Steeped in culture and crowned by a skyline of spires and Haussmannian grandeur, Paris is an enduring muse for travelers and residents alike. From the hum of café terraces and the scent of freshly baked pastries to the romance of tree-lined boulevards and gilded palaces, the City of Lights is a delight year-round. With a perfect blend of history, gastronomy and effortless luxury, Paris is more than a destination; it’s an experience worthy of a weekend getaway or a longer, more leisurely stay.
Steeped in history
Paris traces its origins to the Ice Age when the Parisii, a Gallic tribe, established roots on the banks of the Seine. Since then, the city has transformed from a Roman outpost to the vibrant capital of the Frankish empire before ultimately transforming with modern-day France. Landmarks such as the Gothic marvel of Sainte-Chapelle and the Arc de Triomphe bear witness to centuries of history, revolution and reinvention. A panoramic view of the city can be found at the hilltop district of Montmartre. Once the haunt of painters such as Pablo Picasso and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, its cobblestone streets and the iconic white-domed Basilica of Sacré-Cœur offer a breathtaking introduction to the city.
Sight-seeing
Begin in the Marais, a neighborhood that balances old-world charm with art galleries, boutique hotels and street food. Take a moment for people watching at The Place des Vosges, Paris’s oldest planned square. From there, cross the Seine to the Latin Quarter, where medieval alleyways, cafés and famous bookshops such as Shakespeare & Company capture the city’s enduring intellectual spirit.
A culinary feast
Paris’s culinary scene is the stuff of legend, and every arrondissement has its signature flavor. For haute cuisine, secure a reservation at Arpège, Chef Alain Passard’s temple of vegetable-forward, Michelin-starred cooking. Time travel through history and dine at Le Train Bleu, a restaurant located within the Gare de Lyon train station and founded in 1901.
Rest and relax
After a day of citywide wandering, retreat to one of Paris’s more atmospheric hotels. The Hôtel des Grands Boulevards combines 18th-century opulence with contemporary flair, including a tucked-away rooftop bar for cocktails. For old-school romance, the legendary Ritz Paris offers Belle Époque splendor, manicured courtyards and rooms once favored by fashion designers and authors.Those seeking something cozier may find comfort at Maison Proust, a boutique hotel inspired by the literary salons of the 19th century. Velvet upholstery, crackling fireplaces and a subterranean spa create the kind of sanctuary that encourages even more lingering.View this post on Instagram