Best Ways to Spend One Week in Paris
Any time I get a chance to visit Paris, I will happily return to the City of Lights. There’s no shortage of places on my list. If you have just a week in Paris, the best thing to do would be to map out your must-dos on Google Maps by neighborhood (or arrondissement, the way the city is divided). You can save all your places of interest on Google Maps with the green flag ‘Want to Go’ so you can get your bearings and see things on the fly when you’re near them.
There’s a lot of ground to cover, so ladies, pack comfortable shoes. French women have made comfortable shoes chic again including sneakers, so you’re in luck. Don’t let the Olympics scare you off this summer. There’s still room around town if you know the right travel advisor with connections. I was just speaking to a few hoteliers last week who told me to call them directly if a client wants to go last minute. Through another hospitality connection, I could also score you prime Olympic passes with the VIP packages.
*TIP: there will be some closures so check in advance and make reservations!
Top things to do in Paris:
If you have time for one or two museums, you need to visit the iconic Louvre and/or Musée d’Orsay. If you’re a big art fan, get the multi-day pass at the Louvre if you want to spread out your time there.
See the Eiffel Tower, of course! Even better, dine on the first floor at Madame Brasserie or a place with a killer view like this gastronomical delight Les Ombres or Girafe. For a little something more unique, try the Bustronome Paris - fine dining on wheels and a tour of the city. Another picturesque experience is a dining cruise like the Ducasse sur Seine.
Now if you have the budget and for the ultimate flex, allow me to book you at the Shangri-La Suite with a view and you can dine on your balcony and wake up to it every morning! If you stay there or not, you should prioritize their Sunday seafood brunch. It’s absolutely divine!
Try your hand at French baking 🥐 Croissant making class was delicious fun! La Cuisine Paris is just the ticket. You make quite the variety of croissants and other yummy bites as you enjoy a few hour class. You’ll leave full and a bagful of extras for the road. There macaroon classes too for another classic treat.
People watching perched at a quintessential Parisian cafe like Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, and Le Consulat. Get really into it with a glass of wine and steak frites with a side of mayo.
Wander through “The Passages” - the covered indoor thoroughfares of Paris, and dine at Racines or Astair. The shops there have some lovely souvenirs, books and more. Truly a great rainy day activity should you need it.
Let time fly by at wine bars, world-renowned cocktail bars, and lobby bars - one of my favorite things to do in Paris! A few top places: Au Tour Du Vin, 228 Litres, Le Bar Chaumont, Little Red Door, Candelaria, Bisou, and The Cambridge House to name a few. Lobby bars are without a doubt at the Ritz Carlton, The Rosewood, Shangri-La, Bar 228 at Meurice, Saint James Paris (which is a private club and for guests), Bar Joséphine at Lutetia, La Réserve Paris, Les Ambassadeurs at Crillon, Tres Particulier at Hotel Particulier, and Le Bar du Bristol. As you can see, such much to cover in a week! It’s your excuse to return and try them all. You’re welcome.🍸
Train stations in Paris provide more than a mode of transportation! There’s a stunning restaurant called Le Train Bleu with dazzling vaulted ceilings and a buzz across station-long place. Table side steak tartare and champagne for the table is the move.
Dinner and a burlesque show - oui oui! The best combination is dining nearby the bougie shopping strip Champs Elysées and Avenue Montaigne at Beefbar with a hidden Art Nouveau jewel of a room found after the war. Then, round to the corner to go to Crazy Horse - a fabulously, cheeky cabaret where all the celebs have been! Buy a champagne package ahead of time and arrive in time to capture a sit slightly back from the stage and middle if you can.
Spend an afternoon in Montmartre! Find the hidden, working winery tucked away in the neighborhood and spots like La Maison Rose and pop a squat by the famous view from Basilique du Sacre-Coeur.
Cross over the island to see Notre-Dame (still being refurbished) and then stroll around the Latin Quarter. Tucked away on Cr du Commerce Saint-André to come upon colorful Brasserie Des Prés - very cute street to wander or grab a glass of wine outside.
Big fan of Emily in Paris? Make sure you pop by her heart throb's restaurant where they film adjacent to the infamous apartment building - also located in the Latin Quarter. Stop by the Hôtel Plaza Anthénée with a fabulous brunch at Le Relais Plaza for good measure.
Antiquing in Europe is always better! While everyone is caught up in the Olympics or around the city, go north to the world’s largest antique and flea market for a treasure of goodies. Give yourself a few hours there at least or a full day. There are buildings and miles to explore of treasures from jewelry to furniture, couture to statues! Incredible. Your wallet has been warned.
If you’re into luxury shopping, there’s plenty of damage to be done, believe me! I really enjoy going to the Dior store at 30 Avenue Montaigne to treat yourself and dine if you want to linger. Around the corner to La Galerie of Dior - a colorful and beautiful walk through Christian Dior’s life and creations. It’s worth a visit. Très chic.
Where to stay:
Stay on the 9th at La Fantaisie. At this idyllic whimsical property, you walk right into markets and a neighborhood more for locals. The rooftop bar is a must-visit!
Staying in Montmartre, enjoy the cozy and trendy Hôtel Particulier with its incredible bar Les Particulier.
Stay in the Third, Le Marais at Petite Moulin with an edifice of an old Boulangerie. Adorable and easy walking to top attractions.
Stay at the Kimpton St. Honore with wonderfully spacious rooms, delicious breakfast, and a top-notch rooftop with nearly 360 views of Paris. It’s just steps away is the world-famous Ritz-Carlton for a visit to the equally famous Hemingway Lobby Bar. With this centralized location, you’re well-positioned in the city.
From a collection of fabulous boutique hotels Esprit de France, pick the Maison Armance perfectly situated in all the action.
Tucked away in a stunning Chateau and private club is the Saint James Paris, which is an exquisite treat. The outdoor terrace and gazebo are what dreams are made of. Also, the hotel has said they have space over the Olympics so in case you’re still thinking about it last minute! Among their other hotels is Norman and Rêlais Christine, which can accommodate additional price points.
Let me know ASAP if you’re interested in booking a trip to Paris for the Olympics or for later this year!
