“There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris,” Ernest Hemingway once wrote
in his acclaimed memoir about 1920s expat life, A Moveable Feast. Very wise words. Call it whatever you like: The City of Light, The City of Love, The Fashion Capital of the World, Paris is steeped in history and utterly charming at every turn. Whether you’re people-watching at a café, scoring vintage Chanel at a secondhand shop, or drinking wine by the carafe (no judgment here), there’s simply so much happening here that you’ll never, ever want to leave. Without further ado, here’s our roundup of insider, can't-miss picks. Bon voyage!
Musée des Arts Décoratifs: Thierry Mugler, Couturissime
Didn’t snag an invite to Paris Fashion Week? This Thierry Mugler retrospective at Musée des Arts Décoratifs is the next best thing. Featuring a mix of mediums including costumes and animated projections, you’ll deep-dive into the fantastical world of the French designer—literally—starting with an aquatic-themed room.
Galeries Lafayette
Just in time for fall, Galeries Lafayette added 30 new brands to its offering, including Insta-viral labels like The Frankie Shop, By Far, and Staud, none of which are French, all of which are chic. With interactive displays and a curated selection of sustainable pieces, it’s a far cry from your average department store.
Bobby
If you’re on the hunt for that impossible-to-find item you just can’t get anywhere else, scope out Bobby. Boasting rare designer pieces the likes of Chanel, Sandro, and Celine, the vintage store is a veritable treasure trove of fashion finds. (The tagline is “Buy now or cry later” for a reason.)
Café de la Paix
Since its opening in 1862, this famous café in the historic InterContinental Paris - Le Grand has served everyone from Oscar Wilde to Marlene Dietrich. We’re fans of the breakfast in particular, but the hotel’s celebratory anniversary cocktail, the InterContinental75, a creative riff on the classic French 75 with Piper-Heidsieck champagne, The Botanist gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and honey water, is definitely worth trying.
Bontemps Pâtisserie
Bright Lights Paris author and self-described Francophile Angie Niles swears by Bontemps Pâtisserie for its bite-size desserts and quiet, uncrowded tea salon in the back, appropriately dubbed “Le Jardin Secret” (translation: The Secret Garden).
Loulou
Located in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs overlooking the Louvre, Loulou is a see-and-be-seen spot, not to mention a favorite among the fashion crowd. Fortunately, the food is just as good as the views and the hype. On its menu of French-Mediterranean fare, you’ll find grilled calamari, homemade veal, and chouquettes, aka French puff pastries filled with vanilla cream. In case you weren’t aware, Loulou de la Falaise was a muse of Yves Saint Laurent.
Harry’s New York Bar
Reminiscent of an Ivy League clubhouse and decorated with college pennants, Harry’s New York Bar is an institution for tourists and locals alike. The wood-lined space with a basement piano famously claims it invented the Bloody Mary, French 75, and Sidecar, best paired with its New York-style hot dogs. Don’t miss the Rowing Blazers merch for sale.
Bar Hemingway
Pay tribute to the legendary writer by enjoying a drink at his namesake haunt inside the Ritz Hotel. Plastered with photos of notable visitors and staffed with servers in white suits, the cozy bar is a piece of history—Hemingway’s typewriter is on prominent display.
Le Perchoir Marais
On the rooftop of department store BHV Marais, Le Perchoir Marais is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and mingle against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and the Hôtel de Ville. This is your Emily in Paris moment.
InterContinental Paris - Le Grand
To celebrate its diamond anniversary, the iconic hotel on the heels of a massive renovation is offering upgrades to suites with views of the Paris Opera and Eiffel Tower, complimentary champagne, and curated local experiences. Afternoon tea in the garden at the Musée de la Vie Romantique, anyone? Book your room here.
Soho House Paris
The latest addition to the Soho House portfolio, Soho House Paris is housed in a 19th-century apartment building that once belonged to Jean Cocteau’s family—NBD. There are 36 French boudoir-style bedrooms, some with fireplaces and freestanding bathtubs, a gym, courtyard garden and pool terrace, and even a red velvet-walled cabaret room. You’ll just need to hit up a member to make your res.
Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s
The newly renovated Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s has 101 rooms and suites designed by renowned French decorator Jacques Garcia, a handful of which are within eyeshot of the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. Its restaurant, easily distinguishable thanks to its bright red awnings, is an added bonus.
Instead of grabbing a heavy foundation, let your skin breathe on vacation with a French-based tinted moisturizer that is SPF 50. Even, hydrated, and protected skin? Oui, oui.
Get a palette that can do it all. Beloved by ELLE.com’s Beauty Director, this one works on both your lips and your cheeks giving you a sunkissed glow in seconds.
Why fight it? Go classic. A spritz of Chanel Number 5 is always a good idea.