City Guide: Paris, France
Currency:
Euro
Time Zone:
Central European (UTC: +01:00)
Best Time to Visit:
In the Spring and Autumn - May and September
Whilst living in London, I felt like I always had one foot in the door. Lunch in Paris, anyone?
Just a train trip away, I have spent quite a lot of time in this beautiful city and have so many wonderful memories. Below you’ll find my favourite places to eat and stay and some of my Parisian must do’s!
My Favourite Treats:
Hot Chocolate and The Mont Blanc at Angelina
Paris is a city filled with amazing restaurants and delicious food, however, a trip to Angelina’s is always one of my first stops. A haven for chocolate lovers, Angelina’s hot chocolate (le chocolat chaud à l’ancienne l’Africain) is lusciously thick and served in a cup and sauce alongside fresh whipped cream.
Angelina’s signature pastry is also one of my Paris faves. The Mont Blanc is made up of meringue, fromage blanc and topped with chestnut cream vermicelli and tastes like a slice of heaven.
Angelina
www.angelina-paris.fr
226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001, Paris
Open: Mon-Fri 7:30am-7pm Sat-Sun 8:30am-7:30pm
My Favourite Place to Stay:
Four Season's Hotel George V
Located just steps from The Champs-Elysees, The George V is the ultimate Parisian Hotel.
From the moment you enter, you are greeted with the most exquisite floral display and French decadence continues throughout. The George V is a grand hotel with a very intimate feel.
Four Season's Hotel George V
www.fourseasons.com/paris
31 Avenue George V, 75008, Paris
My Favourite Place for Coffee:
Honor Cafe
Honor Cafe is a coffee stand hidden inside a gorgeous Parisian courtyard. Serving Australian style coffee made by Aussie baristas, Honor is a must visit for any coffee lover.
Delicious coffee, friendly staff and incredible French pastries - what better way to start a day of shopping and the perfect pit stop between adventures during the day.
Honor Cafe
www.honor-cafe.com
54 Rue du Faubourg Sainte-Honore, 75008, Paris
Open: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm
My Favourites by Night
Hotel Costes
Another establishment of the Costes brothers, Hotel Costes is a five star hotel with a fantastic outdoor terrace that is the focus of the hotel.
The restaurant serves traditional brasseries style food whilst a DJ plays in the background. Go later if you just want to drink and people watch.
The bar is open from 5pm to 2am with DJ sets from 7pm to 3am Thursday to Sauturday and from 9pm to midnight Sunday to Wednesday
Hotel Costes
www.hotelcostes.com
239-241 Rue Saint Honore, 75001, Paris
My Favourite Thing to Do With The Girls
Disneyland Paris
You can’t go on a family trip to Paris without taking a trip to Disneyland Paris. Children and “big kids” will love getting to meet their favourite characters, discovering fairy-tale lands and taking in the colourful parades and award-winning fireworks. Here are my girls a few years ago in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. f camera it's before a trip to Hawaii!
My Favourite Place to Shop
Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann
The original flagship store of this French department store chain is absolutely beautiful and in the perfect location.
A symbol of French luxury shopping and one of the world’s most celebrated department store, Galeries Lafayette offers customers a carefully curated edit of both affordable and premium products, carrying more than 2,500 brands across womenswear, menswear, beauty and homeware.
Galeries Lafayette is the perfect place to shop up a storm or pick up a few luxury souvenirs for friends and family back home.
My Favourite Lunch Spot
L'Avenue
One of the best Costes Brothers eateries, L'Avenue is the place to see and be seen. I don't go so much for the food, but more for the people watching .
A black marque hangs over an outdoor terrace that serves the chic clientele for all seasons. In side is dark and sexy, with the cool crew draping over red velvet sofas.
L'Avenue is always so busy so bookings are essential, especially during Paris Fashion Week.
With a chic Parisian ambience, L'Avenue's menu is a mix of traditional French fare as well as a range of internationally inspired dishes. Be sure to order the King Crab Heart of Lettuce Salad and the Fresh Cream and Red Berries for dessert.
L'Avenue Restaurant
www.avenue-restaurant.com
41 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Open: 8am to 2am Daily
A Little Bit of Fun
See the City by Motorcycle
What better way to see Paris than on the back of a motorcycle?
It may not be your everyday mode of transport but it's the perfect way to have a bit of fun whilst taking in the sites of Paris.
Rent your own bike or head off on a sunset tour with a private tour company. Search TripAdvisor for tours with the best reviews or ask your hotel concierge for their recommendations.
Louis, optional - of course!
Don't Miss!
The Best Places to Take a Photo of the Eiffel Tower
You can't go to Paris without taking a photo with the Eiffel Tower! My favourite spots for a photo are;
- Underneath the Eiffel Tower looking up
- Pont d'Iéna (Iena Bridge)
- Champs de Mars
- Near the Mur de La Paix (Wall of Peace)
- From the Trocadero
- From the Passerelle Debilly