Curator’s statement
Friends constantly asking me where to go and what to do in Paris is part of the reason I got into the travel advisor biz. I always had a running list of people to send my favorite spots to, but strangely no one booked a trip with me to go there until well after a year into my new business. I think everyone feels like they can do Paris on their own. And while that’s true—it’s such a vast and endless place to explore—having a friend who lived there and also happens to be a travel advisor is a better place to start. While the hits are hits for a reason (who can resist the sparkling Eiffel Tower at night?), my curated list of places to see goes a little bit deeper than the well trodden tourist path and has been honed over 30 years of living and visiting the City of Lights.
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Things to do in Paris
Musée Carnavalet
Strolling
When I lived in Paris after college, I lived on the Left Bank, so that’s kind of naturally where my feet go when I go back. Rue du Bac, which runs from the Seine all the way down to Le Bon Marché (and beyond) is my favorite street in all of Paris. You can spend an entire day strolling it—start with sunrise at the river, then grab a coffee and croissant at Eric Kaiser or Maison Galland.
Pick up some flowers at one of the many flower shops, stop in and see the glorious taxidermy at Deyrolle, and keep going to Le Grande Épicerie to pick up supplies for a picnic lunch in the park. End your day with a toast of champagne at Hotel Lutetia (not on Rue du Bac, but just a few yards away and one of my favorite bars in Paris). An epic and perfect day.
Shopping
The aforementioned Le Grande Epicerie is one of my favorite places to shop for gifts (chocolate, amazing salts, and butter you can freeze to take home) as is Le Bon Marché and their seasonal pop-ups. As an alternative to Merci, Le Grand Comptoir (also on Rue du Bac) has a great selection of well-curated home goods, kids stuff, and clothing. For the classic Parisian look, I also love Maje, Sézane, Toteme, and A.P.C.
Museums
There are so many museum gems in Paris, and I return to the same ones again and again, always to find something new. Instead of the usual Louvre and Musée D’Orsay, I love Musée Carnavalet for the history of Paris and an amazing inner courtyard where you can relax and have coffee or champagne, ice cream or a snack. Nearby, Musée Picasso is another favorite, as is Musée Rodin.
For a total change of pace, visit Fondation Louis Vuitton in the Bois de Bologne, an amazing public park and forest that is a country escape within the city every Parisian loves. If you’re a horse lover, this is both a great place to ride horses and also to watch horse races, which I can assure you are much more glamorous than the Kentucky Derby.
Churches
So many churches, so little time. It’s always fun to see Notre Dame peeking up above the river, but I prefer churches that are a little more obscure and VERY old. Two of my favorites of the city’s oldest churches (both are 12th century) are Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre in St. Germain des Prés, next to Shakespeare and Co. (another fave with English-language books) and next to Sacre Couer, Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre.
Places to eat & drink in Paris
The holiday scene at Bar Les Ambassadeurs
Lulu’s Paris: For lunch or dinner.
Bar Josephine at Hotel Lutetia: For post-shopping champagne.
La Grande Epicerie: Come here for picnic supplies, the raw bar, or to stock up on essentials.
Bar Les Ambassadeurs at Hotel de Crillon: For the holidays.
La Fantaisie: Come here for the chocolate and almond croissants at breakfast.
Ralph’s for a homesick hamburger.
Need to know
Great hotels in Paris are like great restaurants. They are everywhere. And, there’s a very specific vibe for everyone. At the moment, my favorites on the more affordable side are Cour des Vosges, a 12-room, cozy yet vibey spot by Evok Collection in Place de Vosges (one of my favorite picnic parks) and Le Fantaisie in Faubourg Montmartre, an artsy, boho neighborhood that’s a little far from the main tourist spots but worth it for the spa alone. La Fantaisie also has the city’s most amazing almond/chocolate croissants (free breakfast when you book with me!) and the hotel smells like absolute heaven.
Travel Advisor
Kim Hardcastle
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