Paris City Guide

Sandstone Haussmann buildings, quaint cafés and romantic boulevards have branded Paris the city of love. And while its rich history is rooted in passionate art and literature, today, the city is just as bourgeoning as it is nostalgic. Buzzing new restaurants, concept shops and playful boutiques prove there’s always something new to discover in the city everyone adores.

Eat

Le Petit Lutetia – Pop by this classic brasserie for the miso salmon or tartare, but since its revamp by Jean-Louis Costes of Hôtel Costes and more recent takeover by Boudons (L'Alma and La Fontaine de Mars), the bistro has become a hotspot for Parisian tastemakers and, thus, a prime people-watching destination.

Balagan Paris – Balagan (which is Hebrew for “joyful bazaar”) brings a new wave of Middle Eastern food to Paris and is perfect for any upbeat celebration.

Brasserie Emil – Housed in the newly launched Château Voltaire, this chic and intimate tavern is serving innovative takes on classic French Cuisine. Also, don’t miss La Coquille d’Or (The Golden Shell) the adjoining prestigious new cocktail bar.

Café Marly – Nestled under the arcades of the Louvre, this romantic hideaway is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee while taking in views of the iconic pyramid.

Girafe – Parisian architect Joseph Dirand’s 1930s-inspiried interior offers a lush escape from the city. Unwind and indulge in an opulent seafood tower on Girafe’s stunning rooftop terrace.

Frenchie – While Chef Greg Marchand’s seasonal menus are world-class – Frenchie Rue du Nil was awarded its first Micheline Star in January – his restaurant has the intimate quality of your favourite neighbourhood hangout.

Café Charlot – This casual bistro in the 3rd & 4th Arrondissement is perfect for a light lunch, glass of wine, and Parisienne people watching.

Girafe

Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers

Drink

La Cave de Septime – Little sister to Bertrand Grébaut and Théo Pourriat’s renowned Septime, this tiny shoe-repair shop turned wine bar is ideal for relaxing with a glass of French wine.

Café de Flore – As one of the oldest coffeehouses in Paris, no visit to the city is complete without a latte on Café de Flore’s iconic terrace.

Clown Bar – Around the corner from Cirque d’Hiver, this playful restaurant (by the team from Saturne) boasts innovative sharing plates, an impressive wine list, and of course, a spirited clown-inspired décor.

Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers – The hotel’s gorgeous rooftop is one of the most luxurious and intoxicating places to enjoy a drink al fresco. Take in the city from above while sipping a signature cocktail.

See

Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection – Inside the restored Bourse de Commerce building, Kering (the parent company of Gucci, Saint Laurent and more) founder François Pinault's personal collection of contemporary artwork covers all disciplines and trends from the '60s till now.

Musée d’Orsay – This former train station was constructed for the 1900 World Fair. Today, the national museum holds mainly French art from 1848 to 1914, including pieces by Monet, Renoir, van Gogh, and Rodin.

Picasso Museum – The newly refurbished art gallery is located in a 17th-century hotel and houses a collection of work by the famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.

Jardin du Luxembourg – This idyllic garden, located in the heart of Paris’ Left Bank, was created in 1612. Pack a picnic and spend the day savouring the city’s softer side.

Palais de Tokyo – With an ever-changing collection of modern exhibits, the Palais de Tokyo is the city’s quintessential contemporary art museum.

Jardins des Tuileries – The Tuileries Gardens is the largest park inside Paris and situated between the historic Champs-Elysées Avenue, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe.

Stay

Hotel Bachaumont – Located in the heart of the Marais, this Art Deco hideaway is small but stunning. The rooms are petite but lovely and the gorgeous decor and lively bistro downstairs more than make up for it.

Hotel Montalembert – Dubbed the first ‘boutique hotel’ in Paris, this cozy hideaway is rich in history and perfectly located on the Left Bank by the Orsay and the Louvre.

Hotel Amour – This quirky hotel is conveniently situated by Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge. It’s has a charming décor – with some rooms designed by fashion designer Chantal Thomass – and a delightful inner courtyard.

Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers – Behind a classic Haussmannian facade, the Hotel National des Arts et Métiers is a modern and lively boutique hotel near some of the city’s most artistic neighbourhoods.

Shop

Samaritaine – Located on the right bank of the Seine in the historic Samaritaine building (that underwent extensive renovations by its new owners LVMH), this is a new Parisian destination for luxury shopping.

Maison Labiche – Known for its classic marinière shirts, tees, and sweaters, this Paris institution is a monogramming heaven – where they will embroider whatever you want right on the spot.

Merci – The concept shop originally created by the founders of Bonpoint is one of city’s most exciting shopping destinations. It brings together an eclectic mix of fashion, design, and household goods in a reconfigured 19th-century factory.

Le Bon Marché – Founded in 1838, Le Bon Marché was the first luxury department stores. Today, under LVMH Group, it continues to lead as an authentic and exclusive shop in Paris.

L’Appartement Sézane – Outpost for the Parisienne favourite Sézane, this striking and sunny loft holds all of the French brand’s coveted styles. Stop by from 12PM to 8PM to enjoy complimentary stamping on all bags.

Le Bon Marché

Eiffel Tower Carousel

Kids

Bonpoint – The luxury children’s brand Bonpoint’s flagship in Paris is a whimsical and imaginative shop overlooking a formal French garden.

Eiffel Tower Carousel – With an enchanting view of the Eiffel Tower, this magical carousel looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairy-tale.

Bonton – Founded by the son of Marie-France and Bernard Cohen, – the founders of Bonpoint – Bonton is a children’s concept shop offering an assortment of clothing, linens, books and toys.