Paris has always been a place of inspiration for me—romantic, elegant, and enchanting. Over the years, I’ve explored its famous landmarks, indulged in its culinary delights, and discovered hidden gems that make the city feel truly magical. Each visit to Paris becomes an opportunity to deepen the connection with its rich culture, savor refined pleasures, and uncover sophisticated spots that go beyond the typical tourist itinerary. Keep scrolling to see my curated list of favorites spots. Here you will find where to stay, dine, shop and how to immerse yourself into the vibrant culture.

My last trip to Paris was with my daughter, @rachel.leigh.meyers for fashion week! This mother-daughter experience is one I will treasure for a lifetime. We look forward to many more trips to our favorite city together! Read on for the details, the places we experienced, and my top recommendations, including some outfit inspo.

Download the PDF GUIDE HERE for easy reference. If you plan to take a trip to Paris soon, this will serve as a great resource and can be easily saved on your phone. For some outfit inspiration, check out my Parisian style fashion favorites HERE. Enjoy!

xxMelissa

DOWNLOAD MY PARIS GUIDE HERE TO SAVE FOR LATER

Where to Stay: Chic and Understated Luxury

We stayed at the Hôtel Alfred Sommier, a refined five-star hotel in a restored 19th-century mansion near Place de la Madeleine. Once a private residence, it blends historic elegance with modern luxury, featuring high ceilings, period decor, and a tranquil courtyard. Its prime location provides easy access to Paris’s top attractions. I also love Le Pavillon de la Reine in the Marais—it’s intimate, luxurious, and tucked away. Hôtel Lutetia on the Left Bank offers a blend of classic Parisian grandeur with modern updates. For those who love impeccable modern design, Cheval Blanc Paris is a standout, with breathtaking views of the Seine. And of course, for the ultimate in moody, sexy ambiance, Hotel Costes is always a favorite.

Luxury Boutique Hotels:

Le Pavillon de la Reine (Marais) – A hidden gem with an enchanting courtyard, historic charm, and understated luxury in the heart of the Marais.
Hotel Alfred Sommier (8th Arr.) – A refined five-star hotel set in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion near Place de la Madeleine.

Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal (1st Arr.) – An elegant boutique hotel with a prime central location near the Louvre, Jardin du Palais Royal, and rue Saint-Honoré, offering refined Parisian charm.

Château Voltaire (1st Arr.) – A stylish and intimate hotel with a rich Parisian aesthetic, ideally located near Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, and the Louvre.

Hôtel des Grands Boulevards (2nd Arr.) – A trendy yet timeless 50-room hotel blending modern and classic French style. The rooftop bar, The Shell, is a must for cocktails with a chic crowd.

Ultra-Luxury Boutique Hotels:

Hôtel Costes (1st Arr., Rue Saint-Honoré) – The ultimate in moody Parisian glamour, perfect for a fashionable, social crowd.
JK Place Paris (7th Arr., Left Bank) – A stylish blend of French and Italian sophistication in an intimate setting.
La Réserve Paris Hotel & Spa (8th Arr., Champs-Élysées) – A discreet, ultra-luxurious boutique hotel with stunning Eiffel Tower views.
Saint James Paris (16th Arr., Near Bois de Boulogne) – A château-style boutique hotel offering a country estate feel in the heart of Paris.

Here are some other luxury hotels to consider that exude sophistication and Parisian elegance. These are pricier than the ones listed above. Rachel and I had lunch at La Reserve went for a drink at Hotel Costes, and dined at Cheval Blanc for dinner!

Iconic Parisian Palace Hotels:

Cheval Blanc Paris (1st Arr.) – A contemporary luxury retreat with stunning Seine views, state-of-the-art wellness facilities, and a breathtaking rooftop terrace.
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel (8th Arr., Place de la Concorde) – A historic palace hotel with breathtaking interiors, exquisite dining, and unparalleled attention to detail.
Hôtel Lutetia (6th Arr., Saint-Germain-des-Prés) – The only grand luxury hotel on the Left Bank, blending Art Deco glamour with modern sophistication.
Le Bristol Paris (8th Arr.) – A timeless Parisian luxury hotel with world-class service, elegant rooms, and a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Epicure.
Le Meurice (1st Arr., Tuileries / Louvre) – An opulent 5-star hotel with stunning French interiors, Michelin-starred dining, and a prime location near Place Vendôme and the Tuileries Garden.
Plaza Athénée (8th Arr., Avenue Montaigne) – A fashion-lover’s dream, known for its iconic red awnings, haute couture elegance, and legendary Dior spa.
The Ritz Paris (1st Arr., Place Vendôme) – One of the most legendary hotels in the world, synonymous with timeless luxury, impeccable service, and classic Parisian charm.

Where to Dine: Restaurant Picks

Paris is a city where dining is more than just a meal—it’s an art form, a sensory experience, and a reflection of its timeless elegance. Instead of settling for overhyped tourist spots, indulge in intimate, chef-driven restaurants that capture the true essence of Parisian gastronomy. From chic bistros to glamorous dining destinations, here are some must-visit spots for an unforgettable culinary experience. Some favorite restaurants we ate at include Beefbar, Cheval Blanc, Coco, Ferdi, L’Avenue (best), and Loulou (must-do lunch spot).

Allard (41 Rue Saint-André des Arts, 75006 Paris) – A legendary Left Bank bistro serving classic French cuisine in a charming, historic setting.
Angelina (226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris) – Iconic for its decadent hot chocolate and timeless Belle Époque décor, perfect for a chic Parisian breakfast or afternoon tea.
Aux Prés (27 Rue du Dragon, 75006 Paris) – Trendy and intimate, this Cyril Lignac gem serves refined French fare with a modern twist.
Bar des Prés (25 Rue du Dragon, 75006 Paris) – An elegant blend of French-Asian fusion from Cyril Lignac, with a chic atmosphere and beautifully plated dishes.
Beefbar (5 Rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris) – A high-end steakhouse for true meat lovers.
Brach (1-7 Rue Jean Richepin, 75016 Paris) – A design-forward hotspot with Mediterranean vibes and one of the best rooftop views in Paris.
Café de Flore (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris) – A historic and iconic Parisian café, perfect for people-watching.
Café de l’Esplanade (7th Arr.) – A Left Bank classic, elegant without trying too hard.
Café de la Paix (5 Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris) – A grand Belle Époque institution known for its lavish interior and classic French dishes.
Café Marly (93 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris) – Sleek and stylish with Louvre courtyard views, perfect for a fashionable lunch or evening apéritif.
Cheval Blanc’s Le Tout-Paris (1st Arr.) – Sky-high chic with breathtaking Seine views.
Coco (Palais Garnier, 1 Place Jacques Rouché, 75009 Paris) – A lively and stylish spot, ideal for both lunch and dinner.
Derrière (69 Rue des Gravilliers, 75003 Paris) – A quirky and eclectic dining experience where every room is a surprise, offering inventive French cuisine.
Dior Restaurant – Monsieur Dior (30 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris) – Haute couture meets haute cuisine at this elegant, fashion-infused destination.
Ferdi (32 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris) – Casual yet chic, known for its legendary burger (and a favorite of Kim Kardashian!).
Flandrin (4 Place Tattegrain, 75016 Paris) – Glamorous and classic, this art deco gem serves up refined French dishes in an upscale setting.
Flottes (2 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris) – Hands down, the best crêpes in Paris, served in a relaxed yet refined setting.
Frenchie (5 Rue du Nil, 75002 Paris) – A modern bistro that’s globally inspired, locally sourced, and consistently in demand.
Girafe (Trocadéro, 75016 Paris) – One of the most romantic and stylish dining spots in Paris, with spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower.
Hôtel Costes (239 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris) – The epitome of Parisian glamour, perfect for both lunch and dinner.
La Fontaine de Mars (7th Arr.) – A true classic Parisian bistro, request to sit outside.
L’Avenue (41 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris) – A fashionable hotspot where style meets excellent cuisine, perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ladurée (75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris) – Famed for its pastel macarons and luxurious tea room, a sweet Parisian tradition.
Le Chardenoux (1 Rue Jules Vallès, 75011 Paris) – A charming bistro with exceptional food, from celebrity chef Cyril Lignac.
Le Piaf (38 Rue Jean Mermoz, 75008 Paris) – A stylish supper club blending gourmet cuisine with live music and an elegant, moody vibe.
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte (Multiple locations: 15 Rue Marbeuf, 75008; 20 Rue Saint-Benoît, 75006; 101 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75006) – Home to the best steak frites in Paris, served with their signature sauce.
Loulou (107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs) – A stunning restaurant with a dreamy terrace, perfect for a leisurely lunch.
MUN Rooftop (52 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris) – Glamorous rooftop dining with panoramic views and Asian-fusion flair.
Ralph’s (173 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris) – Set in a charming courtyard, this Ralph Lauren restaurant is perfect for a relaxed yet elegant meal.
Voltaire (27 Quai Voltaire, 75007 Paris) – A quintessentially Parisian restaurant with an always elegant ambiance.

Overrated but Worth Considering:

I have mixed feelings about La Réserve and Gigi—both are stunning, but a bit formal and I thought the food in both places was average. If you’re craving a scene, they’re worth experiencing once. There are great views of the Eiffel Tower from Gigi.

Stop for a Drink:

Bar Hemingway located at 15 Vendôme at the Ritz – Pure opulence but in a way that still feels inviting.
Hotel Costes Bar – Dark, moody, and glamorous—a Parisian classic.

Shopping: Curated Elegance

Paris is a haven for sophisticated shopping, especially for those who appreciates quality, elegance, and timeless fashion. Rather than dashing through Galeries Lafayette, consider exploring lesser-known yet exquisite shopping spots. Le Bon Marché is an institution for refined shopping, while Astier de Villatte is a dream for those who adore artisanal ceramics and beautifully crafted goods. The Left Bank’s Rue de Grenelle and Avenue Montaigne offer chic boutiques that capture Parisian effortless style.

Rachel and I had some fun at Dior, Celine and Goyard this trip. If you are planning to visit these particular stores, I have the sales contacts there and you can make an appointment. DM me on my Instagram HERE for the information. You could typically save anywhere from 10% to 20% on luxury goods in Paris versus the U.S. when factoring in VAT refunds and the local pricing differences.

Here are the Best French Luxury Stores to Explore:

Chanel (31 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris) – The flagship boutique where Coco Chanel lived, offering timeless tweeds and refined accessories.
Celine (53 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris) – Sleek, modern tailoring with a refined edge, perfect for understated luxury.
Dior (30 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris) – The epitome of Parisian elegance with a newly renovated boutique experience.
Goyard (233 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris) – The ultimate in understated luxury for handbags and travel accessories.
Hermès (24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris) – Iconic French craftsmanship, from silk scarves to chic ready-to-wear.
Le Bon Marché (24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris) – An institution for refined shopping, with luxury fashion and lifestyle offerings.
Louis Vuitton (101 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris) – The legendary French luxury brand, known for its monogrammed bags, high-end ready-to-wear, and timeless accessories.

Concept Stores:

A Parisian concept store is a curated retail space that blends fashion, art, design, and lifestyle into a unique shopping experience. These stores showcase a mix of established and emerging brands, offering an eclectic selection of products in an artistic, trendsetting environment that reflects a specific lifestyle or creative vision.

Saint Laurent Rive Droite (213 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris) – A concept store blending fashion with art, music, and culture.
The Broken Arm (12 Rue Perrée, 75003 Paris) – A stylish concept store in the heart of the Marais, featuring a curated selection of fashion, lifestyle items, and avant-garde designs from both established and emerging brands.
Merci (111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris) – A cult favorite known for its chic collection of fashion, homeware, and lifestyle items, as well as the incredible café and second-hand bookshop.
Modes Paris (3 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris) – A concept store that curates the most interesting fashion pieces.
L'Exception (24 Rue Berger, 75001 Paris) – A chic and trendy concept store offering an eclectic mix of high-end, emerging French designers and exclusive collections.
Leclaireur (10 Rue Hérold, 75001 Paris) – A multi-faceted concept store known for its avant-garde approach to fashion and design, blending contemporary clothing with unique art installations.
Dover Street Market (18 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris) – An iconic store that originally started in London and now has a Paris location. It offers a curated mix of high fashion, streetwear, and unique collaborations.

Top French Jewelry Stores in Paris:

Boucheron (26 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France) – Iconic luxury jewelry brand, known for timeless pieces since 1858.
Cartier (13 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France) – Renowned for its classic, sophisticated designs and craftsmanship.
Van Cleef & Arpels (22 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France) – Famous for exquisite high jewelry and innovative designs.

Cultural Indulgences: Beyond the Louvre

Rachel and I visited the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Musée Picasso and of course, the Galerie Dior. I still love visiting the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, but these spots below are very special too, especially if you’ve already visited the big Paris museums.

Dior Museum (Galerie Dior) (11 Rue François 1er, 75008 Paris, France) – A must for fashion lovers, and the café is delightful. Not to be missed!
Fondation Louis Vuitton (8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris, France) – A contemporary art museum housed in an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (140 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen, France) – My favorite flea market for vintage treasures.
Musée de l’Orangerie (Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France) – Monet’s Water Lilies in a space designed for quiet admiration. A great museum!
Musée Jacquemart-André (158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France) – A stunning 19th-century mansion filled with art.
Musée Marmottan Monet (2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016 Paris, France) – Features the largest collection of Claude Monet's works, including "Impression, Sunrise."
Musée Picasso (5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France) – Home to one of the largest collections of Picasso's works in an 18th-century mansion.
Private tour of Palais Garnier (Opéra Garnier, 8 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France) – Experiencing the opera house in solitude is breathtaking.
Rodin Museum (77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France) – Famous for its sculptures and stunning gardens.
Sainte-Chapelle (8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris, France) – Known for its awe-inspiring stained-glass windows.

Strolling & Savoring: Living Like a Local

Some of my favorite moments in Paris are the simplest ones: a morning walk-through the Jardin des Tuileries, an afternoon lingering at Café de Flore, or watching the sunset from the Quai de la Seine. Afternoon tea at Le Meurice or Le Bristol are great things to put on your to do list!

Paris, to me, is a city best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, where every corner reveals something beautiful. Whether it’s an old-world café, an exquisite boutique, or a moment of stillness along the Seine, the magic of Paris is in the details.

Wellness & Self-Care: The Parisian Way

A great way to break up the trip for a bit of R and R.

Dior Spa (30 Avenue Montaigne, Hôtel Plaza Athénée, 75008 Paris, France) – A beautifully designed sanctuary offering cutting-edge skincare treatments with Dior’s signature elegance. The "Dior Prestige" facial is divine.
Guerlain Spa (68 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Hôtel Cheval Blanc, 75008 Paris, France) – A truly refined experience with bespoke anti-aging facials and deeply relaxing massages in an ultra-luxe setting.
Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie (112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Le Bristol Paris, 75008 Paris, France) – Indulgent facials and body treatments using La Prairie’s iconic skincare. The rooftop swimming pool adds to the experience.
Spa Valmont (45 Boulevard Raspail, Hôtel Lutetia, 75006 Paris, France) – Swiss skincare brand Valmont offers advanced anti-aging facials and holistic body treatments in a serene Art Deco-inspired space.
The Peninsula Spa (19 Avenue Kléber, The Peninsula Paris, 75116 Paris, France) – A tranquil retreat with Asian-inspired treatments, an indoor pool, and a blissful atmosphere perfect for deep relaxation.