Best hotels in Paris
Hotel Providence Paris
90 Rue René Boulanger, 75010
In hip Haut-Marais, this boutique goes big on style, with vintage wallpaper, curious objects dotted around and comfortable beds to sink into. There’s also an excellent brasserie on site. Wander the nearby neighbourhood, however, and you’ll find funky cafes, galleries and restaurants galore.
Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel
16 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009
The perfect sophisticated city hotel, the Ambassador wins with a superb location on Boulevard Haussmann and its art deco interior. Step outside and you’re a stone’s throw from legendary department store, Galeries Lafayette.
Grand Pigalle Hotel
29 Rue Victor Massé, 75009
The South Pigalle area has become one of Paris’ most fashionable districts. The Grand Pigalle is a fun, design-conscious hotel, with impressive views of the trendy streets below from its roof suites. Stop here if you want to be in pole position for Montmartre and Sacre Cœur.
Best restaurants in Paris
Pierre Gagnaire
6 Rue Balzac, 75008
For the full Parisian, three Michelin star experience, book well ahead for Pierre Gagnaire. Service is impeccable, the cooking innovative and the ingredients – truffles, scallops, langoustines, lobsters, to name a few – undoubtedly extravagant.
Chez L’Ami Jean
27 Rue Malar, 75007
Behind a modest facade, chef Stephane Jego works alchemical magic with a menu derived from the Basque region. It’s small and atmospheric, with renowned bread and hearty dishes such as parmesan soup, hare royale, grilled chicken and a signature rice pudding.
Bistrot Paul Bert
18 Rue Paul Bert, 75011
A dream of a classic French bistro turned into reality, Paul Bert has a deceptively simple menu that delivers big, bold Gallic flavour. Sole with butter sauce, a huge côte de boeuf with impeccable fries and sauce bearnaise. Service is oh-so-French – don’t even try and order your steak cooked any more than medium.
What to do in Paris
Eiffel Tower
Champ de Mars, 75007
Erected for the World’s Fair in 1889, the Eiffel Tower isn’t just the symbol of Paris, but perhaps of all of Europe. A wrought-iron triumph, no visit to Paris is complete without ascending to the top, for far-reaching views of the capital.
Musée du Louvre
Rue de Rivoli, 75001
The largest art museum on the planet, the Louvre is a vast repository of paintings, sculptures and artefacts that will delight with its collection and awe with its scope. Huddle for a view of the Mona Lisa, by all means, but don’t neglect Botticelli’s frescoes, the Islamic art collection and the Dutch masters.
Palace of Versailles
Place d’Armes, 78000 Versailles
Paris car hire is ideal for driving out to visit the magical Palace of Versailles. Landscaped gardens surround the 17th century home of Louis XIV and his successors. Recently restored, there’s a giddiness to the decoration that will have visitors skipping through the Grand Apartments and Hall of Mirrors in awe.
