Cities We Love: Paris
It’s not hard to love Paris.
It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations for a reason. No matter what you are looking for, you can find it in Paris.
France was the first foreign country I ever visited and Paris was the first big city abroad that I ever saw. I was in awe, not just of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, but of everything that surrounded this bustling city. Looking back, I realize that I went to Paris twice before I ever set foot in New York City - Paris became my blueprint for what a world capital should be.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth time, something will surprise you in Paris - a subtle moment that makes you pause or the first moment you turn a corner and see the Eiffel Tower standing in all its glory. As a former New Yorker, Paris scratches my itch for being back in a big city but Paris is so much better (Sorry NYC). It’s beautiful, it’s cleaner (somehow), and there’s a magic that exists for me in Paris that I no longer feel in New York.
What I truly love about Paris? The sense of discovery that I feel each time I go.
Paris is divided into arrondissements, neighborhood districts that each have their own flavor and personality. The differences may be subtle as you cross from one arrondissement to another, but you will slowly start to see what makes each area unique. A great trip to Paris may just include exploring the various quarters of the city, uncovering something new everyday or discovering which is your favorite. I also like to stay in different areas each time I go to Paris, getting to know the local shops, cafes, and boulangeries in each.
One of the best reasons to work with a travel advisor? We can help you pinpoint the ideal hotel for your stay in a big city like Paris. It can be very overwhelming to find the right place for you in a city with 1600+ hotels to choose from. And because of our preferred partnerships through our host agency, we can secure additional benefits and amenities for your stay. I recently stayed at the SO/Paris which offers some of the best views in the city and, due to its location in Le Marais, is ideal for those who have been to Paris multiple times and don’t need to stay near all of the attractions. However, if you are looking for a luxe stay closer to the center of everything, we’d recommend the sophisticated Royal Monceau - Raffles Hotel Paris, just a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe. And there are plenty of hotels all over the city that we have connections with depending on what you are looking for!
Going to Paris for me is also an exercise in eating all of the incredible food the city has to offer. Like most big cities, you can find all types of cuisine around Paris, but my go-to is traditional French cuisine at a local bistrot or brasserie. There are also excellent wine and cocktail bars all over Paris - my personal favorite is Frenchie Bar a Vins (adjacent to the famous restaurant of the same name) - and we love to provide our clients with recommendations and tips for their own stays in Paris.
Even better? Discovering your own favorites as you explore the city. Perhaps you stumble into a boulangerie and taste the best croissant of your life? Or have the best steak-frites for lunch? This is also what I love about Paris.
Of course there is also shopping (so much shopping!), world-class museums, historical sites such as Notre Dame cathedral, sporting events….you won’t get bored in Paris!
Another reason to work with us? If you’re going for the first time, we can recommend an ideal itinerary to see the highlights and discover what you love about Paris. If you’ve been many times, we can help you discover new hotels, neighborhoods, and hidden gems that you’ve never seen before. We work with partners in Paris that specialize in unique family activities like private visits to the Galerie Dior or behind the scenes experiences you can’t get on your own (imagine an after hours visit to one of Paris’ most amazing museums!).
Let us show you the brilliance of Paris!