without spending at least 1-day in Paris
Dubbed the City of Light (la Ville Lumière) and Capital of Fashion, it is home to some of the world’s finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics, such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L’Oréal, and Clarins. A large part of the city, including the banks of the Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has the second highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world (after Tokyo, which is much larger) and contains numerous iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame de Paris, the Louvre, the Moulin Rouge and the Basilique du Sacré Cœur, making it one of the most popular international tourist destinations in the world, with around 14 million tourists annually.
8th arrondissement
Interior design by Jacques Garcia.
The City of Light sparkles a little brighter at La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa. Minutes from the Grand Palais and the Champs-Élysées, this 19th-century urban mansion is the very essence of French refinement. The hotel provides a private-club atmosphere – only guests may access the library, smoking lounge, pool, and fitness center. Accommodations feature silk walls, velvet drapes, and brocade taffeta. Expect ultra-personalized service, including tailored experiences that reveal exclusive sides of Paris. Gastronomic offerings surprise and delight at the two-Michelin-starred Le Gabriel, winner of Virtuoso’s 2019 Best Dining Experience.
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Rive Gauche
My current favorite on the Left Bank. Cruise the Seine in the hotel’s 131-foot boat, featuring a fully-equipped kitchen, a movie theater, and room for 50 of your closest friends.
The folks at J.K. Place Paris know a thing or two about effortless Parisian style. Here, guests are treated to accommodations with plush furnishings, parquet floors, and spacious marble-clad bathrooms. Craft cocktails and curated bites like Prosecco-marinated pineapple, quail egg canapés, and squid-ink risotto. And a subterranean spa specializing in anti-aging and anti-inflammatory treatments born from the work of aesthetics expert Dr. Barbara Sturm. Reserve one of the 29 rooms and suites, or book them all for the ultimate private escape.
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Arc de Triomphe Champs Elysées
Stunning hotel. A great option if traveling with children, they will be treated like little “Rock Stars”. One of the best private theaters in Paris, and they have their own Art Concierge to help manage the constantly changing inside exhibitions. And the rooms are spectacular, but not overstated, as well.
Just steps from the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris expresses Parisian elegance. With a 99-seat screening room, a private art gallery, and Paris’ first dedicated Art Concierge, this palace is full of art and culture. Relax in one of 149 elegant rooms and luxurious suites or at the contemporary spa, My Blend by Clarins with a 75-foot-long pool. Enjoy the stylish Le Bar Long; Matsuhisa Paris by world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa; La Cuisine and its unforgettable brunches and buffet breakfasts; and Il Carpaccio, a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant; as well as pastry creations by Quentin Lechat.
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same block as Samaritaine department store
The new Grand Hotel of Paris.
Bringing a contemporary edge to a historic art deco building, Cheval Blanc Paris will be an exciting new address in the heart of Paris. Sitting at the edge of the Seine, near the Louvre and Notre-Dame, the Maison captures the spirit of the borough – and shows off the Seine through panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests are met with gracious service and thoughtful amenities. Each of the Maison’s 72 rooms and suites will welcome guests with a residential atmosphere and exceptional views of the city. Four restaurants will include a fine-dining eatery and French brasserie, as well as an all-day dining venue in the lobby.
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Colonne Vendôme
Another Jacques Garcia masterpiece.
Set among trendy boutiques in the 1st arr., this exquisite hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Tuileries metro station and the Jardin des Tuileries, and an 11-minute walk from the Musée du Louvre.
PART OF MY SPECIAL PLACES PORTFOLIO
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Golden Triangle
11 Apartments, Suites & Rooms
Nestled on the edge of the prestigious Golden Triangle, this early 20th century private mansion offers guests one of the very best central city locations on a discreet residential street adjacent to the world renowned avenue Montaigne.
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14e Arrondissement
Bedrooms: 4
Maximum Occupants: 10
Nestled in the 14th arrondissement, this artistically decorated villa creates the perfect city break oasis, equipped with its very own private Japanese garden. The location of this villa offers a fantastic slice of true Parisian culture, whilst still ensuring you are very well connected; it is only half an hour or so to Paris’ main sights. The private garden ensures a quiet and green space within the city to either have a BBQ or simply relax and enjoy some privacy. The house itself has been decorated to the highest standard, with white couches and glass panels. The interior also boasts a distinctive artistic flair, as its owners have placed beautiful art pieces throughout.
5 Avenue Marceau, 75116 Paris, France
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum opened in October 2017 the same building where the legendary fashion designer created his haute couture collections for nearly 30 years.
For those who want to enjoy l’exaltation, or avoid l’agitation of Fashion Week, here is the schedule for 2024.
Haute Couture: Monday, January 22 to Thursday, January 25, 2024
Menswear: Tuesday, January 16 to Sunday, January 21, 2024
Womenswear: Monday, February 26 to Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Haute Couture: Monday, June 24 to Thursday, June 27, 2024
Menswear: Tuesday, June 18 to Sunday, June 23, 2024
Womenswear: Monday, September 23 to Tuesday, October 1, 2024
courtesy: FÉDÉRATION DE LA HAUTE COUTURE ET DE LA MODE
CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER: Paris Travel Guide
This perennial champ, having had its thunder taken by cities like London and Tokyo, now is back with a vengeance with a crop of pilgrimage-worthy restaurants, top-to-bottom overhauls of the world’s most iconic hotels, and the elevation of the concept store. And you still can’t turn a corner without running into a Rodin.
TRAVEL + LEISURE: Paris Travel Guide
To make sure you don’t miss a thing, take a moment to read through our Paris travel guide, where we share our favorite local haunts, must-do activities, and favorite hotels.
My Virtuoso Paris Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
WIKIVOYAGE: Paris Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Paris.
France General Information Page
Southern France General Information Page
or leave a comment below
page updated: January 2024
images courtesy: Wikimedia Commons, Paris Tourism Board
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