WHAT TO DO WHEN…
YOU HAVE THREE HOURS TO KILL
Best for a bit of culture
Visiting the Maison de Victor Hugo is always a favourite. Peeking into such a well-preserved private home is fascinating and the interiors are rich with books, art and furniture. It’s in the Place des Vosges so you can visit one of the many small cafes around the square and do some people watching afterwards. We also love the Foundation Louis Vuitton, the building was designed by Frank Gehry and is spectacular. The architecture is truly impressive and there are always good exhibitions on too.
Top shopping
For big brands head to the Champs Elysées as you just can’t beat the beauty of the avenue. For smaller boutiques and designer vintage finds we can’t recommend enough that you get a bit lost wandering in the Marais.
Must check out
Musee Marmottan Monet – a lovely townhouse with a sweet garden and the largest collection of beautiful Monet paintings.
Jump in a cab to
Le Place Vendome, an easy place to kill time. Glittering with jewellery shops the most impressive gem in the octagonal square is of course the Ritz Paris where you can stop in for lunch.
The secret find
Check out Galerie Vivienne, a beautiful glass arcade with little bookshops and beautiful boutiques.
Best brunch stop
La Réserve , with its old school classic French decor, this is a stunning hotel with an elegant breakfast menu. Also if you fancy a bit of classic American food in a beautiful setting, check out Ralph’s restaurant which is part of Ralph Lauren but has a stunning courtyard.
Best Lunch
Maison Plisson on the Boulevard Beaumarchais is our go-to for a healthy and fresh lunch. The food is truly exceptional, with a seasonal menu. There is a fresh produce market attached, as well as a delightful bakery. It’s the perfect spot to have lunch and then fill up your suitcase with cheese, chocolate and wines before hopping on the Eurostar.
Best Dinner Experience
Our go-to would be Restaurant Apicuis which has super sexy date night elegance with a cheese selection that will blow your mind.
When you want a healthy takeout
Whilst the Rose Bakery is famous for its cakes and tartes (there are four in Paris), it also sells incredibly tasty, fresh and healthy takeaway food.
WHEN YOU NEED TO IMPRESS YOUR BOSS/ CLIENTS
The go-to eatery
Chez Julien because it’s a classic. The interior, staff and food are everything you want from a Parisian restaurant. With its comfortable, deep red banquettes, gilded panelling and candlelight reflecting off antiqued mirrors it is a totally chic experience and is sure to impress even the toughest client.
Best hotel
The Hotel de Crillon has old world glamour and grandeur perfected. Its restaurants and courtyards are perfect for intimate business meetings or lunches, and it is a hotel that never fails to impress.
Best for after dinner cocktails
The bar at the Hotel Costes serves amazing cocktails and provides excellent people watching, or if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key try the jazz café la Cave du 38 Riv.
YOU’RE TRAVELLING ALONE
Best hotel for solo travellers
I would recommend the Hotel Providence. It’s great for a solo traveller, has quirky rooms, is very comfortable and is well located. The room rates are generally very reasonable, and staff are excellent.
Best restaurant for a solo diners
Josephine Chez Dumonet is perfect for the solo diner. A typical looking French Bistro with incredible food, there are small intimate tables and you can get a half portion of anything on the menu. The food is delicious, however it’s extremely popular so remember to make a reservation well in advance.
YOU NEED A STYLE HIT
Head to Bon Marche … the buy here is classic with a twist, you’ll discover new designers as well as well-established ones and also brands that make pieces exclusive for Bon Marche. The shoe room is heaven too.
When you need stylish work clothes
Head to Rue Royale in the Marais and Place de la Madeleine for all the big brands and little boutiques.
When you’ve got a special occassion
Avenue Montaigne – for all the big-name brands.
Best for stylish basics
Merci boutique on Boulevard Beaumarchais in Haut-Marais has a great selection of basics.
Off the beaten track recommendations…
We love the designer vintage store Thanx God I’m a V.I.P. Its very well curated and if you need to pick up something unique for a special dinner or event this is the place to come.
Best for shoes and accessories
The Galeries Lafayette, the most famous Parisienne shopping centre of all.
TO LOOK AFTER YOUR WELLBEING
Best hotel with wellness facilities
You can’t beat the Plaza Athenee and the Dior Institut for great massages and facials.
Best spa
Again the Plaza Athenee and don’t miss out on the Dior’s microdermabrasion facial which leaves your skin so clean and smooth. If you prefer the holistic approach head to Hotel Lutetia whose philosophy is based around the elements – earth, water, wind and fire. It also has a beautiful serene pool.
Where to go for a great Pilates class
For Pilates we would head to Reformation which has super stylish interiors, amazing instructors and they really know how to work you. Prepare yourself for a tough workout.
Where to go to sweat
We would do the ‘Jump baby Jump’ cardio class at Reformation.
Best health food store
We love Rose Bakery Paris, which has great organic produce and a little café, as well as unhealthy but seriously delicious cakes.
YOU ARE IN NEED OF BEAUTIFICATION
Best place for a blowdry
Without a doubt Rishi at David Mallet is best hairdresser in Paris.
Best facial in town
We would head to Maison Sisley where they do incredible facials – we are big fans of their skin scanning equipment.
Best for eyebrows
We would recommend Atelier du Sourcil who have have several shops and offer brilliant, quick and careful treatments for lashes and brows.
DON’T LEAVE PARIS WITHOUT CHECKING OUT
The hidden gallery Musee National Eugene Delacroix, which is not one of Paris’s largest galleries but well worth a visit with over 1,300 artworks, paintings, drawings and manuscripts.
This guide is compiled by Lucy Rigg founder of Lubelle.co.uk, a curation of the best people and places to visit around the world.
