High Season: June, July, August
Low Season: November through February (There is a little peak from the last week of November until the first week of January for the Christmas markets and decor. Galleries Lafayette is a MUST see during Christmas Season!)
Our Favorite: We love to visit Paris during the middle of May or Semptember. The crowds have died down and the weather is still warm. It makes for a beautiful picnic at the Eiffel tower.
Plaza Tour Eiffel
Plaza Tour Eiffel is a four star hotel in the 16th arr close to the liveliness of the trocadero (known for stunning views of the Eifell tower). With cafes nearby, the hotel also offers the options of balcony rooms with an Eiffel Tower view at a more affordable rate than many other hotels with rooms offering this view.
Residence Charles Floquet
Residence Charles Floquet is a stunning four star historic hotel/apartment building. With it's close proximity to the Eifeel Tower, the apartments offer unmatched views. This is also a great option for groups, as it offers multiple bedroom options, breakfast, full kitchen and a washer/dryer.
Hotel de Berri Champs-Elysees, Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel
Chotel de Berri is a five star hotel located just steps from the famous Champs-Elysees. This hotel is has beautiful arcitecture with all the luxury additions. Even the showers have aroma therapy pods to start or end your day feeling wonderful. The bakery accross the street is also exceptional for a croissant any time of day!
Les Jardines du Luxembourg
Les Jardines du Luxembourg is a 4 star hotel located in the Latin Quarter of Paris, close to Luxembourg Gardens and Notre Dame Cathedral. This is a wonderful location conventiently close to the metro station and the liveliness of the Latin Quarter.
Other areas to stay:
- St Germain (6th arr): Many brasseries, cafes and bars (notably where Cafe de Flore is located)
- Montmare: Near the Sacre-Coeur
- Latin Quarter: A lively area near Notre Dame
- Rue Cler: A more local feel, but still accessable to everywhere. Near the Eiffel tower.
- 9th arr: Galeries Lafayette and shopping.
- 7th arr: Eiffel tower
- 8th arr: Arc de Triumph and Champs Elysees
COFFEE & CAFES
Cafe de Flore: the famous cafe of Paris
Cafe Gallery: near Galeries Lafayette, amazing croque monsuier.
LUNCH
Pietro: I enjoy with one in Montparnasse most. Also a great dinner.
Sopi Trattoria: great for lunch or dinner, less busy.
DINNER
Giaffe: This restaurant is not cheap, but it offers the best views of the Eiffel tower from the Trocadero with an exceptional menu. I recommend going outside of the winter months to enjoy the patio dining. Pro tip: This restaurant's reservations fill up immediately, so the best way to secure your reservation is to have the concierge from your hotel book your reservation as soon as they open 7 days prior to the date you'd like to eat there.
LaPerouse: A fabulous menu and dining experience. This restaurant used to be a brothel that was turned into a fine dining restaurant without losing any of the character from the historic building. It is located near the latin quater and it is a meal I will not forget. Beef wellington, truffle pasta, truffle croque monsieur and the sea bass carpaccio were a few of my favorites. This restaurant was featured on a scene from Emily in Paris.
Pink Mama: A vibey Italian spot. The food does not disappoint, but it is another popular place that requires making a reservation well in advance.
Victoria Paris: If you're looking for a lively dinner, this spot is for you. This restaurant had a nice menu and turns into a dinner club as the evening arrives. There is a dj, dancing, sparklers and a beautiful view of the Arc de Triumph from the window (depending where your table is located).
COCKTAIL BARS
Ciel de Paris: Enjoy a nightcap on the top floor of the tallest building in Paris with a direct view of the Eiffel tower. This restaurant also offers a dinner menu.
L'arc: A club in Paris open until the we hours of the morning.
Crazy Horse: A fun night out at a Parisian cabernet known for its stage shows. Champagne is served at the tables and enjoy the show! Book your tickets in advance.
Options for your stay in Paris:
Notre Dame is definitely a must see in Paris. It’s architecture and intricate detail is incredible. While you're in this area, check out the lively area of the Latin Quarter just across the canal. Saint-Chappelle is also beautiful to visit.
Luxembourg Gardens is also a beautiful spot to walk around. When the weather is nice, there is a small market with a handful of artists selling their work.
Montmartre: Spend an afternoon or evening in Montmartre, full of restaurants, cafes, and of course the incredible Sacre Coeur.
Catacombs: Visit the catacombs for a dark underground history of Paris.
Galeries Lafayette: GORGEOUS shopping and a lot of restaurants. The best time to see the Galeries Lafayette is during the Christmas season. Each year it is decorated with a new theme and is definitely a “do not miss” when visiting Paris.
The Louvre - going a little bit later in the day to hang around for the sunset is our favorite because of the way it lights up at night! Get tickets in advance to avoid extremely long lines and wait time. The Musee d’Orsay art museum is beautiful as well!
Canal cruise: Enjoy a relaxing dinner on the canal with views of landmarks around Paris. The Eiffel tower and Notre Dame being a couple to mention.
Arc de Triomphe and walking along the Champs Elysee.
Paris day trips: There are so many places to take little day trips by train. Reims for the champagne houses, the Palace in Versaille, or the beautiful Mont Saint Michel. These are all places you could also extend your Paris trip by a few days. Normandy (3.5 hours by train), Bordeaux (only two hours by high speed train), and the south of France (a short flight) are also great spots to add on a few days to your Paris trip!
Runners/Walkers: For runners, joggers and walkers, the Isle of the Swans offers a peaceful path along the canal with stunning views of the Eiffel tower.
MUST DO'S:
Eiffel Tower: Everyone has their favorite way to see the Eiffel tower, whether that's going to the top to toast a glass of champagne or seeing it from a canal ride, you can’t go wrong! Our personal favorite is to throw a blanket down during a fall or spring afternoon with a fresh baked baguette and cheese from a grocery store with a bottle of wine or champagne! Just don't forget to also enjoy the Eiffel tower at night when it glitters every hour, on the hour, for 5 minutes from dusk until 11:45pm.
GETTING AROUND PARIS:
Metro: The main transportation to get from point A to point B is utilizing the metro. It is quick, convenient and you never need to worry about traffic.
Uber: We also recommend using uber if you're going home late or dressing up for a nice dinner, the metro wasn't exactly made for dinner heels ;). Note: uber does not allow anyone to sit in the front seat, so if you are traveling with more than 3 people you will need to order an XL.
Booking: There are a couple of options when pricing out trasnsportation to and from the airport. Obviously the cheapest option is to take the train, but this is not always ideal or practical with luggage. Get Your Guide and Viator always have decent rates for airport pickup and dropoff. Another option is contacting your hotel to book you a taxi/car.
Taxi: Taxi's are always great in a pinch, but lock in the price before hand so that you do not get overcharged.