Tusting Travels: The Paris Guide
Post the Olympics and fashion week madness, Autumn is the perfect time to explore Paris. Discover our favourite restaurants, shops, and exhibitions of the moment. With the new Explorers in Black Canvas in tow (way better than wheeled luggage on the cobbled streets of Paris) you’ll blend in with the chic locals too.
Paris, much like London, can be a different experience each time you
visit through exploring different arrondissements, endless restaurant options and new boutiques. Whether a romantic weekend with a partner, friends trip or some solo exploration, jump on the Eurostar from London St Pancras and in 2hr16 you’ll have arrived in Paris and be questioning why you don’t do this every weekend.
Where to Stay
When it comes to picking a hotel, focus on where you’ll be dining and exploring. Whilst you can get the metro and taxi’s, Paris is best seen on foot, so use this a focus point when hotel searching. The Kimpton St Honoré is located around the corner from Opera Garnier and Tuileries Gardens, with easy walking distance to the favourites in this article. The minimalist Art Deco hotel ouzes in Parisian chic and does not scrimp on the luxuries. As an added bonus, the hotel’s rooftop bar offers 360-degree views of Paris which feels incredibly special.
The Hotel Madame Rêve, located moments from the Louvre Museum, also offers rooms with panoramic views over the city. Think glossy wood panelling with a modern twist throughout along with 2 exceptional
restaurants, you’ll find it hard to leave and explore.
If you’re looking to explore the Marais district, Sinner is the hotel for you. The playful name, chic
interiors and a DJ set up in the bar makes this the hotel perfect for the vibey traveller. Do not fear though, there is brilliant sound proofing throughout so you’ll still sleep soundly.
Where to Eat
Quite frankly, I’d happily write an in depth book about my favourite restaurants in Paris, all with fond or disastrous memories (which makes for a good story away), but I’ll keep it brief with some favourites to see you across a weekend. It’s surprisingly easy for breakfast to turn into lunch, lunch turns into dinner and before you know it, the Eiffel tower is doing its final 11pm sparkle (worth knowing if you're hoping to get a picture late at night) and you’re hustled inside a new cocktail bar. Once you’ve dumped your bags, head straight to Le Café Marl for an instant hit of Paris.
Make sure to book and request a table closest the Louvre for the best views. Whilst arguably this is a tourist spot due to the incredible location, it doesn’t have that feeling. Enjoy a glass of champagne with some oysters, have a ‘pinch me we’re in Paris’ moment and your trip is off to a glorious start.
Leisurely lunches are key, and essential for getting into the frame of mind for musing on 'could we imagine living here?’ whilst you wrap up your 4 hour lunch at Brasserie Lipp with a final glass of Sancerre.
Brasserie Lipp has been an institution in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district since 1880. Expect French classics, traditional French service and an eye roll at any dietary requirements.
Another favourite is Racines, located in the historic surroundings of the Passage des Panoramas, the cosy seasonal Italian restaurant is a celebration of produce. In 2019 Racines was awarded their first Michelin start as a commitment to excellence. Be sure to book, it’s too good to miss and too intimate to have space for walk-ins.
Finally, for the seafood and the view-lovers, Girafe serves up both with dazzling views of the Eiffel tower alongside fresh seafood platters and rich lobster linguine.
(Be sure to look the part with a Hettie in gold – understated glamour is right at home here.)
What to do:
If you decide to see a bit of Paris outside of the restaurant hopping, you are spoilt for choice by the culture, history and art that resides in the city. The Bourse de Commerce, once home to the stock exchange of Paris in 1889, is now an exceptional museum after the renovation work by architect Tadao Ando. Bridging heritage and contemporary art throughout the years, there is always an immersive exhibition to explore. It is a fascinating space to explore.
For sculpture and French romance, the Musée Rodin is a must to stroll around exploring the vast house and gardens packed with works of art. The stunning Hôtel Biron was Rodin’s workshop from 1908 and he subsequently donated his entire collection to the French state on the condition they turn it into a museum dedicated to his work. Between October and March, entrance on the 1st Sunday of every month is free for all to enjoy access to his works.
Shopping & More...
From the art to the shopping; stopping in Merci is a must. The three-story boutique is home to fashion and interiors curated to celebrate design. There is something for everyone for a momento to cherish from your trip. The store also has a marvellous coffee shop and wine bar to enjoy surrounded by books to rest for a moment.
Late night entertainment in Paris is not hard to come by. A walk along the Seine, taking in the views, a trip to the ballet at the beautiful Opera house and a show to excite – The Crazy Horse. Don't take in this club expecting a Moulin Rouge show, the 90 minute cabaret performance is filled with exceptional dances by brilliant performers. It’s sexy, fun and mysterious and the perfect end to an evening in Paris.
