We recently traveled back to Paris for the second time. When we got the invite to Men’s fashion week, we knew it was the perfect time to return. Paris is a city that almost feels quaint with the bricked roads circling the center of the city and the historic charm of the architecture. It’s also so chic and bustling that you feel like you are in the center of the universe staring at the beautiful Eiffel Tower. There is never a site not perfect for a photo op here. This city of Light is just that, giving you a light into a city that cannot be duplicated.

Wanderlust Hotels

W Opera - This is the hotel we stayed at during our first trip to Paris back in 2017. We are fans of the W brand, they are targeted to a young professional traveler and keep their atmosphere fresh and lively. This location is great because you are in walking distance of many shops and restaurants, but most importantly you are across the street from the stunning Palais Garner, the Paris Opera.

Mandarin Oriental - This hotel is in the center of it all while offering the five star services you expect. All the major fashion house stores are within walking distance, as well as the Lourve and Place Vendome. The rooms here are larger than typical Parisian hotels and the spa is worth the visit. They have a cute outdoor courtyard terrace thats worth a cocktail stop too!

Maison Albar Hotel - This is a luxury boutique hotel located in the 1st arrondissement. You’re within walking distance of the Pont Neuf bridge, between the Seine and the new Canopée des Halles. The modern spa here is developed by Cinq Mondes and worth it!

Plaza Athenee - This hotel is located in the 8th arrondissement within view of the famed Eiffel Tower. Here you’ll be staying in couture country. Hosting celebrities and elites since 1913 you’ll be sure to feel the the past love stories here. You’ll also find a 3 star Michelin restaurant here offering the creations of Alain Ducasse. This is the epitome of Parisian luxury.

Wanderlust Experiences

Love Bridge - It’s a can’t miss tradition to put your love lock on the bridge. Stop by here and purchase a lock from a local street vendor, no need to bring your own.

Le Marais - Checkout this fashionable district which is lined with hip boutiques, great restaurants, bars and galleries. You’ll also see the famous Merry-go-round!

Notre Dame Cathedral - Take in the orginal french gothic architecture while visiting this cathedral. It is one of the first ever gothic cathedrals built and is the actual cathedral of the Catholic archdiocese of Paris. Attending Mass here is also an option three times a day.

Louvre Museum - The world’s largest art museum resides here in Paris and is a must for experiences. Whether you sit in the courtyard and people watch or you choose to peruse the vast collection of almost half million objects or 35,000 works of art you will not be disappointed.

Eiffel Tower - The famous backdrop of millions of tourist photos, the must do in Paris. It’s what we all come to see. You can take a tour up, which is best done in off season to avoid the crowds, or just take a picnic lunch and enjoy the view in the park. If you are in high season, you can also have lunch at Les Ombres and have an unobstructed view while sipping on your wine.

Studio Harcourt - This famous studio was founded by the Lacroix brothers in the 1930’s and became a staple for celebrity portraits. They are known for their black and white photographs. Celebrities like Karl Lagerfeld, Adriana Lima, Cate Blanchett, and Bridget Bardot have all had their photos taken here.

Shopping - You can’t miss the shopping in Paris. Paris is home to a majority of fashion houses and they have many of the flagship stores here. If you aren’t going to buy you have to go to see the larger than life stores. For fine jewelry shopping visit the Place Vendome. You will also find many great boutiques and consignment stores all over the city.

Tour the Opera Garner - This architectural masterpiece is worth it. We were so fortunate to attend a fashion show here and we were offered a tour of the whole place. It’s a stunning interior view.

Louis Vuitton Foundation- Visit this art and cultural museum which is run by LVMH group. They have stunning pieces of work that reflect the one of a kind architectural exterior.

Walk the City - I love going on early morning runs through out a new city. It’s quite and you can watch the sunrise. You see things you wouldn’t see while riding in a taxi. If running is not your thing, take an early morning stroll for coffee and discover new experiences.

Pales Royal - You’ll see Daniel Buren’s striped columns here in the courtyard which make for great photo ops. You can also tour the 17th century arcade of shops and gardens here as well.

Hotel Costes- This is under experiences because this is a place to be scene! Great people watching while sipping on a cocktail.You may even have a celebrity spotting.

Wanderlust Cuisine

Cafe de la Paix - This was the very first Parisian restaurant I dined at so I am partial to the memory. It’s a charming historical corner cafe with the classic sidewalk terrace with bustling views of the Opera House. They are open for all meals, but I’d still enjoy the lunch views on the terrace.

Yeeels Verde - This is such a modern and eclectic restaurant lounge that offers a warm and cozy on trend vibe. You’ll dine while listening to beats by the DJ and sharing the Mediterranean inspired tapas menu.

Le Grand Vefour - OH.MMM.GEE I stil have dreams about the cheese cart here. It’s a gastronomical restaurant (Michelin Star) that offers the restored ancient decor from the 1700’s. Star chef Guy Martin serves up an incredible 12 course meal that entertains you all night. I highly recommend this restaurant for a deliciuosuly romantic night.

Les Ombres- This is a fantastic restaurant for Eiffel Tower views. Sit on the patio and enjoy unobstructed views during the day or for dinner while sipping on your cocktail. The cover photo of this blog is pictured here.

Le Cinq - I had the priceless experience of attending a private dinner by the three Michelin stars chef, Christian Le Squer while in Paris last month. He created an sea inspired menu that combined flavors and tastes you wouldn’t normally recognize but were so delicious it kept you wondering what was next. I am recommending his restaurant that I also look forward to dining at the next time I am in Paris.

Divellec - This Michelin star stop is focused on fish and seafood cuisine by chef Mathieu Pacaud featuring a really interesting wine menu that comes with a well-educated sommelier. We stopped in early for lunch around 11am and had the newly designed comfy ocean inspired interior all to ourselves.

Union des Vignerons - We always have to try the charcuterie while traveling to new cities. so we asked our driver for the best place and he directed us to this little hole in the wall deli. We were not disappointed, they offer a hearty board with wine selections to pair.

Caviar Kaspia - This was one of my favorites dining experiences while in Paris. The caviar selection in the first floor store is fascinating. Head upstairs to dine in for lunch and enjoy the pickle appetizers and caviar lunch plates. They offer other non caviar options as well.

L’Oiseau Blanc - Talk about Eiffel Tower views at night! This aviation inspired restaurant interior celebrates flying aces Charles Nungesser and François Coli who attempted to cross the Atlantic in 1927 from Le Bourget. The French cuisine is delectable and the best dessert I had while traveling to Paris was “The Cloud” dessert at this restaurant.

Wanderlust Luggage

Wanderlust Itinerary

Day 1:

9am: Arrive

Transportation to Hotel

12:30pm: lunch @ Les Ombres

2:30-5:30pm: Walk the city, see Eiffel Tower & Love Bridge

7:00pm: Dinner at l’Oiseau Blanc for the Eiffel Tower view

Day 2:

10:00am: Studio Harcourt

1:00pm: Lunch at Caviar Kaspa

3:00pm-6:00PM: Visit of Musee du Louvre

8:30pm: Dinner at Le Cinq Restaurant

Day 3:

11:00am: Brunch

1:00pm: Tour Paris Opera

3:30pm: Shopping

8:00pm: Dinner at La Grand Vefour

Day 4:

10:00AM: Visit of the Louis Vuitton Foundation

1:00PM: Lunch at Union des Vignerons

3:00PM: Spa time

8:00PM: Dinner at Yeeels Verde

Paris is one of the most historic and romantic cities in the world. I yearn to go back to explore more and I hope I have inspired you to visit Paris or to return. As always, feel free to email me with anymore questions about this destination. Stay Wandering!