Paris at its best : Where to stay, shop, eat and how
Explore the very best of Paris like a local with Maggie, avid traveler.
In a nutshell, discover her hotel recommendations for a luxury experience, the best Michelin star restaurants for incredibly meals, her favorite stores for both adults and children and many more suggestions. This Paris guide is great for an adult trip, as a couple or with friends.
Where to stay : Top 2 Luxury Hotels
Cheval Blanc Paris
Overlooking the River Seine, this luxury hotel is located next to the Louvre on the right bank. Famous for its culinary arts, it includes several upscale restaurants. It also features a Dior spa and indoor swimming pool.
8 quai du Louvre, 75001, Paris
Hôtel Madame Rêve
Trendy 5 star boutique hotel ideally located with walking distance to Les Halles, Palais Royal and the Louvre. Former post office, the place has a very unique feel. It features two restaurants and an incredible rooftop offering breathtaking views over Paris!
48 rue du Louvre, 75001, Paris
Where to Eat : Best Michelin Star Restaurants
Plénitude
Three Michelin star restaurant inside the Cheval Blanc Hotel for a meal of dreams. Be prepared to be wined and dined with the best of the best France has to offer. Reservations are booked 6 months out. Dress up for a special night out!
8 quai du Louvre, Paris, 75001
Granite
One Michelin star restaurant serving impeccables plates in a casual setting. Classic French cuisine twisted with a contemporary edge. Located near the Louvre, tucked in a discreet street it is very popular and highly sought after. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance.
6 rue Bailleul, Paris, 75001
Frenchie
One Michelin star restaurant serving global cuisine with French techniques in rustic chic decor. It also has a popular wine bar across the street.
5 rue du Nil, Paris, 75002
Comice
One star Michelin restaurant helmed by a chef that previously worked at the French Landry. The cuisine takes inspiration from traditional Gallic Cuisine with a modern twist.
31 avenue de Versailles, 75016, Paris
Where to Eat : Oher Great Culinary experiences
Semilla
Innovative French bistro cuisine with Mediterranean flare in a casual setting. Open on Sundays which is clearly not the case everywhere in Paris!
54 Rue de Seine, 75006, Paris
Magma
Modern French cuisine created with Japanese cooking techniques. The menu is preset by the chef, but changes frequently. The restaurant has a casual chic vibe.
9 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011, Paris
Where to Shop in nutshell
Department Stores
- La Samaritaine : Dubbed Temple of Parisian lifestyle, the Art Nouveau, Art Déco building is home to the best brands and restaurants
- Le Bon Marché : Oldest department store in Paris, this is a left bank icon. An entire floor is dedicated to children.
- Galeries Lafayette : Upscale department store famous for its breathtaking glass dome.
Streets
- Avenue Montaigne
- Rue Saint-Honoré
- Boulevard Saint-Germain
Vintage
- Saint-Ouen Flea Market - see note below
Children's Stores
- L'Ile aux Fées : Classic French style handmade smocked dresses for babies and girls made in highly limited edition
- Tartine et Chocolat : Chic and elegant clothing for kids
- Bonpoint : Premium kids' boutique
- Jacadi : Sweet playful French style daywear for children
Toy Stores
- Pain d'Épices : Authentic toy store specialized in dollhouse miniatures
- Au Nain Bleu : Oldest toy store in Paris with a great assortment of classic french toys including puppets and collector stuffed animals
Chocolate Shops
- Patrick Roger : My favorite chocolate shop and souvenir to bring home to friends and family
Top 2 Fashion Museums in Paris
There are hundreds of wonderful art museums to see in Paris. Below are my favorite fashion museums that are fun to check out. I recommend booking tickets in advance.
La Galerie Dior
Breathtaking scenery showcasing the story of Christian Dior's couture brand and evolutions. Exquisite display of dresses.
Musée Yves Saint Laurent
Former mansion of Yves Laurent where he and his team worked for over 30 years, the museum gives a glimpse of his former studio and hosts temporary fashion exhibits.
Paris' top two guides tours
Paris by Mouth
My favorite food tour in Paris. Paris by Mouth was started by an American expat who previously wrote for Saveur magazine alongside food writer Ruth Reichl before moving to Paris. Tours are led by local Parisians in the food and hospitality industry and are arranged by neighborhood. You will be introduced to the best food, wine, and sweets Paris has to offer. After taking a tour you also get access to their monthly newsletter that reviews restaurants in Paris. It is one of my favorite resources for planning where to dine while in Paris.
The Real Emily in Paris - Parisian Flea Market Tour
The Paris flea market, also known as Saint-Ouen Flea Market is not your average second hand market. Be prepared to be wowed with the number of Hermes Birkin Bags, Chanel jackets , and estate Jewelry you may see! The market itself is divided into small sub markets organized by theme, be it furniture, clothes, accessories, or trinkets. I highly recommend taking a tour with a guide as the area itself spans several miles. Take a tour with The Real Emily in Paris. Emily, an Australian expat, who met her French husband while living abroad, has made Paris her home along with her 3 children for the last 10 years. She will help you find that special gift you are trying to bring home all while sharing a little bit about life as a Parisian.
Follow Maggie on Instagram : @maggies_world_travels
For additional adventures with children in Paris, wander through the comprehensive, locally sourced guide on our Parisian's boutique website L'Île aux Fées.
For more articles from mums sharing about their family holidays, read our Journal.
To receive personalised tips for your Paris trip or have a special map/illustrations made, please contact the Charlotte & Burlington family club by email at info@charlottesydimby.com or on Instagram @charlotteandburlington.
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