By Neha Mehrotra
If you’re planning to immerse yourself in the excitement of this year’s Olympics, chances are you’ve already sifted through countless Paris travel guides. As the world’s most-visited city, Paris dazzles with its world-class museums, sweeping boulevards, iconic Belle époque architecture, and exquisite cuisine.
People have long romanticised the City of Love through books and cinema like Moulin Rouge, Before Sunset, Emily in Paris, and many others. Whether you’re headed to Paris for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics or simply planning a trip to the cultural capital of the world this year, we’ve curated an exquisite guide on where to stay, shop, dine, and explore across the arrondissements. Dive in and discover the magic of Paris!
Hotels in Paris
Le Bristol Paris
Sitting on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, in the heart of Paris, Le Bristol Paris tells a story of elegance, from its renovated, 18th-century decor to its Bristol After Dark experience, which revisits the glamour of Parisian nights. Combining exceptional service, art, French savoir-faire, and exceptional French gastronomy with Michelin stars, the hotel also boasts exclusive experiences, including a rooftop swimming pool, an interior jardin, a fitness centre and the Spa Le Bristol by La Prairie.
Cheval Blanc Paris
Cheval Blanc Paris, the opulent five-star jewel in LVMH’s crown, promises an unforgettable Parisian experience. Savour the delights of its Michelin-starred restaurant, the recently opened Japanese diner, Hakuba and other dining establishments and bars. Revel in grand suites offering stunning views of the Seine, and indulge in the lavish Dior spa. With a state-of-the-art gym, hammam, sauna, and snow shower, the hotel boasts some of the city’s finest treatments that will help you restore both emotionally and physically.
Lutetia Paris
Lutetia Paris, an iconic landmark hotel in Paris’ Saint-Germain-des-Prés, gives you access to the serenity of the Left Bank, from exemplary shopping and elegant cafés to sprawling gardens and museums. Enjoy a luxurious stay in their stunning contemporary rooms and suites, relax in the luxurious Akasha Spa, dine like a Parisian with great food, phenomenal wine, and even better conversation, all while soaking up the city’s iconic sights.
Activities and Places to Visit
Go Museum Hopping
Paris is blessed with a plethora of museums that showcase centuries of sculptures, art, and history. While you must absolutely visit the iconic Louvre, don’t stop there. Just a short stroll away, the Musée d’Orsay enchants with its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist gems, all housed in a grand, former railway station.
For a plunge into contemporary art, the Centre Pompidou stands out with its avant-garde architecture and dynamic collections. Nestled in the Tuileries Gardens, the Musée de l’Orangerie presents Monet’s mesmerising Water Lilies, while the Musée des Arts et Métiers offers a captivating journey through scientific and technological progress. The Palais de Tokyo is a hotspot for contemporary art, showcasing bold, modern exhibitions.
Marvel at French History
Start your journey with the iconic Eiffel Tower, a marvel of 19th-century engineering that symbolises the city’s spirit of innovation. Nearby, the Notre-Dame Cathedral stands as a testament to Gothic architectural brilliance, even as it undergoes restoration following the recent fire. In the Latin Quarter, the Panthéon serves as a mausoleum for notable French figures, including Voltaire and Rousseau, while showcasing stunning neoclassical design.
The Arc de Triomphe, located at the Place Charles de Gaulle, offers sweeping views of Paris from its summit. Venture a bit further to explore the Château de Vincennes, a formidable mediaeval fortress that provides a glimpse into France’s feudal past. The Olympic marathons might also run right past Château de Versailles, ensuring a chic French backdrop for roadside spectators cheering on athletes. Don’t forget to visit the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which dominates Montmartre with its towering Romano-Byzantine architecture and breathtaking hilltop views, inspiring awe and wonder.
Explore Neighbourhoods and Streets
Begin your stroll along the Champs-Élysées, one of the world’s most famous avenues, lined with luxury shops, cafés, and theatres. Nearby, the Rue de Rivoli is perfect for a blend of historical architecture and vibrant shopping. For a quieter retreat, the Marais district offers picturesque streets like Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, brimming with boutiques and charming cafés.
In terms of gardens, the Tuileries Garden, with its elegant layout and serene ponds, provides a perfect respite in the heart of the city. The Luxembourg Gardens, a favourite among locals, offer expansive lawns, beautiful fountains, and meticulously manicured flowerbeds. Don’t miss the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, with its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and panoramic views of Paris.
Indulge in French Cuisine
After a day of sightseeing or cheering at the Olympics, treat yourself to a delightful cheese feast with varieties like creamy Camembert paired with dried fruit, or melted Comté. Explore traditional dishes like duck confit and ratatouille, and don’t shy away from trying exotic delicacies such as escargots and foie gras. For a memorable dining experience, consider a Seine dinner cruise. Opt for a luxurious meal aboard the Don Juan II, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Frédéric Anton, where you’ll savour a seasonal five-course menu while gliding past Paris’s iconic landmarks, illuminated at night.
Shopping in Paris
Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
Discover the finest fashion and lifestyle offerings in the heart of Paris at Galeries Lafayette. Here, you can explore an array of fashion choices from over 3,500 brands catering to women, men, and children, as well as home décor options ranging from budget-friendly to extravagant. Indulge in culinary delights at any of the 25 international restaurants and gourmet havens scattered throughout the shopping haven.
Triangle D’Or (The Golden Triangle)
This upscale area of the 8th arrondissement is a paradise for luxury fashion enthusiasts, featuring haute couture brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Saint Laurent, Balmain, Hermès, and Chanel. The neighbourhood also boasts some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks, including the Champs-Élysées, the Seine River, and the Grand Palais.
Montmartre
Montmartre boasts some of the finest shopping in Paris, offering a refreshing departure from the luxury brands of the Champs-Élysées. Here, you’ll find an array of quirky and curious shops, brimming with vintage clothing and antiques. Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with charming boutiques, vintage stores, and local artisan shops.
Cover Credits: Explore France
