What's Worth It
Where to stay
Hotel Daniel (SELECT)
Built as a crossroads between east and west, globally-renowned designer Tarfa Salan successfully blends these two worlds in a symphony of fabrics and motifs. With eastern-colonial furnishings and a heavy Asian influence, the Relias & Chateaux property is a time-capsule and treasure-trove of global flavors from its Moroccan zelliges to custom Chinese wallpaper, Italian marble to Kazakhstani carpets. Sitting at the heart of the 8th district just a short walk from the river Seine, 0.6 miles from Arc de Triomphe, and 1.2 from the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Daniel is not just an accommodation but a one-of-a-kind experience all in of itself.
The Shangri-La Paris (SELECT)
This property has, without a doubt, some of the most magnificent Eiffel views in the entire city. Get swept away by the romance of this enchanting city with dinner for two on a private terrace; relish in the classic French refinement and Parisian charm of antique-style furniture and paisley-printed drapes while sipping espresso from a sun-drenched patio; and leave the afternoon for perusing exclusive designer shops and the Arc de Triomphe on foot.
Mandarin Oriental Paris (SELECT)
Sitting pretty in the center of Paris’ Fashion District, uncover a hidden oasis of unexpected greenery, impeccable service, and two-star Michelin dining. Home of the Best Paris Spa Design Award multiple years in a row, indulging in tailored massages and the tranquil indoor pool are a must. As a leader of luxury hospitality with roots in Asia and properties worldwide, relish in an environment where contemporary French design, legendary Parisian fashion, and an oriental aesthetic collide. Surrounded by milky off-whites and dappled with sorbet-colored accents, lounge in the elegant lobby beneath a kaleidoscope of crystal butterflies, doze on the finest of linens, or, if you want a real treat, savor a private Eiffel view from the bathtub of your Mandarin Penthouse Suite.
Things to do
The Eiffel Tower
Originally designed for the World Fair of 1889, Gustave Eiffel and his team of 50 engineers saw their vison come to fruition after a record speed construction of twenty-six months. Despite much critical acclaim, the 300-meter-tall Eiffel Tower attracted two million visitors during the exposition and has since blossomed into one of the world’s most loved monuments, welcoming an estimated 6.8 tourists annually. Enjoy a clear view from the Trocadero flattop, skate along the ice-rink on the first level, travel upward to the apex for an extra special dining experience, and be sure to catch the glittering light show every hour on the hour after sundown.
Louvre Museum
Originally constructed to honor the king and serve as a garrison-fortress during the crusades, the Louvre gradually shifted into a popular accommodation for royalty. The castle was entirely rebuilt in the mid-1500s, claimed by the Central Union of Decorative Arts nearly four centuries later, and in 1989 the dazzling 71-foot tall glass pyramid was placed at the entrance; and is mirrored by an inverted one in the Cour Napoléon directly below. Renowned today as the world’s most famous museum, Le Louvre is home to a priceless, elite collection of Western Middle-Art art, ornaments and jewels dating before 1230BC, and famed works such as the “Nike of Samothrace” marble statue and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”.
Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart Basilica of Montmartre)
At the dawning of the 3rd century, the hill on which Sacre-Coeur now sits was named the “Mount of Martyrs” in honor of the first Christians of Paris. Consecrated in October of 1919, the sanctuary is home to one of the world’s largest bells which is rung every Sunday and Holy Day at 11:00 and 16:00; and a lantern at the top of the Dome lit every night to signify the prayers happening inside. The 270-step climb to the entrance provides sweeping panoramas of Paris, and a statue of Christ blessing the city with His right hand and pointing to His Sacred Heart with the left. Reoccurring images of an open heart appear throughout the sanctuary, representing the Crucifixion of Christ, and the infinite love of God and our ability to receive it. Other highlights include a massive apse mosaic depicting Christ’s arms extended with an inscription of the vow “to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, France fervent, penitent and grateful” and the Crypt housing tombs of Cardinals, relics, an altar, monuments, and an urn containing the heart of the initiator of the National Vow, Alexandre Legentil. General entry runs from 06:00-22:30, but reserve tickets in advance to take part in the nightly adoration and sleep in the Basilica guest house.
Paris Catacombs
Five-stories beneath the city of lights rest the remains of seven-million Parisians in a make-shift ossuary. The 200-mile stretch of quarry tunnels were abandoned in the fourteenth-century and repurposed in the mid-18th century when Paris began to outgrow itself. As a European hub on the rise, and 30-generations of deceased later, layered graves began to overflow, the solution: transport the contents of the inner-city cemeteries underground. Opened in 1809 as a public spectacle, the Paris Catacombs see over 550,000 visitors annually, welcoming them into the labyrinths for a bewildering angle of history, and a rare glimpse of human mortality.
Where to eat
La Tour d’Argent Restaurant
Only changing hands once since its opening in 1780, the view from Paris’ oldest restaurant is almost as coveted as a seat inside. Brimming with historical significance, serving the rich and famous for centuries, and the inspiration behind Pixar’s Ratatouille, La Tour d’Argent is easily one of the most fancied restaurants in the world. With deluxe panoramic views of the River Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral on an ideal corner building five stories up, enjoy 1-star Michelin dining of delicately plated French cuisine, signature duck dishes, and Chef Philippe Labbé’s a la carte options.
Le Petit Prince de Paris
Tucked away in the Latin Quarter of historic Paris sits an intimate boutique restaurant just waiting to be discovered. Serving up locally-sourced ingredients on a traditional Parisian menu, flavors of France like homemade duck confit and Burgundy snail soufflé dominate the minimalistic menu, alongside a carefully curated wine-list. With its warm décor, comfortable ambience, and family-oriented atmosphere, enjoy a true French dinner in the heart of old Paris.
Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée
For an exquisite experience the goes far beyond flavor, reserve your seat at the Hotel Plaza Athénée dining room beneath thousands of suspended crystal droplets. Based on a naturalist diet and the fish-vegetable-cereals philosophy, Chef Alain Ducasse places a strong emphasis on the clean culinary concepts of sustainable fishing, locally-sourced produce, and ancient grains. Just moments from the River Seine and close to the city center, enjoy an exquisitely plated three-Michelin-Star meal from the comfort of a plush silver-bell seat.
