your ultimate Paris guide

(the one you need to plan that trip you've been dreaming about...)

putting pen to “paper” on this one feels…BIG. like something I’ve been meaning to do for years but didn’t make sense until exactly this moment. speaking of this moment, I’m writing to you from my bed at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris which feels…kinda insane to say to be honest!! after a month of staying in an apartment in the 11th arrondissement, checking into one of the city’s (world’s?) most iconic hotels is such a treat.

which leads me to my next point. what makes me qualified to be the person compiling a Paris guide when I don’t live here? well, my love affair with Paris far pre-dates my nearly a decade working in travel agency space. my first trip outside North America found me in Paris in 2011. from there, francophile fever had me in a chokehold. I studied across France for two semesters in college and may or may not have fallen in love with a man with a French passport, which found me back here often.

fast forward to today, and I’ve been to Paris more times than I can count (I know, annoying, but true!!!!). I’ve been lucky enough to stay at some of the city’s finest hotels including Bulgari Paris, Park Hyatt Vendôme, Peninsula Paris, La Réserve Paris, La Fantaisie, Plaza Athénée Paris, Le Meurice, Hotel de Crillon, and Lutetia Paris! that said, I’d like to say that not only do I know the city, but I’ve gotten to see it through the lens and armed with the recommendations of top concierges in town, in addition to all those that I’ve culled from in-the-know travel advisors and local friends.

so, without further ado, let’s dive in!!! *paid* sunday series subscribers will get dozens, and dozens, and dozens of tested recs covering the following categories:

• hotels, hotels, hotels: which to prioritize for what kind of trip (first timer’s Paris, mother-daughter trip, girls trip, seasoned Paris visitor, honeymoon splurge, boutique on a budget)

• shopping beyond the big brands: specifically, I’m breaking down where you can get some really epic personalization (think: monogrammed, lasercut, and hand-painted initials on leather goods, lipstick, perfume, and beyond)

• did someone say boulangerie? I’m rounding up not just my favorite bakeries, but top recommended pastries…

• fave spots for lunch: there are few things quite like a multi-course lunch on a Parisian terrace. I’m rounding up where you can’t miss dining mid-day!

• wine and cocktail bars: because, well, duh.

• top Parisian brasserie picks for dinner: as someone who adores French food, I nearly never tire of it and have tested dozens to narrow down my go-tos.

• fave non-French food restos: I often hear “French food is so heavy” when talking to people about dining in Paris. fear not. there’s a ton of fabulous international cuisine on offer here, too.

• museums worth the fuss: as a person who thrives on a quickie museum visit, I will recap the ones I think warrant the time, no matter how efficient you are!

• cool experiences for ultimate memory making: for when you really want the “WOW” factor!