I love visiting Paris, especially during fashion week and couture week. It is my favorite city in the world and everything from the elegance to the charm, and the style is just extraordinary. My schedule was a bit hectic so I didn’t have the opportunity to visit all of my usual places but some spots are cult favorites that I always make time for, like Hotel Costes. I have compiled a fashion insider’s guide to the City of Lights that I think you will all enjoy.
In honor of Paris Fashion Week approaching, here is my Parisian to-do list.
Where to Eat
L’Avenue: Just a few steps from my hotel, Plaza Athenée, is the spot known for celebrity sightings. It is the perfect place if you are looking for a glamorous and delicious meal. I always order the sliced avocado and the thai chicken spring rolls used to be one of my favorites before I became vegan.
Hotel Costes: This hip hotel is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner, the restaurants garden is just magical and they also have the most amazing cheesecake in the world (not kidding!). Just be sure to make a reservation beforehand.
Wild & The Moon: This is my secret spot, it is an organic, vegan cafe with a healthy menu filled with delicious juices, acai bowls, and super bowls. It reminds me a lot of the juice shops and healthy cafes in LA. Definitely worth a visit if you eat a vegan or gluten-free diet or just craving something healthy!
Season: A cross between an American diner and a modern Parisian café, the menu is extensive with lots of healthy food options-including plenty of gluten free and vegan options. How can you not love a spot that has green pancakes on their menu (they’re made with Moringa)?! If you’re going to stop by on the weekend be prepared to wait in line because it is that good!
Judy: This little gem of a restaurant also offers a nice selection of vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices. I like to eat healthy when I travel so I wanted to share all the healthy Parisian spots I discovered. With charming décor, there are lots of plants hanging from the ceiling and on the walls, it’s the perfect spot to grab a casual breakfast or lunch especially if you’re spending the day near the Luxemburg Gardens.
Cafe de Flore: This is one of the most famous spots in Paris, it is always bustling and ideal for people watching. Located in Saint-Germain, it is the perfect place to stop and take a break if you are sightseeing or shopping in the area.
Angelina: Although this patisserie is a bit touristy, it is the ultimate spot for getting THE best cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day! They also have a beautiful selection of pastries and macarons that give Ladurée and Pierre Hermé a run for their money. There are several locations around Paris and the decor is charming and very Parisian.
Ladurée: Naturally, one can’t come to Paris and not try macarons! Very classically decorated with pastel colors and decor this is the quintessential Parisian pâtisserie.
Pierre Hermé: This little creative patisserie is known for their macarons comprised of unique flavors combinations like their signature Ispahan (raspberry, lychee and rose water) and Mogador (milk chocolate, passion fruit). It has been voted one of the 50 best in the world and is a must if you have a sweet tooth.
What to Do
Montmartre: This neighborhood near la SacréCoer is beautiful and filled with little shops, restaurants and artists painting. Definitely take some time to stroll around and experience this charming area.
The Louvre: Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the Louvre is considered the world’s greatest art museum. Once you are done soaking in the art pop into Lou Lou’s for lunch.
Fondation Louis Vuitton: This beautiful museum is a piece of art in and of itself. It is an extraordinary space to discover both art and culture. When I first passed by it in my car, I immediately thought of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. After doing a little googling, I found out that the Fondation is designed by architect Frank Gehry, who also designed the Walt Disney Concert Hall. There is something about the lines and curves that just take my breath away.
Palace of Versailles: If you have a full day to devote to this palace you can walk the halls and experience what was once the life of Marie-Antoinette. Make sure to check out the Petit Trianon which were Marie-Antoinette’s private apartments and a gift to her from the King.
Where to Stay
Hôtel Plaza Athénée: There are so many fabulous hotels in Paris but this is by far my absolute favorite – I always stay here! It’s right on Avenue Montaigne where all the fabulous shopping is, the location is prime but it’s definitely bad for my wallet! 🙂
Le Meurice: This hotel is situated on the Rue de Rivoli, one of the most famous streets in Paris, with the Tuileries Gardens just across the way. It is centrally located to the Louvre and the luxury boutiques of Place Vendôme and Rue Saint-Honoré. I’ve been here for a few parties and love the Versailles-style grandeur of the hotel.
Hôtel de Crillon: One of the most exclusive hotels in Paris, situated in the heart of Paris, near the Champs-Elysées and Jardin des Tuileries, the hotel is just minutes from the city’s most iconic sites. If you don’t end up staying here, I recommend popping in for brunch.
Four Seasons Hotel George V: Located on the Georges V Avenue the Four Seasons meets all your expectations and is close by to many restaurants and shops. Even if you aren’t staying here you should stop by and check out the beautiful lobby and the Jeff Leatham floral designs which are always breathtaking.
Where to Shop
Avenue Montaigne: As I mentioned earlier I love staying at the Plaza Athenee on Avenue Montaigne. The tree-lined boulevard of flagship luxury stores is by far my favorite shopping destination in all of Paris.
Le Bon Marché: This is the oldest department store in Paris and a must every time I am in the city. It is a great place to discover new designers, shop the latest trends, you can even pick up items for your home and grab groceries or snacks. Not to mention the architecture is just stunning and I can never get enough of their escalators!
Rue Saint-Honoré: This block features all the luxury designer stores without the tourists. It is just steps away from Place Vendome so you can stop by the Ritz for lunch or afternoon tea!
