Moss Luxury Travel Guide to Paris
I, personally, love Paris. I love the food, I love the buildings, I love the way being in Paris makes me feel. It makes me feel sophisticated and like I could be anyone. I was last in Paris December 2019 and although it was only for a day, I look back on my time fondly.
Where to Stay
The Peninsula Hotel: The hausmanian styled The Peninsula, is a big building with castle-like attires. The “Jardin” suite offers a luxurious decoration and a private garden on the roof of the building. From there, you will be able to enjoy a 360° view on the City of Lights.
Hotel Plaza Athenne: Set on one of Paris's most chic avenues, in the heart of the upscale Triangle d'Or, this hotel offers beautiful views from its top-floor rooms. The Eiffel Suites have floor to ceiling windows framing the tower.
Lutetia: This hotel is located on the left bank. Last summer, its glass doors reopened after a spectacular four-year restoration. This landmark hotel was an instant hangout for Hemmingway.
Le Meurice: This iconic hotel was considered one of the first luxury hotels in the world when it opened in 1815. Most of the suites are done in velvet and silk after being renovated in 2016. Located on the doorstep of the Tuileries Gardens, the hotel has been attracting guests for 200 years with its grandeur.
La Pavillion de La Reine: Located in the Marais neighborhood, this family run hotel is located in one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Past the private courtyard & garden, the interior is beautifully done with both modern & old world touches.
What to Do
Shop at Le Bon Marche. I first found Le Bon Marche when I was about 10 and I thought it was the prettiest place I’d ever been. Not only is it beautiful, but they also carry a lot of emerging French designers (as well as the classics). Stroll through Jardin du Luxembourg, here you’ll find chess players, puppeteers, children sailing tiny boats on the octagonal pool and sometimes a free concert in the gazebo. Stop at a cafe in Montmartre, you can also get a great view of the Eiffel Tower from this hilltop village.
Where to Eat
I absolutely love chocolate and more than that, I love chocolate for breakfast. My top picks for a pain au chocolat or a plain croissant would be Laurent Duchêne where they have a chocolate & hazelnut croissant; La Maison d’Isabelle - voted the best croissant in 2018; Du Pain et Des Idées which uses only organic ingredients; or Des Gateaux et Du Pain which specialized in a more savory croissant. If you’re in the mood for a crepe, go to Breizh Café.
Dinner in Paris holds so much opportunity and amazing meals. Septime is a reservation that is hard to score, but well worth it. Unlike many other restaurants in Paris, the service is friendly & easygoing with a menu that changes every 2 weeks. Septime is fine dining without arrogance. Benoit is a classic french bistro serving up escargot, bernaise sauces & a cheese course. L’Ami Jean is also a bistro environment serving hearty cuisine inspired by French farmhouse food. Favorites include the parmesan soup, pork belly & rice pudding for dessert. Ellsworth serves amazing fried chicken. Expected in Paris? No. Worth the visit? Absolutely.