France: Paris Travel Guide | Best Things To Do

Here is my list of good addresses in Paris: visits, gourmet experiences, cafés, and accommodations not to be missed. You will have everything you need to for a memorable stay.

Address: 68, avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris

A pioneer in fragrance creation, la Maison Guerlain is known for its perfumes, notably Shalimar, Mitsouko, and Guerlinade, and more recently La petite robe noire.

Don’t hesitate to stop by the boutique located on the Champs-Élysées, because it is a place with a fairy-tale atmosphere, between a perfume museum and a luxury boutique. If you have the means, they even offer you a unique service to create a custom Guerlain bottle!

Address: 37, rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 Paris

Just a stone’s throw from Notre-Dame-de-Paris is this iconic bookstore, Shakespeare and Company, founded in 1919. In addition to the bookstore specializing in English-language literature, there is a charming café with large old sash windows where you can sit and enjoy a view of Notre-Dame and the Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre church square.

Address: 16, Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris

This is a very pleasant museum, with its beautiful flowered interior courtyard where you can have a coffee. The Musée de la vie romantique is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, in the former home of the painter Ary Scheffer.

On the first floor of the pavilion built in 1830, the museum exhibits the memories of the novelist George Sand, who came to visit his neighbour. The rooms are decorated with paintings, sculptures, drawings, jewelry, and furniture.

Address: 6, Rue de Furstemberg, 75006 Paris

Have you already visited the Louvre, the Musée de l’Orangerie, and the Musée d’Orsay? Now take a tour of the Musée national Eugene-Delacroix, a museum I thoroughly enjoyed.

Set up in the last apartment and studio of the painter – where he lived from 1857 to his death on August 13, 1863 -,the museum was created by painters, collectors, curators, who united in an association to save the space, which was threatened to be torn down.

Address: 171, Bd du Montparnasse, 75006 Paris

On the way to the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Catacombs, we find this prestigious bar-restaurant which takes its name from the Closerie des Lilas Ball (1847-1940).

In the past, La Closerie des Lilas was one of the most lively cafés for artists and intellectuals. Among the most famous who frequented there: Verlaine, Hemingway, Picasso, Émile Zola, Paul Cézanne, Théophile Gautier, Charles Baudelaire.

Today, there is a restaurant in a refined setting, under a magnificent veranda, but also a typical Parisian brasserie.

Reopening is scheduled for March 18, 2024.

Address: 9, rue de l’École de Médecine, 75006 Paris

Even in Paris, the desire for a good Italian restaurant can take over. If so, I suggest the Restaurant Vita.

In a pleasant and warm setting, you will be treated to traditional Neapolitan dishes, including homemade pizzas, pasta, and anti pasti. Don’t miss the famous Fiamma della Vita. It is a dish of fresh pasta, flambéed with grappa in a wheel of parmesan, mushrooms, and fresh black truffle. A real treat!

Address: 54, boul. de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007 Paris

Not far from the Eiffel Tower, this elegant Art Deco style restaurant with an intimate cocktail bar offers upscale cuisine. It has a relaxed atmosphere, a small menu, and a speakeasy bar specialising in cocktails.

Address: 6, Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris

In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, if you are looking for a lively café, stop by the mythical café and restaurant Les Deux Magots. Renowned for its literary history, it serves creative French cuisine.

Address: 172, Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

Right next to the café Les Deux Magots, the Café de Flore is a restaurant-café just as famous as its neighbour. It is a true Parisian institution reminiscent of the old literary Paris. Today, the coffee is very popular with tourists.

Address: 5, Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris

Right in front of the majestic Opera Garnier (that I also recommend you to visit), the Café de la Paix is a famous Parisian café and restaurant. It is worth going there for at least one cocktail as I did, to admire its majestic interior.

The Café de la Paix and its terrace are located on the first floor of theInterContinental Paris – Le Grand, an opulent 5-star hotel that dates back to 1862 and is a 3-minute walk from the Boulevard Haussmann boutiques.

Address: 61, Rue Dauphine, 75006 Paris

Ideally located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, this 3-star hotel is housed in an 18th century building. It offers 25 sophisticated and beautifully decorated rooms.

A typical Parisian hotel at a reasonable price, I really appreciated the comfort and the delicious croissants in the morning! I would have gladly stayed an extra night, especially for the location in a most charming and lively neighborhood.

Address: 29, Avenue de Tourville, 75007 Paris

In the prestigious 7th arrondissement, this reasonably priced hotel offers a rare view of the Eiffel Tower!

The hotel La Comtesse offers a contemporary decoration inspired by the literary salons of the 18th century. There are 40 comfortable rooms or suites with views of the monuments of Paris (the Eiffel Tower, the Dôme des Invalides, and the École Militaire). This was the perfect place for my most beautiful Instagram shots!

Address: 20, Av. Victoria, 75001 Paris

In the Châtelet district, near the Seine and the beautiful bridges of Paris, the British Hotel is a good choice for travelers looking for nightlife. The invitingly decorated hotel is surrounded by theaters, cabarets, boutiques, and very Parisian bistros. It is an affordable 3 star hotel where the employees are very friendly and attentive.

Address: 10, Rue De Bruxelles, 75009 Paris

Opposite the famous Moulin Rouge and a few steps from the Montmartre district, is known to be one of the most romantic hotels in Paris! With its discreet façade, the Maison Souquet hides the mystery of a former brothel transformed into a luxurious 5-star hotel.

Maison Souquet offers 20 rooms including 6 suites with unique decorations. We had the chance to stay there for two nights and we enjoyed the facilities with their whimsical decor and where elegance, sensuality, and luxury are front and centre.

There are also many Marriott Bonvoy establishments in Paris, which can be paid for using points or cash. Here are our reviews on several of these hotels:

Don’t have tickets to watch the competitions? But you’ll still be able to vibrate! The City of Paris will be offering some twenty festive sites to be set up in the various arrondissements of the capital.

All events linked to the Paris Games will be listed on an interactive map, available from the Paris 2024 app and official website from the end of April.

The capital of France, the world centre of art, fashion, food, and culture still charms with every visit. Nothing better than to discover Paris through its best authentic locations.