City trip to Paris: hotels, restaurants and shops
Paris is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is called the city of light, the city of love and also fashion capital of the world with reason. I never miss an opportunity to visit the magnificent metropolis. Over the years I have collected a pretty good list of addresses. I return to these places again and again to enjoy, taste, buy and sleep.
Hotels
In Paris you will find hotels to suit all styles and wallets. It is important to first determine in which arrondissement you want to spend most of your time before making a reservation.
Saint James Paris
The magnificent Saint James Paris hotel in the 16th arrondissement is my absolute favorite. The chateau hotel, the only one of its kind in Paris and completely renovated in 2021, is an oasis of tranquility and elegance. Designer Laura Gonzalez created a modern art deco atmosphere with geometric patterns and oriental flowers in the large rooms and suites.
Get pampered at the Guerlain Spa or enjoy the lush, walled garden with its beautiful gazebo bar.
The romantic restaurant Bellefeuille *, headed by chef Julien Dumas, is a destination in itself. The cuisine is sophisticated and of top quality with an emphasis on products from the garden and the sea. The bar in the old library exudes coziness with its old books, weathered leather armchairs, wood paneling and soft velvet cushions.
The service throughout the hotel is of the highest level. Chef-concierge Pascal is an expert in his profession and helps you in no time with reservations, transportation, tickets, good addresses, or whatever you want to do in Paris. And then there is Pilou, the black cat who is everyone's favorite.
The hotel is just steps from the périphérique at Porte Dauphine. A 15-minute walk will take you to the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Bois de Boulogne and the Fondation Louis Vuitton.
Nolinski
If we want to be downtown, Nolinski is our go-to place. The boutique hotel is just steps from the Louvre, in the 1st arrondissement. The beautiful rooms are designed in a style of modern sophistication with a Belle Epoque touch here and there. Geometric mirrors and modern art pieces complete the picture.
The hotel features an impressive spa with a beautiful swimming pool. Furthermore, you can enjoy a drink in the cozy piano bar or a fine meal in Le Restaurant. The hotel's sister restaurant is the renowned and outstanding Restaurant du Palais Royal **.
Shop ‘till you drop
As the world capital of fashion, Paris is the ultimate destination for shopping enthusiasts. The Avenue Montaigne is the pinnacle of luxury and haute couture, while the Marais is tknown for hip, cutting-edge creations. Are you looking for souvenirs and trinkets of all kinds? At Montmartre, you'll find all you need and more. For a delightful mix of fashion, home decoration and art, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the place to be. Literary Paris can be experienced in the Latin Quarter and along the banks of the Seine where bouquinistes sell old and used books and magazines in their small, green stalls. They are a characteristic and inseparable part of the Parisian cityscape.
What is it that I can’t resist? Food shopping! But you knew that of course. Here are some addresses from my little golden book.
La Grande Epicerie de Paris
La Grande Epicerie de Paris with its nearly 3,000 square meters is a foodie's paradise. The store is truly a tribute to gastronomy. Here you will find every imaginable cheese, spice, delicatessen, prepared food, beverages, meats and much more.
There are two addresses:
- Rue de Sèvre, 7th arrondissement on the left bank of the Seine
- Rue de Passy, 16th arrondissement on the right bank of the Seine
Poilâne
At Poilâne, the iconic artisan bakery that is the result of three generations of hard work, you'll find whole wheat sourdough breads and delicious pastries.
Poilâne Bakery has several addresses in Paris, but the original store is still 8, rue du Cherche Midi. You can order Poilâne bread and the scrumptious punition cookies online.
Dehillerin
Dehillerin is every avid cook and foodie's mecca for kitchen equipment. Restaurateurs, pastry chefs, butchers and caterers, everyone can find in this place the necessary equipment for their métier de bouche. Dehillerin has an online shop and ships abroad, but I prefer to shop in-store.
Maille
Maille is a must stop on your next visit to Paris and my go-to address for top-quality mustard. Here you don’t buy just any jar of mustard. In my blog about Dijon mustard I share with you in detail all about Maille and its products.
Le Monde du Couteau
Hidden away in Rue du Pas de la Mule, a small side street off Place des Vosges in the 3rd arrondissement, you'll find Le Monde du Couteau. It is a treasure trove for knife lovers. Here you will find an impressive array of Japanese and Western kitchen knives. There are also sturdy fixed blade knives for outdoor activities and folding knives from the well-known brands Laguiole, Opinel and Victorinox. But for collectors of unique pieces, Le Monde du Couteau is really a must. Artisanal folding knives, some in damask steel, are displayed behind glass. You will also find everything you need to maintain and keep your knives sharp.
Restaurants
In Paris, you can find a bistro, bar or restaurant on every street corner. Here are some of my favorite spots where I return again and again.
- Ralph's: for classic American fare in an elegant and warm setting.
- Divellec *: an institution and a sure value for lovers of fish and seafood. Chef Mathieu Pacaud runs the kitchen with brio. The blue lobster from Brittany, grilled and smoked with rosemary is to die for. Furthermore, there are both classic and innovative dishes on the menu. The sommelier smoothly guides you through the impressive wine list.
- Le Train Bleu: classic gourmet brasserie restaurant in a majestic setting. A destination in itself both for the setting and the food. The kitchen is run by Maison Rostang. Reserve a table well in advance.
- Le Flandrin: a brasserie chic with a sunny terrace and beautiful veranda, located in the newly renovated Gare d'Avenue Martin. The oysters are top notch, especially the Spéciales Krystale from Normandy. Friendly service and beautiful setting.
- L’Avenue: to see and be seen. A magnet for fashionistas on Avenue Montaigne. Beautiful terrace and veranda; give preference to the tables on the ground-floor. Reservation required.
- Restaurant Monsieur Dior: enter the world of the fashion house Dior. The restaurant is located on the second floor of the flagship store. Here everything is quintessentially Dior: the furniture, the clothing of the staff, the table setting and, of course, the menu. Monsieur Dior was a fine gourmet and chef Jean Imbert embodies this in his inventive, delicate dishes. Booking well in advance is a must.
- PavYllon *: enjoy refined cuisine signed Yannick Alleno at this gourmet bar. The restaurant is located in the Pavillon Doyen.
- Matsuhisa Paris: for fans of chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Inventive Japanese gastronomy with Peruvian influences in a luxurious setting. Located in the hotel Le Royal Monceau.
- L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon Etoile *: modern, refined dishes in small or regular portions in a relaxed atmosphere and modern black-and-red decor.
- La Dame de Pic *: refined haute gastronomy by Anne-Sophie Pic, female chef with the most Michelin stars in the world. Restaurant not far from the Louvre.
- Ze Kitchen Galerie *: an eclectic address where Southeast Asia meets classic France. Chef William Ledeuil's cuisine is inventive and modern. A very nice address.
- Le Dôme: for lovers of fish, seafood, delicious desserts and art deco, near Montparnasse. Address: 108 Bd. du Montparnasse, 14de arrondissement. For reservations call +33 1 43 35 25 81.
- La Fabrique Givrée: not a restaurant but a hot spot for delicious, artisanal ice cream with no artificial flavors or coloring and no preservatives: ice cream with vanilla from Tahiti and tonka bean, almond ice cream from Provence, caramel ice cream with fleur de sel, ice cream of toasted pistachios, pineapple sorbet, .... Address: 26, Rue Soufflot, 5th arrondissement, close to the Panthéon.
