Paris Travel Guide: Handpicked Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés, and Insider Tips

Paris, the city of love, is one of the most famous cities in the world. Loved by many, and sometimes disliked, Paris can feel overwhelming or like a typical tourist trap. However, it has a unique charm that grows on you over time. The city has a soul, something special that can't be easily explained. Maybe it's the sound of accordion music in the Métro, or sitting at Café de Flore with a café crème after a day of shopping. It could also be the beautiful gardens you can walk through all over town or the new trendy restaurants. Paris has something for everyone.

Discovering Paris: Famous Places and Hidden Gems

Our Paris travel guide has been carefully curated to help you discover both famous places and hidden gems. Following this guide, you'll explore different neighbourhoods and experience the real essence of Parisian life. Enjoy a morning coffee at KB Coffee Roasters on Rue des Martyrs, savour the best ramen in the 1st arrondissement, read a book at Jardin des Tuileries, and sip champagne at Loulou with a view of the Eiffel Tower at sunset.

Within its pages, discover insider tips for a more casual dining experience at quaint brunch spots in charming neighbourhoods. Indulge in freshly baked croissants, rich in butter and perfectly flaky, paired with a steaming cup of café au lait. These spots offer a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and people-watching.

Where to Stay: Classic Meets Modern

Paris offers a delightful blend of classic and modern accommodation. The boutique hotel scene is evolving every year with stunning new places. Just when you think it can't get any better, you discover gems like La Fantaisie in the 9th arrondissement or Hotel des Grands Voyageurs, both boasting chic interiors and avant-garde designs. While Paris has fantastic hotels, the prices can be high, so travelling off-season provides many advantages. You can stroll through serene gardens with fewer crowds, find more affordable accommodation, and enjoy less busy cafés—everything feels lighter and more enjoyable during the off-season.

To enhance your Parisian experience, we believe walking and wandering through its enchanting streets on foot makes all the difference. From one charming neighbourhood to the next, you'll be amazed by how much you can see in a day without feeling overwhelmed. When sunset arrives and the sky starts to change colour, head over to Pont Alexandre III, an ornate masterpiece where you can gaze upon the Eiffel Tower. While the metro is undeniably convenient, we always recommend prioritising walking to your next destination, even if your GPS indicates a 45-minute walk. Over time, we've found that the minutes fly by while walking, allowing you to discover more of Paris's historic buildings, hidden gems, and true essence by doing so.

Paris is a city that captures your heart time and time again. Its diverse neighbourhoods offer a different ambiance with each visit, and there's always something new to explore, making this destination truly iconic. While it can sometimes feel crowded with tourists and overwhelming, there's a way to discover it at your own pace, enjoying each moment. Embracing the local experience allows you to truly savour that morning coffee with a warm, flaky croissant. The key to an unforgettable stay is allowing yourself to wander, getting lost in the city's historic streets, and embracing spontaneity. After all, that's the French way—a blend of planning and spontaneous adventures, creating a life filled with surprises and romance, une vie à la française.

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