Paris Luxury City Guide: Paris has long been the city where "it" began, from art to music and possibly most notably fashion. The entire world holds it breath to see what comes out Paris and then follows its architecture, cuisine, and other art forms.
Divided into quarters, Paris' Right and Left Banks each have distinctive neighborhoods or arrondissements, that hold true to their historic roots even as the city moves ever forward.
The Right Bank is home to such landmarks as: the Châtelet-Les-Halles / Hôtel de Ville, Le Louvre / Palais Royal, Opéra, Saint-Honoré / Place Vendôme / Concorde, Les Champs-Élysées, Montmartre / Bas-de-Montmartre, Gare de l'Est / Gare du Nord, La Bastille and Le Marais, The Left bank tends to be better known for its scholastic and artistic landmarks, including: Saint-Germain-des-Prés / Faubourg Saint-Germain, Odéon / Saint-Michel, Invalides / École Militaire / Eiffel Tower / Quai d'Orsay, Montparnasse / Denfert-Rochereau.
City Scene:
The Champs-Elysees is amongst the most famous streets in the world, if not the most famous. Extending into the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees is bordered by the world's most luxurious specialty shops as well as chic cafes and a few cinemas. The origins of the Champs-Elysees dates back to the 1600s and Marie Antoinette herself was driven along its exclusive cobblestoned street. In modern times, The Champs-Elysees is home to luxury fashion empires including Cartier and Louis-Vuitton amongst others. The high rent and exclusivity of the area make it a luxury shoppers dream.
Another high-end neighborhood in ever-fashionable Paris is the Place Vendome, which is centered around the Hotel Ritz. Within the Place Vendome is the Triangle d'Or of jewelers, as well as luxury fashion boutiques. Nearby is also the Place de la Concorde, and the western end of the Louvre's Jardin des Tuilerie, with its famous fountains and Egyptian obelisk. The neighborhood was once home to such famous French personages as composer Frédéric François Chopin as well as Coco Chanel herself.
Must Sees & Do's:
A city with as much history as Paris is filled with attractions, from palaces to museums and more.
The Eiffel Tower is Paris' most recent monument, built in the late 19th century. The iron tower has become a symbol of Paris, located near the Seine River. At 324 m (1,063 ft) high, the Tower is one of the most recognizable architectural feats in the world. The observation deck on top is accessible by stairs as well as elevators. The tower is also home to two restaurants, Altitude 95 and Michelin starred Jules Verne, an expensive gastronomical restaurant on the second floor, with a private lift currently under the hand of world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse.
The Louvre is the world's most famous museum in the world. Take a tour of the Louvre to see some of the famous museum's best-known masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa. Originally a fortress transformed into a palace, the Louvre and its surrounding gardens is one of the world's most popular attractions, home to many of the world's most beloved artworks, as well as new exhibits.
Notre Dame Cathedral, located on the Ile de la Cité, at the historical centre of Paris, is one of the best known churches in the world. Open every day of the year, the cathedral still holds daily services but is also open for tourists who wish to look at the art and history of the landmark rather than pray. Free of charge, the church is home to architecture, sculptures, paintings, stained glass, history and its towers and crypt are also open to exploration.
Wining and Dining:
As some of the world's best cuisine can be found in Paris, be sure to eat your way through the city at some of these establishments:
Le Meurice restaurant has 3 Michelin stars. In addition to the finest cuisine, it also offers luxurious views of the Tuileries Gardens near Le Louvre in its Versailles-inspired environment. In this elegant setting, Chef Yannick Alléno combines local Paris favorites with exotic ingredients in a variety of menus and with a very impressive array of wines and champagnes.
Also indulge in some of Paris' famous pastries while stopping in a bakery like Maison Kayser in the Latin Quarter. Eric Kayser is best known for his flaky croissants and his breakfasts are some of the best in the city.
At night, head out to Place Vendome and Faubourg St.-Honoré. While the shopping is amazing by day, at night try the Hemingway Bar in the Hotel Ritz. Also check out Hotel Costes, where fashionistas gather for before-dinner drinks. Paris at night is also partial to jazz, and you can find it nightly at the Man Ray on the Champs-Elysees, a club partially owned by Johnny Depp.
For the VIP:
While in Paris, experience all the city has to offer with some of these unique services designed especially for very important guests to the city.
Paris Personal Shopper can help you sort through the astonishing array of boutiques in the city and hone in on the ones that are right for you, not to mention translate.
Get through Paris' famous traffic in a Chauffeured Services car. From airport pick-up to heading outside the city, luxuriate with Chauffeured Services.
Spark Services creates special events with a French flavor. If you have a special occasion or event, let them help you celebrate in style.
The JustLuxe City Guides have been created for you, our discerning readers, to highlight the most sophisticated, the most popular and the most elegant locations in every destination.
Our local concierge continuously strives to ensure we feature the best of the best in luxury services, dining, hotels and more. Every city offers new things to enjoy, cultures to immerse yourself in and sights to see. We have sought out the best places to see, be seen or just be.
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