Paris Guide
Whether you’re a first-timer or you visit Paris annually, there will always be something new to explore. This was my first trip to Paris and my friend’s seventh so we did a mix of new restaurants and some of her staples. The magic of Paris is not over planning your itinerary and allowing room for long cafe lunches or a walk through the park. Trust me when I say to allow plenty of extra cushion time between meals — our average lunch lasted about two hours!
Many travelers add on another destination in Europe averaging about 3-4 nights in the City of Light. I recommend 5+ days in Paris because of the slower nature of how the city moves, making only 1-2 activities a day feasible. For a big trip like this I love booking a professional photography session with Pix Around You. It’s such a fun way to see a new city plus you get a unique souvenir to take home! My clients receive a special rate when booking through me and they have a network of amazing photographers all over the world.
Hotels
Contact me to book any of these hotels to receive exclusive Embark amenities like complimentary upgrades, hotel credits, etc.
The Peninsula | 16th Arrondissement – Located in the quieter business district, they have a popular rooftop restaurant and bar with amazing views of the Eiffel Tower, very high-tech rooms with several contemporary touches including artwork.
Four Seasons George V | 8th Arrondissement – Feminine, Parisian rooms exactly what you would imagine a luxury hotel in Paris looking like with the amazing Four Seasons service and experience you know and love.
Le Bristol | 8th Arrondissement – Located in the busy high-end shopping area, Rue du Saint Honore. This property has an authentic Parisian feel with multiple Michelin star restaurants. Their kitchen and operations behind-the-scenes is incredible, they are the only hotel in the world with their own flour mill! They make their own breads, pastries, pastas, chocolates and more.
Kimpton St. Honore | 2nd Arrondissement – Very new (only opened in August 2021) and has unique architecture and design elements. The rooms feel like a Kimpton — contemporary, clean and cool with a spa, steam room and gym onsite.
Grand Hotel du Palais Royal | 1st Arrondissement – Easy access to the Louvre, Jardin de Palais Royal and they offer a special “Emily in Paris” package.
Day 1
Lunch at Breizh Cafe Odeon, crepes and cappuccinos to kick off your stay!
Explore Saint-Germain and Luxembourg Gardens
Stop at the market and get champagne and cheese for an Eiffel Tower sunset picnic
Dinner at La Fontaine de Mars, order steak frites and the floating island dessert.
Day 2
Walking and shopping down Champs-elysees
Walk through the Tuileries Garden and explore the Louvre before lunch
Lunch at Cafe Marly
Drinks at The Peninsula rooftop bar, Le Rooftop, with views of the Eiffel Tower (typically open April – Sept.)
Dinner at Laperouse
Day 3
Driving tour around Paris in an antique European car (Email me to book)
Shopping at all the luxury and high-end stores on Rue Saint-Honore
Dinner at Le Charlot – my favorite restaurant of the trip!
Drinks at Candelaria
Day 4
Explore Musee d’Orsay, a former train station converted into a stunning museum housing mostly French art. They had a YSL exhibit running during my visit!
Lunch at Chez Andre
Dinner at Pink Mamma
Late showing of Moulin Rouge
Day 5
Walk through the Palais-Royal Garden (cherry blossoms and magnolia trees bloom in late March and April!)
Lunch at Cafe 52 – it’s in the same square where they film Emily in Paris
Explore Montmartre and Sacre-Cœur Basilica
Drinks at Monsieur Bleu to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle (it goes off every hour after 7 PM)