Paris is a city for lovers—or anyone else, for that matter, as my family recently found. Traveling with my mother and brother and his two teenage girls, we strolled the city streets, making our way around its 20 arrondissements. As we discovered, there’s no better way to experience Paris than as a flâneur, meandering along the Seine, lingering in its grand parks (Jardins des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, Bois de Boulogne, to name a few). Of course, that’s not to mention the food, the fashion, the architure. Surprises abound for those who explore.
Attractions
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Fondation Louis Vuitton: Until late fall, Daniel Buren’s colorful site-specific art “Observatory of Light” illuminates the Frank Gehry–designed building. Be sure to visit the nearby Jardin d’Acclimatation.
Musée Picasso: The museum’s public space has nearly tripled since a major renovation.
Deyrolle: Though a 2008 fire destroyed many of the treasures, it remains a visual wonder, filled with taxidermy and entomology specimens from around the globe.
Shopping
Avenue Montaigne: Here you’ll find Dior, Chanel, Valentino, Prada… Don’t miss the well-curated Montaigne Market.
Colette: One of the world’s most famous boutiques, Colette
features ever-changing displays in a gallery-like setting.
Didier Ludot: This is ground zero for vintage couture collectors. While shopping the Île Saint-Louis, check out the nearby Antiquités de Î’Ile Saint-Louis, with more affordable offerings.
Galeries Lafayette: The grande dame of Paris’ department stores offers one-stop shopping beneath a glass-domed roof.
Azzedine Alaïa: Around the corner from the renowned designer’s flagship boutique is his Boutique de Stockage, which sells pieces from previous collections at great sale prices.
Food
Septime: Though reservations are nearly impossible, walk-ins are welcome at Clamato, the oyster bar next door.
La Petite Rétro: The food is incredibly modern at this century-old treasure, but not in a precious way.
L’Ambroisie: Located in a historic private home on the Place des Vosges, L’Ambroisie embodies fine dining.
La Société: This hip restaurant from the trendsetting Costes brothers is a favorite of fashionistas and celebs.
La Coupole: This Art Deco institution—a favorite of such American expats as Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein—serves bistro specialties and towering shellfish platters.
Travel Tips
- For a long stay, especially with family, consider renting an apartment.
- Pack the Michelin Green Guide and download the LUXE City Guides app.
- Rent a bike for the day through the Paris Vélib’.
- A two-day Paris Pass will afford you access to most museums, and you’ll have shorter waits.
- Sure, there’s the Louvre and Notre Dame. But also admire the architecture in such squares as Place de la Vendôme and Place des Vosges.
- Venture into one of the city’s many flea markets.
- Explore the boutiques along the Boulevard Saint-Germain, on the Left Bank, and the Rue Vieille-du-Temple, in the Marais.
- Zara, COS, and Uniqlo chain stores offer amazing pieces at good prices.
- Dine beyond the bistros: ice cream from Berthillon, hot chocolate at Angelina, macarons from Ladurée, crêpes from a street vendor, Greek food in the Quartier Latin…
- Toast your trip in the bar of the recently renovated Ritz Paris.
