FEATURED LUXURY HOTELS & RESORTS Paris

Luxé City Guide: Paris

Luxury Hotels in Paris

The Ambassador-Concorde is located in the Opera Corner on Paris' Right Bank. It is a classically nostalgic hotel with a 1920s art deco touch throughout. Its location offers great proximity to many of Paris' finest treasures, such as the Galeries La Fayette, and the Louvre Museum. Le Meurice is in the center of Paris and no more than a 45-minute drive from the major airports. Go to the seventh floor and check out the Belle Etoile Suite. The panoramic view is stunning. This could be the place where the pictures were snapped for nearly every city-view postcard of Paris. The Appartement de Ville is an alternative to a traditional hotel, offering short- and long-term accommodations to travelers in all surrounding areas of Paris. Experience the thrill of having your own loft in Paris or a nearby arrondissement. It is as simple as visiting the Web site and completing a form.

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Best Restaurants in Paris

Les Ambassasdeurs offers outdoor dining featuring dishes prepared by award-winning chefs. Formal attire only is required. The restaurant is located in the Hotel de Crillon. The Alain Ducasse in Plaza Athenee is located in one of the most recognized luxury hotels worldwide. The restaurants' reputation is based upon its exemplary French cuisine. Chef Ducasse also owns a restaurant in Monaco. He is a three-time recipient of Michelin's highly valued Six-Star Chef award. Delicious traditional and contemporary dishes are found at the Taillevent. The prestigious establishment also has received several Michelin awards.

To Do in Paris

See Paris with a little help from some professional sources. France Tourisme offers packages where guests can experience their own slice of Paris. Dine at the Eiffel Tower, cruise the Seine Lake, and then be chauffeured to the Champs Elysees to see a show at the Lido of Paris. Logic Way offers a tour through the city with each tourist driving an electronic Segway PT (personal transporter). Tours from one to four hours are available. A 20-minute orientation on operating the electronic scooter also is included. Le Marina de Paris combines dining and sightseeing with its lunch and dinner cruises. Guests cruise the River Seine and see the Eiffel Tower, the Concorde Square, the Louvre, Pont-Neff, and more.

Notes on Paris

A lot of the nightlife in Paris centers on clubs featuring jazz music. The Man Ray is a popular club on the Champs Elysee that is partially owned by Johnny Depp, John Malkovich, and Sean Penn. Live jazz is played four nights weekly, and music is provided by a DJ after 11 p.m. nightly. L'Arbuci is another regarded club that features live jazz.

A tour may be an excellent way to become familiar with a lot of Paris in a short period of time. The Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau has a list of companies specializing in sightseeing, bicycling, boating, arts, and cultural tours. The Practical Paris section of the Web site is a must-read for first-time visitors.

Written by staff writers of JustLuxé

Additional information:

Getting There: The airport is 14 miles (23km) north east of Paris. Contacts: Tel: +33 (0)1 48 62 2280. Transfer between terminals: The three terminals are linked by free shuttle buses. Transfer to the city: There is a good train service (RER B) that serves the airport with connections to the Paris Metro. Taxis are available on arrival at each terminal. Car rental: All major car rental companies are represented. Facilities: There are ATMs, banks and bureaux de change in all terminals as well as a wide selection of shops, restaurants and bars. Internet facilities and wireless Internet access are also available. Website: www.adp.fr

Why? Paris has always headed the must-see list for anyone contemplating a European holiday because it embodies style and charm and offers a variety of unique attractions, both ancient and modern.

When? Travel to Paris at any time of year and it will be a holiday to remember. The city is notorious for its sudden rain showers, which can occur in summer or winter, but it is always possible to retreat indoors to explore the galleries of the Louvre, or perhaps experience the majesty of Notre Dame Cathedral, before emerging into the sunshine again to enjoy coffee and pastries at a pavement café. Many locals escape Paris in August when the heat can be oppressive and many restaurants close.

Who for? This beautiful city brings out the romance in every soul. Art lovers, style buffs and gourmets are particularly well catered for if they holiday in Paris, while sightseers can indulge in world-famous attractions like the Eiffel Tower. Families with children enjoy the fantastic delights of EuroDisney, which is within easy reach of the city.

Language: French is the official language.

Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to three months.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com