“There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris,” Ernest Hemingway once wrote in his acclaimed memoir, A Moveable Feast. Very wise words. Call it whatever you like: The City of Light, The City of Love, The Fashion Capital of the World, Paris is steeped in history and utterly charming at every turn.
Whether you’re people-watching at a café, scoring designer pieces at a discount, or touring Emily in Paris filming locations (no judgment here), there’s simply so much happening in Paris that you’ll never, ever want to leave. Without further ado, here’s our roundup of editor-approved picks that you won’t want to miss. Bon voyage!
What to See
The Art District Gallery at Le Royal Monceau — Raffles Paris
The Bel Air Fine Art group partnered with Le Royal Monceau — Raffles Paris to create a modern art gallery that’s open to the public, featuring thematic French pieces that change throughout the year. All the art is on sale here, so it’s very possible that you will never see the same version of the gallery twice. But that’s the charm for art lovers, as there are always new pieces to be inspired by and new artists to discover in the stunning space. Be sure to stop by the hotel’s La Librairie des Arts after for one of the most elevated art gift shop experiences of your life—full of art books and gifts organized by color (and curated with care by the hotel’s art concierge), there’s something for everyone…and every budget.
Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées
Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées has added over 30 brands to its offering, including Insta-viral labels like Rixo, By Far, and Staud, none of which are French, but all of which are inherently stylish. With interactive displays and a curated selection of sustainable pieces, it’s a far cry from your average department store.
La Vallée Village
Turns out, the best shopping in Paris is just 40 minutes outside of the city at La Vallée Village. The high-end outdoor shopping center boasts over 100 luxury stores, including Bottega Veneta, Gucci, and Prada, plus live music, restaurants and coffee shops (including Ralph’s Coffee), and a bespoke shopping service where someone will carry your bags around so you don’t have to.
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Where to Eat
Café de la Paix
Since its opening in 1862, this famous café in the historic InterContinental Paris – Le Grand has served everyone from Oscar Wilde to Marlene Dietrich. We’re fans of the breakfast in particular, but the hotel’s celebratory anniversary cocktail, the InterContinental75, a creative riff on the classic French 75 with Piper-Heidsieck champagne, The Botanist gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey water, is definitely worth trying.
Bontemps Pâtisserie
Bright Lights Paris author and self-described Francophile Angie Niles swears by Bontemps Pâtisserie for its bite-size desserts and quiet, uncrowded tea salon in the back, appropriately dubbed “Le Jardin Secret” (a.k.a. The Secret Garden).
Loulou
Located in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs overlooking the Louvre, Loulou is a see-and-be-seen spot, not to mention a favorite among the fashion crowd. Fortunately, the food is just as good as the views and the hype. On its menu of French-Mediterranean fare, you’ll find grilled calamari, homemade veal, and chouquettes, a.k.a. French puff pastries filled with vanilla cream. And in case you weren’t aware, Loulou de la Falaise was a muse of Yves Saint Laurent.
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Where to Drink
Bar Hemingway
Pay tribute to the legendary writer by enjoying a drink at his namesake haunt inside the Ritz Hotel. Plastered with photos of notable visitors and staffed with servers in white suits, the cozy bar is a piece of history—Hemingway’s typewriter is in full view.
Le Perchoir Marais
On the rooftop of department store BHV Marais, Le Perchoir Marais is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and mingle against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and the Hôtel de Ville. Emily would be proud.
Bar 228 at Le Meurice
Jay-Z name-checked Le Meurice for good reason: The five-star hotel on the iconic Rue de Rivoli was historically referred to as “Hotel des Rois” (translation: Hotel of Kings) as a result of its frequent royal guests. Bar 228 is the perfect spot to cozy up with a cocktail and listen to nightly live jazz.
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Where to Stay
Le Grand Hôtel Cayré
Paris is full of incredible hotels, and Le Grand Hôtel Cayré is the latest one to know. Situated in the center of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, steps away from Café de Flore, the newly opened property from lifestyle hotel group Miiro was designed by Michaelis Boyd and features effortlessly cool, ’20s-inspired furnishings, an all-day brasserie, and 123 rooms (including two spacious suites with Eiffel Tower views).
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Remember that iconic scene in the finale of Sex and the City when Carrie is swept off her feet at a reception desk after breaking her necklace? It was filmed at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, along with many other major moments in cinematic history. The pinnacle of luxury, the property has long been and continues to be the go-to place for A-listers. Bonus: it now houses two restaurants by French chef and former Top Chef winner Jean Imbert: Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée and Le Relais Plaza.
Shangri-La Paris
Absolutely nobody goes to Paris to lock themselves inside a hotel all day, but this is the first one we’ve ever stayed in that’s made us want to. Situated in the 16th arrondissement, the Shangri-La is sophistication and luxury at its finest. Whether you’re sipping champagne from the jardin while watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle or eating a fantastic plate of pad thai from their restaurant La Bauhinia, you’ll feel like royalty—which makes sense, since the building was originally the personal palace of Napoleon’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte.
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Beauty Picks
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Instead of grabbing a heavy foundation, let your skin breathe with a French-based tinted moisturizer that is SPF 50. Even, hydrated, and protected skin? Oui, oui.
Violette FR Frange Puff Dry Shampoo Brush
In case you didn’t already know, the ultimate French girl, Violette, has an eponymous line. If you want an easy, tousled look, grab this dry shampoo. You’ll have more time to explore the sights and less time to worry about your hair.
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Claire Stern Milch is the Digital Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.
Jessica Roy is the former Digital Director of ELLE.com. Prior to that, she worked as the News Editor of The Cut. She likes baking, running, and Instagrams of your dog.
Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.