Paris Hotel & Travel Destination Guide

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Country Code: FR
Source: Fastcheck Arrival Guides

Population:
2.8 million

Currency:
1 Euro = 100 cents

Opening hours:
General opening hours are Mon – Sat 9.00-19.00. Smaller shops may close between midday and 14.00 on Monday. Sundays and public holidays closed. Many department stores have one late-night opening day – “nocturn”- when shops are open until 21.00.

Paris Supermarket times may differ depending on neighbourhood. Sundays close 20.00, 21.00 or 22.00.

Tourist information:
Address: 25 rue des Pyramides Underground: RER A Auber or Metro 714 Pyramides
Tel: +33 (0)892 68 3000
www.parisinfo.com

Paris

Welcome to the fabled “City of Lights” or “City of Love”. Paris is certainly both and has always been considered as the most romantic place in the world. Whether you are an artist, a businessman or simply a tourist, coming with your beloved or your relatives, you will enjoy long walks from Montmartre to the Quartier Latin. Going through some of the finest Roman and medieval monuments, sooner or later you will end up at a cafe, standing on the Pont Neuf Bridge, or exploring a vintage fashion shop in the Marais district.

Paris City

Like New York or London, there is no other place to compare with Paris. As soon as you’ll start exploring the world’s most visited city, you feel like you are going through an open air museum. You won’t see that much of the Capital’s Celtic roots, but you will be able to admire its architectural splendours which go back to the 13th Century, when the imposing Cathedral of Notre Dame started to be built. At that time the swamplands form the Marais district were drained and the Sorbonne University opened its doors.

But it’s during the Renaissance, in the 16th century, that Paris’s grandeur took off. Versailles became Louis XIV’s headquarters, whose lavishness opened the doors to the French luxury goods industry. And in the 19th Century, Napoleon appointed Baron Haussmann to develop modern Paris, with its long boulevards and beautiful buildings, great avenues and parks that still make the city unique today.

No wonder why Paris is internationally renowned for its defining neoclassical architecture and its influence in fashion and the arts. Going by foot is the best way to explore the city’s districts, its old centres, cemeteries and great parks. It’s busy, with thousand of tourists, but the city managed to keep its real authenticity, with places like Montmartre, which is a good start for a tour, or the crowded Champs-Elysées with its legendary yet inevitable promenade.

Those who fancy a trendier atmosphere, districts such as Le Marais, Quartier Latin, or the quaint Canal St-Martin are the right places to be! If you like more art galleries, museums, or famous cabarets such as Folies Bergères, Paris has everything to meet your dreams. It’s not as intense as London or New York, yet the combination of its historical heritage and its unique French touch makes this destination one of its kind.

Things to See and Do in Paris

Paris’ top attractions are certainly the Eiffel Tower, originally a “temporary” construction for the 1889 Universal Exposition, the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte and the massive ecclesiastical cathedral Notre Dame. A walk from Place de la Concorde towards Champs Elysée is also a must as well as the world famous Louvre museum. There is obviously much more to explore!

Père Lachaise
The largest cemetery in Paris, reputed to be the most visited in the world. A huge and peaceful park home of those who have enhanced French life over the past 200 years.
Address: Boulevard de Ménilmontant, 20th Arr.
Underground: Line 2 Philippe Auguste
Internet: www.pere-lachaise.com

Jardin du Luxembourg
The garden of the French Senate which is also a large public park. A recommended place to relax and savour the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a rich palace garden.
Underground: RER B Luxembourg
Internet: www.gardenvisit.com

Musée d’Orsay
This is the place for art and artefacts from the Middle Ages and Impressionist eras with leading collections. Originally a railway station and the building itself is worth a visit. Closed on Monday.
Address: 62 rue de Lille, 7th Arr.
Underground: Line 12 Solférino or RER C Musée d’Orsay
Phone: +33 (0)1 40 49 48 14
Internet: www.musee-orsay.fr

Musée des Arts d´Afrique et d´Océanie
Less popular than Orsay or Louvre yet worth a visit. A mix of world-class exhibitions of African and Pacific art.
Address: 293 avenue Daumesnil, 12th Arr.
Underground: Line 8 Porte dorée
Phone: +33 (0)1 44748480
Internet: www.musee-afriqueoceanie.fr

Le Marais
Situated on the right bank (3rd and 4th Arr.), this trendy district has beautiful architecture of the 17th century. There are also many museums, art galleries and historic sites such as Paris’ oldest square Place des Vosges where you can find Victor Hugo’s residence.
Address: Bastille, Chemin Vert, Pont Marie, Saint-Paul,
Saint-Sebastien-Froissard, Sully Morland

Montmartre
One of the most popular historic areas with the Sacré Coeur Basilica on the top of the hill, the highest point in Paris. It’s also famous for the cafés and studios of many great artists. Also, it was here the movie Amélie was shot. Downhill to the southwest is the red-light district of Pigalle.
Underground: Line 12 Abbesses
Internet: www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

Versailles
Near Paris, this is where King Louis XIV built his Palace in the 17th century. For those who love Renaissance architecture, don’t miss it! The Palace has been recently renovated and you’ll also enjoy nice walks in the beautiful gardens.
Underground: RER C, Versailles
Phone: +33 (0)1 30837801
Internet: www.chateauversailles.fr

Bateaux Mouches
One of the most relaxing, and romantic ways to view some of the city’s oldest and most majestic historic monuments is to get a ride on the famous and unique long-boats leisurely plying the Seine. Despite the number of operators from which to choose, most of the boat lines offer similar itineraries and are equipped with an audio announcement system, providing commentary on the passing sights in several different languages.
Internet: http://en.parisinfo.com/

Eating in Paris

In Paris, you must differentiate between restaurants, bistro or brassieres. A bistro is usually small, featuring simple fare, sometimes with entertainment. A brassiere serves hearty meals along with beer and wine, usually cheap and with a liquor and coffee bar.

Like New York or London, the choice is huge. Each place has its own particular atmosphere and style whether recipes are local or from all over the world. However Paris is internationally renowned as a capital of gastronomy. It is the right place to test the high-quality French products and delights of traditional French cookery thanks to the talented and creative chefs. Parisian restaurants are real ambassadors of good taste, offering superlative ingredients – including premium wines and cheeses – that enrich the cuisine, which runs fat with foie gras or escargots, and such classics as coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon. But don’t worry there are good places for all budgets. Whether it’s a restaurant, a bistro or a brassiere, you’ll be able to enjoy a real culinary feast with gourmets from all over the world!

Pierre Gagnaire
Near the Champs Elysées, one of the city’s most solid and appealing restaurants, ranked in the world’s top 50. Expect 80€ for the lunch menu, dinner can easily run over 200€ per person, and reservation is compulsory.
Address: 6, rue Balzac Underground: Line 1 Georges V
Phone: +33 (0)1 58361250
Internet: www.pierre-gagnaire.com

Hôtel du Nord
Re-opened less than a year ago, it welcomes diners in warm red velvet setting with suffused lighting. It is a bistro offering a variety of traditional dishes such as pan-seared foie gras with mango chutney and French toast or lightly cooked scallops with aubergine caviar. An affordable option with an average “à la carte” price of 15€.
Address: 102, quai Jemmapes Underground: Line 3, 8, 9, 5 République
Phone: +33 (0)1 40407878
Internet: www.hoteldunord.org

Brasserie Saint-Benoît
Located in the popular area of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It has a rustic decor with plants and exposed beams. And now that spring is here, you can enjoy your traditional French meal on the pleasant outdoor terrace.
Address: 26, rue Saint Benoit Underground: Châtelet Les Halles
Phone: +33 (0)1 45482966
Internet: www.brasserie-benoit.fr

Carré des Feuillants
One of the best places for contemporary French Nouvelle cuisine, located in a 17th century building near the Tuilerie Park and Eiffel Tower. The chef, Alain Dutournier, is considered to be one of the most groundbreaking in his category.
Address: 14, rue de Castiglione Underground: Tuileries, Concorde, Opéra, or Madeleine
Phone: +33 (0)1 42868282

L’Avant Gout
A trendy Bistro with exquisite food at reasonable prices. Try sea bass with creamy celery root and almonds for a delicious example of Chef Christophe Beaufront’s abilities.
Address: 26, rue Bobillot Underground: Line 5, Place d’Italie
Phone: +33 (0)1 53802400

Goumard
The right place for seafood lovers. This reputable restaurant has been in business since 1872 and its motto is simply “Everything that comes from the sea.” In fact, the owner buys straight from the dock’s local fishermen. Specialties include grilled Breton lobster and scallop carpaccio with oysters.
Address: 9, rue Duphot Underground: Line 12 Madeleine
Phone: +33 (0)1 42603607
Internet: www.goumard.com

Allard
There are still local neighbourhood restaurants that serve excellent food. One of them is AAllard, in the 6th Arrondissement, over on the left bank of the Seine. It is a traditional 1930’s bistro, with many regulars from the same era. Try the foie gras, frog’s legs, and other dishes that put France on the culinary map.
Address: 41, rue St-André-des-Arts Underground: Line 4 St Michel or Odéon
Phone: +33 (0)1 43264823
Internet: //allard-restaurant.com

Brasserie Balzar
Yet another traditional eatery with nice atmosphere and a traditional menu. Brassiere Balzar is a great bistro located in the lively Quartier Latin since 1898! Many of the city’s famous authors have been regulars here – always a seal of approval.
Address: 48, rue des Ecoles Underground: Lines 4/10 Odéon
Phone: +33 (0)1 43541367
Internet: www.brasseriebalzar.com

Sainte Marthe
Located by a small square in the bohemian yet trendy 10th Arrondissement. This charming neighbourhood restaurant is run by two former schoolteachers, and serves tapas. The outdoor seating attracts the crowds in the summer.
Address: 32, rue Sainte-Marthe Underground: Line 2 Colonel Fabien
Phone: + 33 (0)1 44843696

Paris Cafes

For Parisians, the traditional café is where you start your day with a delicious croissant aand an espresso, relax with an afternoon tea or have an aperitif with friends. It’s also not rare that they are part of bistros, brassieres or featuring great music with a wide range of drinks like in bars.

Lipp
Have some cultural history with your espresso. Lipp, and neighbouring Deux Magots and Flore, were the post-war gathering spots of choice for intellectual celebrities such as JJean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir. All of these large 6th Arrondissement cafés are usually packed to the rafters.
Address: 151, boulevard Saint Germain Underground: Line 4 St Germain-des-Prés
Phone: +33 (0)1 45485341

Le Réservoir
Checking out other people is an important part of Parisian café culture. Trendy Le Réservoir is a prime spot for that kind of time spending.
Address: 16, rue de la Forge Royale Underground: Line 8 Ledru Rollin
Phone: +33 (0)1 43563960
Internet: www.reservoirclub.com

Café Charbon
In the 11th arrondissement, Oberkampf is one of the trendiest streets which attracts a more urban crowd perhaps closer to something traditionally Parisian. It’s spacious and was originally built as a dance hall around 1900. It also fits the “Bars” section!
Address: 109, rue Oberkampf Underground: Line 3 Parmentier
Phone: +33 (0)1 43 57 55 13

Café de La Mairie
A peaceful traditional café located on pleasant Place St-Sulpice facing the church. Try the large steaming grand café crème with a croissant from the nearby bakery.
Address: 8 Place Saint-Sulpice, Paris 75006
Underground: Line 4 St-Suplice
Phone: +33 (0)1 43266782

Paris Bars and Nightlife

In Paris you will find lots of trendy and popular bars serving all kind of drinks with a good mix of music and sometimes with DJs. Just take your time, there is no bell and they are all open late! Paris has an intense and diversified nightlife. From high-tech dance clubs to mellow jazz haunts, there’s anything to fit your mood. Try also the famous cabaret venues for a great dose of vibrant entertainment!

Le Scherkhan
There are several popular spots in Oberkampf Street such as Le Scherkhan. It might not bbe “politically correct”, but it has a stuffed tiger keeping an eye on the comfortable armchairs.
Address: rue Oberkampf Underground: Line 3 Parmentier
Phone: +33 (0)1 4357294

Le Nouveau Casino
Located on the same street, it’s also a famous venue, which keeps on rocking until dawn both in the bar downstairs and the medium-size dancehall upstairs.
Address: rue Oberkampf Underground: Line 3 Parmentier
Phone: +33 (0)1 43575740

Buddha Bar
This temple-like establishment is still very popular for its ambience at the cocktail bar. Top DJs ably deliver mood-setting tunes which have made the venue’s reputation even internationally (a Buddha Bar opened in Beirut last year!)
Address: 8 rue Boissy d’Anglais Underground: Concorde
Phone: +33 (0)1 53059000
Internet: www.buddha-bar.com

Point Ephémère
Canal Saint-Martin in the 10th Arrondissement is the new trendy area colonized by artists and young creative workers seduced by its lazy charm. You’ll find several nice venues such as L’Atmosphère, Chez Prune or Le Repaire.
Address: 200 Quai de Valmy Underground: Line 7bis Jaurès or Louis Blanc
Phone: +33 (0)1 40340248
Internet: www.pointephemere.org

Le Moloko
Very lively, great music and a reputed nightspot to enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine in a modern and trendy décor.
Address: 26 rue Fontaine Underground: Line 2 Blanche
Phone: +33 (0)1 48745026

Les Bains
The nightspot of choice for international trendsetters and celebrities. If you manage to get in, be prepared for an expensive yet worthwhile evening with great house, rock, R&B, soul and many more genres of music.
Address: 7 rue du Bourg-l’Abbé Underground: Line 3 or 4 Réaumur Sébastopol
Phone: +33 (0)1 48870180

Le Queen
On the Champs-Elysées, a famous and packed place to groove and be beautiful. It’s not strictly gay as people usually think. You’ll also meet celebrities and folks from creative fields.
Address: 102 avenue des Champs-Elysées Underground: Line 1 Georges V
Phone: +33 (0)1 53890890

Rex Club
This renowned electro club has always drawn a crowd since the mid-1980s. It is home to a terrific sound system with top international acts. Expect long lines at doors especially for Friday’s events.
Address: 5 bd Poissonnière Underground: Line 9/8 Bonne Nouvelle
Phone: +33 (0)1 53890890

La Cithéa
Located in the popular Oberkampf Street, the venue features great concerts and after-hours dancing. It is well-known for its large broad range of styles, such as soul, jazz or world-music.
Address: 114 rue Oberkampf Underground: Line 9/8 Bonne Nouvelle
Phone: +33 (0)1 40217095

Le Bilboquet
Welcome to Paris’ historic Jazz spot, where Paris Blues movie was shot. Past performers have included the Gilda Galas and the Stephane Guerault Quartets.
Address: 13 rue Saint Benoît Underground: Line 4 St Germain-Des-Prés
Phone: +33 (0)1 45488184

Crazy Horse
Like Broadway shows in New York, Paris nightlife has the Cabarets. Lido, Moulin Rouge or Follies Bergères are all famous worldwide, but the trendiest Crazy Horse is unique for its elegant and erotic shows. Not to be missed if you can afford it!
Address: 12 av George V Underground: Line 1 George V
Phone: +33 (0)1 47233232
Internet: www.lecrazyhorseparis.com

Shopping in Paris

Paris is home to some of the most famous designers and luxurious brand names in the fashion industry like Louis Vitton or Dior. But you’ll also find more affordable brands matching your budget in the huge department stores or many popular neighbourhoods. There are famous astronomical establishments for Gourmets too!

Right Bank – 1st & 8th Arrondissements
As a suggestion, you could start at Le Carrousel Du Louvre, a diverse underground shopping precinct adjoining the famous museum. Whether you’re looking for music, gifts, perfumes, or clothing, you’ll find a number of well-known stores that deliver quality merchandise and ease of purchase. Nearby Rue de Rivoli is notable for the very vast number of souvenir shops it contains. At 248, W.H. Smith is the largest English Language bookshop in Paris with many of the newest releases. Right off Rivoli is the beautiful Place Vendôme, where the jetsetters and millionaires buy their jewellery. You are entering ”the” area for renowned Haute Couture and luxury goods.

From there you can enjoy a walk down to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne where the superb boutiques display their sophisticated or baroque windows. Women sill particularly like Colette at 213 Rue St-Honoré, one of the most interesting shopping experiences anywhere, an eclectic collection of fresh-off-the-runway design, fashion, gadgets and music. Men can try Charvet on Place Vendôme, the oldest and best known boutique in Paris selling top quality ties or shirts. Hermès, Lanvin on FFaubourg Saint-Honoré and Jil Sander on Avenue Montaigne are also among the best for one-stop shopping for men on the go.

At 11 Rue Royale, Lalique has become a reference throughout the world, for the beauty and quality of its Cristal designs collections, tableware to decorative glass objects. In the same area, gourmets will find the top of French delicatessen at Fauchon (Place de la Madeleine) or Granterroirs (Rue Miromesnil).

Les Grands Boulevards (Hausmann)
In the 1st and 2nd Arrondissements, this is unconditionally the most popular shopping area, home to prestigious department stores such as Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. They are remarkable for the wide range of items they sell, as well as for their 19th-century or Art Nouveau architecture (see specific section on shops). You’ll find a world of ready-to-wear, with appealing boutiques and affordable brands. You can start with a nice walk from the beautiful Opéra Palais Garnier down to the stores on Boulevard Hausmann.

Les Halles and Marais
Les Halles is similar to London’s Covent Garden. Located right in the city centre, between the Louvre and the Notre Dame, it occupies the site of Paris’ age-old markets. The shopping mall Forum des Halles features lots of distinct venues in a fascinating and crowded underground complex. It’s a good source for affordable clothing. Not far away, the Jewish neighbourhood Le Marais, with many handicraft and antique shops, is an interesting alternative. The boutique Frederic Delliaux l’Atelier (Rue du Roi de Sicile), sells mainly leather clothing, very well tailored as well as accessories and other clothing made by other designers.

Champs-Elysées
This tourist strip has lots of fast food chains, banks, airlines offices, cinemas and malls such as the futuristic Drugstore Publicis near Arc de Triomphe or Gallerie Marchande des Champs-Elysées near Georges V station. The Guerlain Parfumerie, with its turn-of-the century elegance and its curved staircase, as well as the neo-classical Virgin Megastore, a huge retail haven for recorded music and books, are worth a stop.

Along the Seine River
One of the most charming shopping activities in Paris consists of walking along the rows of bookstalls perched against the parapet of the Seine River. Here, if you have time and good bargaining skills, you may find some ancient and valuable tomes or collections of old stamps.

Le Bon Marché
The oldest and most prominent retail establishment, the top destination for fashion and style. Designer apparel for men and women, cosmetics, and house wares comprise the major departments, with an impressive food hall!
Address: 22 rue de Sèvres Underground: Line 10/12 Sèvres-Babylone
Phone: +33 (0)1 44 39 80 00
Internet: www.lebonmarche.fr

Galeries Lafayette
The most spectacular department store with its unique stained-glass dome. You will find the most prestigious designer and cosmetics labels and the largest European space entirely devoted to men’s fashion. Also home to huge toy, jewellery; house ware and delicatessen departments.
Address: 40 bd Haussmann Underground: Chaussée-d’Antin, Havre-Caumartin, Opéra
Phone: +33 (0)1 42823456
Internet: www.galerieslafayette.co

Printemps Hausmann
Like its rival Lafayette, it’s distinguished by amazing architecture and has everything from women’s, men’s, and children’s fashions. It’s a modern and trendy store. The new beauty department highlights over 200 brand names.
Address: 64, boulevard Haussmann Underground: Havre-Caumartin, RER A Auber
Phone: +33 (0)1 42826317
Internet: www.printemps.com

Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville
Less trendy yet worth mentioning, BHV has a prominent range of house wares, home improvement items, as well as useful and beautiful domestic goods. Also a decent selection of clothing and accessories.
Address: 52-54 rue de Rivoli Underground: Line 1/11 Hôtel de Ville
Phone: +33 (0)1 42749000
Internet: www.bhv.fr

Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt
This world renowned flea market on the northern part of Paris attracts over 70 000 Parisians every weekend to find terrific souvenirs from vintage clothing to antique furniture.
Address: Porte de Clignancourt Underground: Line 4 Porte de Clignacourt
Internet: www.les-puces.com

Paris Hotels

Luxury Paris Hotels

Hôtel de Crillon
One of the oldest and most exclusive hotels in the world. Overlooking the luxurious Place de la Concorde, it seduces royalty, wealthy foreigners, diplomats on expense accounts, and movie stars…
Address: 10 Place de la Concorde, Underground: Concorde

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Hôtel Costes
Close to some of Paris’ most upscale shops, in a converted townhouse, Costes evokes the imperial heyday of Napoleon III. It’s Paris’ trendiest hotel, favourite of fashion headliners. The suites are spacious, with theme designs such as “Moroccan Nights” and more.
Address: 239 rue Saint-Honoré Underground: Line 1 Tuileries or Concorde

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Good Value Paris Hotels

Hôtel de Fleurie
This is a nice three stars hotel in the heart of St-Germain-des-Prés. Large rooms with high ceilings, decorated in a flowery and romantic style. The many connecting rooms with two large beds are perfect for families.
Address: 32-34 rue Grégoire de Tours Underground: Line 4, 10 Odéon

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Résidence Lord Byron
Just a few steps from the Champs-Elysées, a very elegant hotel with its inner garden, typical Parisian lounge and spacious suites.
Address: 5 rue de Chateaubriand Underground: Line 1 Georges

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Hôtel du Quai Voltaire
It’s one of the best hotels for the views above the Seine. It’s also rich in history, originally a 17th abbey that was transformed into a hotel in 1856. Famous people like Wilde, Baudelaire and Wagner have stayed here. Address: 19 Quai Voltai7 Underground: RER C Musée d’Orsay

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Cheap Paris Hotels

Hotel Terminus Orleans
Offering congenial service and warm hospitality, the Inter Hotel Terminus Orleans is an ideal base to discover the town’s elegant architecture.
Address: 197 Boulevard Brune, Paris 75014

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Citea Phillipe Auguste
The Citea Philippe Auguste in Paris is a modern apartment-hotel located in a residential neighbourhood. Local attractions include the famous Pere-Lachaise cemetery, the Church of St-Germain-de-Charonne, the Piaf Museum and the Place de la Nation. Within walking distance of the hotel is the Pere Lachaise Metro station, which provides transportation to the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees. The Paris Orly Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.
Address: 12 rue Pierre Bayle, Paris 75020

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