Bonjour!
In honor of my third trip to Paris, I am giving you beauties a fresh inside look at all the places you can’t miss to visit. From shopping, dining, and sight-seeing, I’m telling you all my favorites and recommendations that I have learned first hand and from my Parisian friends!
Hotels
Where you stay in Paris is key. The last thing you want to do is waste valuable time and €’s in taxis or Uber’s! If shopping is your thing, stay close to Champ Elysee. If it’s a gourmet duck confit, reside close to one of the many Michelin star restaurants. Or when in doubt, just stay at the Four Seasons George V- which goes above and beyond what I outlined above. Located next to Champ Elysee, the hotel is just a few steps away from the high-end shops like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Cartier. Some of my favorites as well were the Zara, H&M, and Morgan. With a Michelin star restaurant in the hotel, fine dining is not far away. But if it’s just a good croissant or Macaroon your after, be sure to take a stroll to Laudree down the street. Luxury marble bathrooms and spacious elegant rooms, some having balconies overlooking the Eiffel Tower, it’s not a surprise that the Four Seasons George V isn’t one of the most highly rated hotels in the world.
The views from my room😍
Activities
Check out one of my latest posts- The Most Insta-Worthy Photo Spots in Paris for all the deets on places you must see, explore, and of course snap a few (amazing) pics while in Paris.
Shopping
Ooh la la, Paris, Paris. I don’t need to tell you that Paris is one of fashion powerhouses of the world- have you ever seen a Parisian woman sauntering down the street not radiating stylish vibes? If you are prepared to spend a pretty penny or a few thousand €€€, head to Champ Elysee and visit the mall, aka the largest Louis Vuitton you have ever been in! Make sure to visit Boulevards Saint Michel and Saint Germaine and visit some of my personal favorites YSL, Chanel, Chloe, Dior, etc. (If you haven’t emptied your savings account yet.)
As much as I love all of these stores, I normally shop at Zara, H&M, Topshop, etc. Why stop by those stores when you can visit them at home? They are very, very different in Paris. Imagine the most stylish piece from any of these stores you have ever bought- that trendy off the shoulder top, pleated skirt, or a classic camel coat. This is what each of these stores are filled with. I almost always buy my accessories from one of these stores, but in Paris I really load up. In H&M there is practically an entire floor dedicated to jewelry, hats, scarves, bags, hair accessories and more! The best Zara and H&M I have found in Paris is located down the street from the Four Seasons hotel, and a block down from the mega Louis Vuitton on Champ Elysee.
Paris has every store and brand, from bargain to high-end designers, but what sets it apart? It just does everything better. And there’s no exceptions when it comes to vintage shopping. Take a visit to Catherine B’s for a look at vintage Chanel tweed jackets, boots, and unique hand bags with additions like Hermes scarves and Birkin bags.
Dining
Traditional French: If you are craving old-school, French classics, such as: Foie gras, escargot, and steak and pomme frites, head over to Au Moulin A Vent. A quaint bistro that features an array of mouth-watering, heavy French dishes. At Au Moulin A Vent, make sure to try the Foie gras taurine, escargot, and the Chateau Briand. And make sure they keep Béarnaise sauce coming.
Address: 20 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris, France
Trendy Lunch Spot: L’Avenue is a hot-spot for celebrities and fashionable Parisians alike. Sit outside on the patio and people watch, while sipping a glass of champagne to really take Avenue Montaigne in. Do not leave before trying the ‘sliced avocado’ or lobster spring rolls!
Address: 41 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France
Romantic Date Night: Always dreamed of a romantic getaway to Paris? Well now you have a specific place to envision for that night- Monsieur Bleu. Perched on the quays of the Seine, just across from the Eiffel Tower, this magical restaurant has everything you could ever want in Paris- twinkle lights, views of the Eiffel, and yummy food. A must.
Address: 20 Avenue de New York, 75116 Paris, France
Macaroons: This wouldn’t be a post about Paris or written by me if macaroons didn’t have their own subject. Everyone has heard of Laudree, but as cliche as it sounds, it really is the best. Lets just say they have multiple locations across the most expensive real estate in Paris for a reason.
Many locations, here are a few of the best inside the city:
- France, 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
- 18 Rue Royale, 75008 Paris, France
- 21 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
xx,
KT💋