

French & Parisian Fine Dining

  • Septime – One of Paris’ most celebrated Michelin-starred restaurants (modern, seasonal cuisine).

  • Clamato – Sister restaurant of Septime, focused on seafood 

  • Le Chateaubriand – Trendy neo-bistro with a changing menu.

  • L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Étoile – Iconic French haute cuisine with counter-style dining.

  • Le Clarence – Opulent dining in a 19th-century townhouse (two Michelin stars).

  • Les Ombres – Romantic dining with panoramic Eiffel Tower views.

  • Café de l’Esplanade – Chic café with classic French dishes, ideal for people-watching.

Japanese & Asian-Inspired

  • Oryori – Minimalist, authentic Japanese dining.

  • Blueberry – Stylish spot known for creative sushi rolls.

  • Oriental Extreme – Known for yellowtail sashimi & spicy tuna crispy rice.

  • Kinugawa – Sleek Japanese fusion, a Paris fashion crowd favorite.

Italian & Pizza

  • Daroco Bourse – Chic trattoria in a former fashion boutique (excellent pasta & pizza).

  • Ober Mamma / Big Mamma Group – Lively, trendy Italian eateries (no reservations at some).

  • Pizza Chic – As the name says, stylish pizza spot in Saint-Germain.

  • il Sorentino – Neighborhood-style Italian classic.

  • Convivium – Refined Italian dining with excellent pastas.

  • Positano – Classic Neapolitan flavors in Paris.

  • Double – a tiny restaurant in Montmarte. with a Japanese chef who cooks italian inspired food (only 12 seats available)

Seafood Lovers

  • Clamato (linked to Septime, casual & trendy seafood).

  • La Marée Passy – Elegant, traditional seafood restaurant.

  • Rech by Alain Ducasse – Iconic for oysters and fine seafood (8th arrondissement).

Moroccan & Middle Eastern

  • Le 404 – Iconic Moroccan restaurant with great tagines, stylish decor.

  • Mimi Kakushi Paris (new wave Middle Eastern) – Trendy interpretation of Levantine flavors.

Burgers & Casual Eats

  • Blend Hamburger Gourmet – Cult-favorite gourmet burgers.

  • Hand Paris – Casual American-inspired burgers.

  • Ferdi – Not to be missed (tiny, chic, loved for truffle pasta & burgers).

  • PNY (Paris New York ) – Trendy burger chain with creative toppings.

Steak & Meat Lovers

  • Relais de l’Entrecôte (Saint Germain) – Famous for steak-frites and secret sauce.

  • Atelier Vivanda (Marais) – Modern steakhouse concept by Akrame Benallal.

  • Le Severo – Iconic for meat purists, run by a butcher-turned-chef.

Asian & Thai

  • Thiou – Stylish Thai dining with French influence.

  • Boubalé – Trendy Eastern European/comfort food (big with foodies right now).

  • Baieta – Mediterranean/Asian fusion.

Gourmet & Artisan Sweets

  • Le Bon Marché La Grande Épicerie – The foodie paradise of Paris.

  • Patrick Roger – Artistic, bold chocolate creations.

  • Alain Ducasse Chocolate – Bean-to-bar excellence.

  • Debauve et Gallais – Historic chocolatier, once serving Marie Antoinette.

  • A La Mère de Famille – Paris’ oldest sweet shop (founded 1761).

  • Jean-Charles Rochoux – Handmade chocolates, pure craft.

Spanish & Tapas

  • Casa Paco – Elevated Spanish tapas (a newer, trendier alternative to Casa Pepe).

  • Boca Dos – Lively tapas bar with great cocktails.

Indian & South Asian

  • Desi Road – Stylish Indian restaurant with modern twists.

  • MG Road – Creative Indian cuisine in a chic setting.

Finally, Here are some great day trips from Paris! 

Sometimes you need a quick escape from the city — here are two of the most popular options, each with a completely different vibe.

Disneyland Paris

  • Why go: A magical escape just 40 minutes from central Paris by RER A train. Perfect for families, Disney fans, or anyone who wants a playful day of rides, parades, and fairytale castles.

  • Highlights: Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and character meet-and-greets.

  • Tip: Buy tickets in advance and try to go midweek to avoid long queues. Consider the Park Hopper option if you want to see both Disneyland Park & Walt Disney Studios in one day.

Château de Versailles

  • Why go: A symbol of French royalty and opulence, Versailles is only 30–40 minutes by RER C train. A must for history, architecture, and garden lovers.

  • Highlights: The Hall of Mirrors, King’s Grand Apartments, Queen’s Hamlet, and the stunning gardens with fountains.

  • Tip: Arrive early to skip the crowds, or join a guided tour for behind-the-scenes access. Best visited on a sunny day to explore the gardens fully.

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