Our Paris exploration began in a setting that felt like a gift in itself. Pavillon de la Reine is a 5-star, small luxury hotel that provided one of the most idyllic stays to date. It’s here that we were reminded once again: the most awe-inspiring locations include more than what most of us typically think of as “luxury.” 

While the most indulgent elements of hospitality were included within Pavillon de la Reine, what left a mark on our hearts was the outstanding and comforting service, the palpable history within the walls, the aura of the surrounding area of Marais, and the attention to often-overlooked details that made every turn within the space more beautiful than the last. Equipped with a small spa, an elevated fitness room, and the Michelin Star restaurant, Anne, one could live their Parisian fantasy within these walls alone.

To embed ourselves on another side of Paris, we spent the next few nights at Hotel Bowmann in the 8th arrondissement, known for its opulence.  

Hotel Bowmann opened within the past decade, but its iconic red doors make a statement worth centuries. This 5-star luxurious hotel fits right into the area. It is equipped with a heated pool, sauna, hammam, and a tight but functional fitness room.

Almost immediately after check-in to our first Hotel, Pavillon de la Reine, we called a car to The Louvre, just to ensure we checked this off the list before our week of adventures began. 

We are, like many seasoned New Yorkers, timid when it comes to tourism and lines, but we couldn’t have been in Paris without seeing these innumerable historic works. We visited on a Monday evening, two hours before closing, and there was absolutely no line. 

While strolling through Le Marais, the magnificent gardens of Musee Carnavalet caught our eye; a calming environment with people reading, snacking, and enjoying their time. We felt welcomed to take a moment to sit amongst the refreshing nature. Inside, the museum feels like entering a closet filled with Marie Antoniette’s adornments – corsets, gowns, and accessories telling tales of Parisian style and taste through the ages. This museum and garden was yet another serendipitous find that earned its place on our list for being a must visit if in need of a moment of calm, nature, or a bit of fashion history.

We chose not to make the trip to Versailles to maximize our time, but we can promise you, Musee Hotel de la Marine is the next best thing. With no lines and its location in the center of Paris, this heritage site of a museum is a must-see. Led by an audio tour entertainingly leaning on the theatrical, we were in heaven moving through the restored space filled with period pieces all precisely and decadently designed. Located within the Palace de la Concorde, the museum occupies the King’s former ‘Garde Meuble,’ or storage space, for his furniture collections, crown jewels, tapestries, and decorative arts. Open to the public for the first time in 250 years, only as of 2021, this museum is still being discovered by even Paris’ locals.

While driving through Paris, we found ourselves overwhelmed by the numerous corner cafes and restaurants. Basking in sunlight, with chic locals seated on the terrace, we were tempted to explore every single one. Fortunately, luck was on our side, and the most alluring establishments happened to be in the vicinity of our first hotel, Pavillon de la Reine.

Le Petit Marche and Le Petit Italien, sister restaurants situated on Rue De Béarn in the charming area of Le Marais, awaited our discovery.

Golden Poppy is the culinary gem within La Fantaisie, a newly designed luxurious hotel in Paris’ 9th Arrondissement.

The 3 Michelin Star Chef, Dominique Crenn, is to thank for Golden Poppy’s magnificent menu and unforgettable atmosphere that she has infused with her vivacity and elegance.

“My restaurant is an expression of myself. My fantasies. Where I’ve been and where I want to be.” – Dominique Crenn

“For more than a century, this has been where the city has come together to dine, drink, and discuss.”

Our magical time at the beautiful Hôtel Lutetia started at their restaurant, Brasserie Lutetia, home to some of the best seafood and arguably the best oysters in Paris.

We then made our way down the hall to the stunning Bar Josephine to complete the evening with wine and delectable desserts.

Located within Palais Garnier, arguably the world’s most famous opera house, is CoCo, an iconic restaurant whose reputation and sophistication complements the grandeur of the opera house itself. The interior is a fuse between classic and contemporary, with a menu to match. We had no plans to visit CoCo, as it has been covered enough on social media and in editorial publications, but on our last night in Paris, we saw a rare, last minute open reservation, and took it as a sign to spend our last evening at this staple location.

While at Pavillon De La Reine, we were fortunate enough to stay in one of Paris’ dreamiest neighborhoods, Le Marais. With just a few steps outside of the hotel, we found ourselves in the heart of the idyllic and regal Place des Vosges park. Under changing autumn leaves, lovers embraced in the grass, while schoolkids scuttled over to the sandpits after class; four ornamental fountains cover each point of the park, with the sound of cascading waters gently echoing throughout. Built in the early 17th century, Place des Vosges stands as the oldest planned square in Paris, adorned with symmetrical charm. 

On a free afternoon, we finally headed up to Montmartre and were lucky enough to experience a sunny day in one of Paris’ most visually captivating and historic neighborhoods. 

Montmartre, known as the artist district of Paris, is crowned by the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and has an enchantingly romantic feel, filled with cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and art ateliers. The neighborhood is lined with over a million locklocks, a long-standing Paris ritual for lovers to eternalize their love by inscribing their names on padlocks, and throwing the keys into the Seine River.

THROUGH THE 1ST, 4TH, AND 5TH ARRONDISSEMENTS

We often tout walking as the ideal way to explore almost every city, but lately, sightseeing runs have become our go-to, particularly following this early morning jog along the Seine River.

Major cities like Paris offer a plethora of attractions, and with limited days to explore, we prioritize less touristy areas, cozy cafes, unique dining experiences, serene views, and creating precious moments over dealing with lines and the logistical challenges of popular destinations.

Nevertheless, these attractions often have their connection to the history and art that deeply inspires our team. In Paris especially, even the busiest areas exude unparalleled beauty, making capturing a glimpse of these locations a must.

On our last morning in Paris, we walked the entire way from Hotel Bowmann in the 8th arrondissement to Jardin du Luxembourg for a chance to be immersed in the 6th/7th arrondissements and Saint Germain. View images from this walk here. It was a perfectly sunny morning, so we took our time to admire the facades we passed, and people watched as Parisians scurried off to their busy work days.