When you think of Paris, what comes to mind? Is it the smell of buttery croissants, the colorful macaroons, or the lights twinkling around the Eiffel Tower? Yes, those are a few things we love about Paris, but there is so much MORE to experience! Paris is a beautiful city, and after all, it is known as the “City of Love.” If you have been looking for a sign, here it is! We have a list of the most beautiful hotels, landmarks to visit, yummy eateries, and lastly, the best picture-taking locations. Book that trip and follow The LA Girl’s Guide to Paris to make your traveling experience one you won’t forget!
Best Hotels
After booking your flight, your next concern may be where you will stay? Looking for hotels can be overwhelming, especially in a country you have never visited. Well, look no further! We have some of the best hotel recommendations (lower & higher end) for your stay in Paris.
Boutique Hotel: La Villa Haussmann
If you’re not only looking for a hotel but a luxurious experience, this is the hotel for you! La Villa Haussmann is a superb, 4-star hotel located in the beautiful city of Paris. This site is comprised of fashion, art, and elegant architecture. What more could you need? It is located in the heart of the 8th arrondissement and is near everything on your “To-Do List.”
This hotel is filled with a trendy bar and restaurant downstairs to enjoy the streets, an indoor stainless steel pool, delicious breakfast services, and the best part, a relaxation area with a sauna, hot towels and a place to get warm if you’re visiting during the cold months. Get a good night’s rest in your cozy room or suite; you’ll need it after all of the exploring!
Location: 132 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris
Extravagant Hotel: Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel
A historic landmark and a hotel all in one! The Hôtel de Crillon is known for being “one of the World’s most majestic establishments,” and we can most definitely vouch for them. With 78 hotel rooms, 36 suites, and 10 signatures suites, you bet they’ll have the perfect room for your stay. They have six locations at which to eat, including a mixture of elegant dinner restaurants and delightful pastry spots; this hotel has you covered no matter what you crave. The hotel champions well-being and beauty, which is why they have a spa, relaxation area, hair salon, and fitness studio. Whether you are an active tourist or someone who enjoys relaxing by the pools all day, everyone can use some self-care time.
Hotel Fashion Week Tip: Weather you are attending shows or just in Paris during this stylish week (typically late September, or late February,) The Hôtel de Crillon (also referred to in the United States as “The Rosewood,” is a fabulous celebrity site-seeing hot spot. From A-list actresses like Demi More to change makers like Bella Hadid, the round about entrance to the hotel is near a street paved with restaurants and is usually lined with paparazzi around that time of year to catch a glimpse of the VIP’s visiting the city for runway shows.
Location: 10 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France
Best Places to Visit
Paris, France, has some of the World’s most beautiful sightseeing attractions! Everyone knows they HAVE to visit the Eiffel Tower, but we have a few unique locations for you. Here are two spots you won’t want to miss!
Louvre Pyramid
If you have “see a landmark” on your trip to-do list, the Louvre Pyramid is the place to visit. Paris is home to this spectacular glass and metal pyramid that opened back in 1989 and has become a popular tourist attraction since then. It was designed by a Chinese-American architect, I.M. Pei, and has served as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum since it opened. Smaller pyramids surround the massive pyramid. This remarkable landscape is excellent for sightseeing and makes for a lovely photo op location.
Location: 75001 Paris, France
Montparnasse Tower
If you’re looking for a spot to overlook all of Paris in one location, the Montparnasse Tower is quite the experience. Although it is a controversial location to Paris locals for having a less charming design, the view from this tower is remarkable. This attraction is located in the city center and has a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower and the rest of Paris. Many people have marked this location as a “sight you will never forget,” and it is excellent for panoramic photos of the beautiful Paris, France. Even though the building itself might not be so grand, the view is one you MUST see.
Location: 33 Av. du Maine, 75015 Paris, France
For those of you who really can’t get enough of Disneyland… Check out Disneyland Paris to explore the magic during your Paris vacation!
Best Places to Eat
After a long day of exploring the city, food is just what you’ll need! The food in Paris is unbelievable, and we have some tasty recommendations for you.
Claus
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, and at Claus Paris, the brunch menu is to die for! Delicious breakfast, kind service, and all for a great value that won’t break your travel budget. Fresh fruit, poached eggs, bacon, croissants… This breakfast spot has everything you may be craving at your early morning dining experience before exploring. No matter what type of breakfast foods you enjoy, savory or sweet, Claus in Paris will give you an intimate breakfast experience.
Location: 14 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau 75001 Paris, France
Carette
Let’s talk about macaroons… Who doesn’t love a colorful, tasty macaroon to satiate that after-dinner sweet tooth of yours? Macaroons are one of the most well-known pastry items in Paris, and at Carette, you will leave craving more. This patisserie first opened in 1927 and has since expanded because of how popular it became! With flavored macaroons ranging from classic vanilla and chocolate to pistachio, raspberry, and salted caramel, these macaroons are just what you need to add to your tourist diet!
Location: 4 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, Paris, Île-de-France, 75016, France
Buddha-Bar:
This is an Asian-fusion restaurant that would serve as a great addition to your Paris trip! Enjoy a delicious meal, including sushi rolls, carpaccio, ribeye steak, and more! Not only is the food delicious, but the ambiance is what makes this restaurant a true hit! Lights, DJ sets, electro beats in the background, and chic interior, Buddha’s Bar is a great dinner spot to add to your list. There is a huge Buddha statue in the restaurant that adds to the magestic atmosphere. Make your reservations early so you too can enjoy this experience.
Location: 8-12 Rue Boissy d’Anglas, 75008 Paris, France
Best Places to Take Photos
Taking photos is a great way to remember a life-changing vacation, like visiting Paris! Don’t forget to live in the moment, but when it comes to these hot spots, you should certainly take your phone out for a quick picture! #SELFIE
Champ de Mars
This is a large, beautiful park area filled with grass and is available to the public in Paris. The name is a tribute to the Roman God of War and is a great photo op location to preview the Eiffel Tower. People visit this location throughout the day because no matter what time it is, the Champ de Mars will give you the loveliest photos. Bring food and enjoy a picnic on the grass or come visit to grab a few quick photos!
Location: 2 All. Adrienne Lecouvreur, 75007 Paris, France
Pont Des Arts
Have you ever seen pictures of those locks hanging on a bridge in Paris? I am sure many of you know the photos we’re talking about, but might not know the name or location! Pont Des Arts is a public bridge that goes over the Seine River and will allow you to take those landscape photos you have been wanting and maybe even fasten your own lock to the railing.
Location: Pont des Arts, 75006 Paris, France
Pont des Arts, which is a pedestrian bridge, is located near the Ile de la Cité, in the heart of the city. Made of cast iron and with 7 arches, it is the replica of an old bridge damaged by boats and bombings. Today, the tradition is that lovers hang a padlock with their initials to seal their love.
Photos of The LA Girl Editor in Chief on her Paris visit, courtesy of Daniel Curtis.
