Paris

The ultimate Paris city guide

A glittering guide to the City of Light

From beautiful boulevards lined with haute-couture boutiques, to dazzling bridges and romantic waterways, Paris has long drawn a stylish, art-loving crowd to its world-renowned museums, galleries, fashion houses and flea markets. Sip freshly squeezed jus d’orange with your morning croissant at a wicker-chair fronted café. Linger over delicate macaroons in the artisan bakeries of Ile de Saint Louis. Then wander along the banks of the Seine, where artists set up shop to sell their paintings. Whatever the season, Paris is always a good idea.

A short round-up of Paris’ must-see sights…

Eiffel Tower: Scale this iconic structure at night to see the city twinkling around you.

Louvre: Meet the Mona Lisa in the world’s most-visited museum beneath that pyramid.

Notre Dame: This medieval cathedral is the pièce de résistance when it comes to French Gothic architecture. Plan your visit for 2024 when this 850-year-old building will re-open after the tragic fire of 2019.

La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur: This Roman-Byzantine style building crowns the Butte Montmartre. When you’re not looking up at the ceiling – home to the largest mosaic in France – the panoramic views from the highest point in Paris are well worth the climb.

L’Arc de Triomphe: The star attraction in the Place de l’Étoile.

Les Champs-Elysées: Whether you just come to window shop some of the world’s best dressed displays, or you’re looking to splurge on a designer find, this street is a start-to-finish treat for buying and browsing.

Le Musée d’Orsay: This converted train station on the Left Bank houses bright Impressionist paintings and some of the world’s most famous art works, including Vincent Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait.

Montmartre: One of the capital’s most charming districts, filled with windmills, cobbled streets, and colourful houses. This once rustic outpost still retains its village vibe, with lively bistros, artisan bakeries, and street artists on almost every quaint corner.

Le Jardin du Luxembourg: Arguably the loveliest gardens in Paris, and the perfect picnic and pétanque spot.

Le Centre Pompidou: The inside-out landmark known locally as Beaubourg pairs an urban spaceship aesthetic with an impressive collection of modern art.

La Fondation Louis Vuitton: An architectural glass gem just a stone’s throw from the Jardin d’Acclimatation. Come for the contemporary collections and top floor terrace views.

What — and where — to eat in Paris

Le petit déjeuner

If you want to opt for the classic Parisian start to the day – a croissant with a café crème – there are plenty of places to breakfast in this simple yet sophisticated style. For one of the city’s oldest coffeehouses, make like Emily in Paris over French favourites at Café de Flore, while iconic brasserie Les Deux Magots has been serving up artist-approved Croque-Monsieurs since 1885 – counting the likes of Picasso and Simone de Beauvoir as regulars. Wander through a maze of stalls selling fresh fruit and specialities from around the world at Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, the city’s oldest covered market, or sample edible works of art from world-renowned pastry chef Cédric Grolet’s two pâtisseries.

Le déjeuner

Whatever the weather, we’d always recommend taking a table outside for a spot of people watching at lunchtime – and there’s no better place than L’Avenue, a fashion set favourite and celebrity haunt. Tuck into tiramisu at trendy Loulou which has taken up residence in Le Musée des Arts Décoratifs, or indulge in hearty, warming dishes served in Staub casserole pots on a winter’s day at Les Cocottes.

Le dîner

Dinner is a long, languid affair here, so take your time and try to book somewhere with a view. Adventurous Asian fusion restaurant KONG comes with enchanting views across the city’s rooftops through glass dome walls, as does Café de L’Homme which faces the Eiffel Tower and pairs this iconic panorama with the likes of Tataki-tuna and Maison Paris foie gras. Ferdi’s cheeseburgers are almost as famous as the faces of its loyal customers, while Dans Le Noir draws a more discreet crowd to its dine-in-the-dark concept and sensory wine tasting experiences. For dinner and a show, opera singers serenade diners at their tables at Bel Canto, or cabaret the night away at Le Crazy Horse Saloon.

Paris
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