Amongst the world’s most captivating capitals, Paris has been known as the City of Light and the City of Love for centuries. Millions of visitors from across the globe flock to the French capital each year, dreaming of savouring flaky croissants at cafés shaded by chestnut trees on grand boulevards, shopping at designer boutiques and fabulous flea markets, or marvelling at the Eiffel Tower silhouetted against the night sky. Expect to see the city’s sense of style and reputation for romance reflected in the beautifully designed guest rooms and trendy eateries of the best boutique hotels in Paris, too. Whether you’re eager to tour the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, to amble around the charming neighbourhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, or to feast on the cuisine which has inspired foodies across the world, Paris really does have it all.
The Eiffel Tower is the ideal starting point for many first-time visitors. The beautifully restored Notre Dame Cathedral, a 12th-century Gothic masterpiece, is not to be missed, nor is the Musée du Louvre. Art aficionados will find a terrific collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist pieces at the Musée d’Orsay, and striking work at the Musée Picasso, the Musée Rodin and the modernist Pompidou Centre. Other favourites include the Musée Jacquemart-André and the Musée Nissim de Camondo.
Wander along the bohemian lanes of Montmartre, fill your bags with vintage finds from the stalls of the Marché aux Puces and the quirky shops of Le Marais, before picking a perch for a punchy coffee or an early evening tipple. Fans of designer style need look no further than the Champs-Elysées.
Keen explorers will love strolling along the Seine at sunset, or escaping into the manicured Jardins des Tuileries or Jardin du Luxembourg. The Palace of Versailles, a short train ride away, offers an unparalleled insight into France’s royal history and wonderfully landscaped green spaces. Come evening, opportunities to catch live music and theatre abound at venues including the Théâtre du Lido and Opéra Garnier.
Michelin-starred restaurants showcase top-notch French and international cuisine, whilst neighbourhood bistros promise delectable classics including duck confit and steak frites, as well as all manner of innovative dishes. Round things off with a delicate crème brûlée before heading back to your choice of the best boutique hotels in Paris.
Le Marais will delight creatives and romantics with its art galleries, delis, trendy boutiques and museums tucked within a maze of medieval streets. Amongst the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the city, it’s home to some superb boutique hotels.
The other bohemian favourite is village-like Montmartre, set on a hill in the 18th arrondissement. Topped by the gleaming Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, the area is appealingly atmospheric, though slightly further from the centre of Paris.
For easy access to the city’s sights, consider the residential 7th arrondissement (near the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay) or sophisticated Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Close to the cultural hotspots of the Left Bank, this elegant district, with its brilliant boutiques and brasseries, is ideal for well-heeled holidaymakers.
The prestigious Golden Triangle, bounded by the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Avenue Montaigne, and Avenue George V in the 8th arrondissement, is also worth considering. This area will delight eager shoppers and boasts some particularly grand hotels.
Keen partygoers, on the other hand, will love the late-night buzz of Oberkampf and Bastille, both of which offer lively bars, street art aplenty, and affordable accommodation.
Paris’ hotel scene is simply exceptional. Elegant Haussmann buildings and Art Nouveau edifices house grand hotels with reputations for flawless interiors, terrific cuisine and superb service. Many also boast soothing spas and curated art collections. In a city which celebrates individuality, hotels, big or small, are the ideal example. Many of the classic landmarks have been extensively refurbished by notable designers, fusing period features with cool, contemporary style choices.
The city’s boutique hotels ooze character, too. Expect hidden courtyard gardens, rooftop views from private balconies, colour palettes inspired by the history of a particular arrondissement, and impressive attention to detail. Staff members are well trained and in-the-know when it comes to events, exhibitions and experiences, so it’s well worth asking for their top tips before you head out to explore.
France
France