Curator’s statement
Paris is a city that reveals its true heart when you step away from the crowds and move with intention. This guide is designed for a girls’ getaway that balances the legendary landmarks of the Right Bank with the intimate, high-style energy of the Marais. It is a blueprint for the traveler who wants the definitive table at a farm-to-table gem, the secret entrance to a basement speakeasy, and a morning spent in the quiet, chalk-carved tunnels of Champagne. Every experience here is selected to ensure the journey is as seamless as it is spectacular.
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Things to do in Paris
Iconic Moët & Chandon sign
Semi-private Louvre tour: Navigate the world’s largest museum with an art historian in a small, intimate group. You will bypass the massive lines to see the essentials like the Mona Lisa while learning the secrets of the palace’s medieval foundations.
The Palais Garnier: Step inside the opulent home of the Paris Opera to walk the Grand Escalier and see the famous Chagall ceiling. I recommend a guided tour to truly appreciate the history and the theatrical grandeur of this 19th-century masterpiece.
Marais food tour: Spend your morning wandering through the historic streets of the 4th Arrondissement to sample artisanal cheeses and the best salted butter caramels. It is a wonderful way to connect with local shopkeepers and see the neighborhood through its flavors.
Versailles day trip: Take a short train ride to explore the legendary Hall of Mirrors and the expansive royal gardens. Beyond the palace, the Trianon and the Queen’s Hamlet offer a quieter, more intimate look at royal life.
Épernay Champagne tasting: Head to the heart of the Champagne region to walk through the historic, chalk-carved tunnels of Moët & Chandon. Standing in the middle of UNESCO-listed vineyards is an experience that makes the short trip from Paris completely worth it.
Molinard perfume workshop: Discover the art of French fragrance by blending your own signature scent in a private atelier. It is a sensory masterclass where you learn about top and heart notes before taking home your own custom creation.
Private Seine cruise: Skip the crowded tour boats and book a private vintage mahogany boat for a sunset glide down the river. Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the water is the most peaceful way to end a Parisian evening with your group.
Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton: Visit this stunning cafe and chocolate shop in the 1st Arrondissement for a truly fashionable break. The pastries are edible works of art, and the view of the Seine makes it the perfect spot for a stylish afternoon.
Places to eat & drink in Paris
Hugo and Co: This 5th Arrondissement favorite is a masterclass in market-driven dining and was personally recommended to me by a local pastry chef for its incredible seasonal menu. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, making it a favorite for a relaxed neighborhood dinner with a focus on creative, fresh ingredients.
L’Escudella: Another top recommendation from my pastry chef contact, this stylish bistro in the 7th specializes in modern French cuisine with a southern accent. The chefs prioritize seasonal sourcing, ensuring that every plate is a fresh and thoughtful representation of the current harvest.
Le 122: Highly vetted by local insiders, Le 122 is known for its strict commitment to high-quality, local produce. The menu is a rotating celebration of seasonal flavors, served in a sophisticated yet approachable setting near the Invalides.
Bonnie: Perched at the top of the SO/ Paris hotel, Bonnie is where you go for glamour and 360-degree views of the Seine. It is a high-energy destination for dinner and late-night cocktails, capturing a chic 1960s spirit that is perfect for a girls’ night out.
Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton: This is the ultimate intersection of luxury and patisserie. Located in the 1st Arrondissement, the cafe serves chocolates and pastries designed like edible sculptures, all while you look out over the Seine and the Pont Neuf.
Pink Mamma & No Entry: While Pink Mamma is famous for its vibrant trattoria energy and photogenic glass roof, the real curator’s secret is “No Entry.” This hidden pink-hued speakeasy is tucked behind a secret door in the basement, offering a quiet, sophisticated retreat for a curated cocktail.
Madamador: A charming neighborhood find that emphasizes local ingredients and a beautifully curated wine list. It captures the authentic pulse of Parisian dining, away from the standard tourist paths.
Casse Noix: This classic Parisian bistro offers a warm, bustling environment and a menu that focuses on traditional techniques with modern, seasonal updates. It is a wonderful spot for a long, celebratory lunch with your group.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred (Personal Recommendation): Often described as “biting into a cloud,” these shops are a personal must-visit for their specialized meringue cakes topped with flavored whipped cream and chocolate shavings. The elegant boutiques, centered around large crystal chandeliers, allow you to watch the “Merveilleux” being handmade through the front window.
Perched above the rooftops of the 1st Arrondissement in a futuristic glass dome, Kong offers one of the most striking 360-degree views in the city. From your table, you can look directly over the Seine, the historic Pont Neuf, and the iconic Art Deco facade of the Samaritaine. It is a high-style destination where the Philippe Starck design is as much of a draw as the Franco-Japanese fusion menu.
Need to know
Paris is best experienced when you group your activities by neighborhood to minimize travel time. Walking is truly the fastest way to move around the city.
The most sought-after tables in Paris require a coordinated effort and a clear timeline.
High-demand views: For spots like Kong and Bonnie, where the view is the premier draw, reservations should be made the moment the booking window opens to secure a window-side table.
Vetted dining: Reservations for local favorites like Hugo and Co typically open 15 to 30 days in advance and are essential for groups.
Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton: This is not a walk-in experience. I handle the reservation strategy for this cafe weeks in advance as part of your residency planning.
Navigating rail: The SNCF Connect app is a necessary tool for managing your high-speed train tickets to Épernay or the RER C to Versailles.
Versailles timing: Always arrive at opening for your semi-private tour to ensure you experience the Hall of Mirrors before the largest crowds arrive.
Finding “No Entry”: The entrance to this speakeasy is hidden behind a phone booth inside Pink Mamma. Because it is a small, intimate space, arriving earlier in the evening is the best way to ensure your group can find a spot together.
The power of a guide: Whether at the Louvre or in Montmartre, the difference between a self-guided walk and a private, vetted expert is significant. I can arrange these directly to ensure you see the hidden history and local shops most visitors miss.
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Yannicke Collins
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