Where better to begin than PARIS! I've traveled to Paris many times, and over the years I have come to realise what a tremendous city it is. It's warm and magnetic. It feeds. You can feel the streets feeding you as you walk. If New York is the city that never sleeps, Paris is the city that feeds your soul. It easily fits into the top five cities in the world and on any trip, long or short, it is easy to see why. It can't be denied that Paris is expensive, especially its notoriously expensive hotel scene, but if you're savvy and thorough you can enjoy the city on any budget, choosing to splash out and save where necessary. Here, as promised, is my top five of five...... Enjoy!
EAT
Chez Andre
This classic french restaurant is truly superb. The service and quality are second to none. It is excellently located. Filled with mainly French locals (always a good sign) and savvy tourists, this restaurant should be your first point of call in Paris. (12 rue Marbeuf, 75008, Paris. T +33(0)147205957 E restaurant@chez-andre.com)
I discovered this lovely restaurant by chance. I was with my Dad and we had arrived late, so we decided to have a little wander. I cannot recommended this restaurant more highly. Excellent modern french cuisine with beautiful surroundings. Placed slap bang in the middle of the Ave. George V you would think this restaurant warranted extortionate prices (there are some items on the menu that are truly eye-watering), but, if you go for the very reasonably priced tasting menu, you will not be dissapointed. The menu changes daily and the head chef, Flora Mikula 'mixes her Provencal roats with influences from her many travels to create a unique style that combines Mediterranean sensibilities with ethnic flavors'. All I can say is GO, GO, GO! (36 ave. George v, 75008, Paris. T +33(0)140701049)
This Paris institute opened in 1912, and has been serving traditional French food ever since. The arthetype Parisian Brasserie, Chez Benoit is the ideal place to sit and soak up the local atmosphere. Alan Ducasse (Plaza Athenne and The Dorcester) acquired the restaurant in 2005, and he has taken the restaurant from strength to strength. (20 rue Saint-Martin, 75004 Paris. T +33(0)142722576)
Macaroons, Macaroons, Macaroons! What else is there to say. The best macaroons in Paris, LaDuree established itself on the Rue Royale in 1862. The new Salon de The on the Champs-Elysees opened in 1997 and by far is the most spectacular tea salon in Paris. On the weekends the restaurant can get very busy, but you can always queue and grab a take out macaroon from their separate cake deli. (75 ave. des Champs-Elysees, 75008, Paris. T +33(0)140750875)
SLEEP
Champs-Elysees Plaza
The Champs-Elysees Plaza is a luxury boutique hotel situated on the Rue de Beri, just a stones throw from the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. I've stayed here a couple of times and this to me is by far the best value luxury hotel in Paris. The interior, location and service are outstanding without the astronomical 'Palace Hotel' prices. All the rooms are generously sized for Paris, with sumptuous fabrics, soft furnishings, beautiful wallpapers, Frette bedlinen and Hermes bath products. (35 rue de Beri, 75008 Paris. T +33(0)153532020 E reservation@champselyseesplaza.com)
Beautiful but pricey.... This Paris landmark has had its doors open since 1911 and its easy to see why. The elegantly opulent interiors are a feast for the eyes. When I stayed I could have spent many hours wandering the corridors. La Cour Jardin is an oasis in the middle of the hotel where you can sit and take tea after a hard afternoon shopping at the boutiques of avenue Montaigne. Le Bar is still a magnificent bar and is definite for any hip visitor to the city. You never know who you might be sitting with, and you feel that any second Karl Lagerfeld or the late Christian Dior might pop by. The rooms are as you might imagine. Some can be small but this is the compromise you take for the creme de la creme. (25 ave. Montaigne, 75008 Paris. T +33(0)153676665)
A world classic! The lobby and its famous flower arrangements are some of the best I have seen anywhere in the world and a stand alone attraction. The rooms are spacious and modern, with luxury underpinning every aspect of the design. From the bathrooms, to the beds, everything breathes elegance. Again, as this is a 5 star 'Palace' hotel the prices can go through the roof.... It is fantastic and if you can afford it, you should lodge nowhere else in the city. But if the 700 euro price tag is beyond you, as it is with me, pop in for tea or a cocktail to soak up the legendary atmosphere. The staff are very friendly and a martini or two will hit the spot. (31 ave. George V, 75008 Paris. T +33(0)149527000)
Unique! This Christian Lacroix designed boutique is a joy. The rooms are stunning with individual design being their unique selling point. The bedroom walls are a true inspiration and a feast for the eyes. They may not be for everyone, but if you like art and individualism you will LOVE Petit Moulin. The rates range from 190 euro to 350 euro, which for Paris is a bargain and if you grab a last minute deal even better. When I stayed the hotel was filled with creative types, from fashion editors for fashion week and artists for the ambiance. My room, number 16, was brill. Not massive but as the picture shows, comfortable and creative. (29-31 rue du Poitou, 75003 Paris. T +33(0)142741010)
Sleek modern elegance are the words that spring to mind when describing Hotel Le A. Sharp clean lines, with mainly black and white decor flow throughout the hotel. It's a breath of fresh air with all the stuffy chintzy hotels in Paris. An calming oasis really. With only 25 rooms, the hotel never feels full or busy and you can kick back and relax in the ample bar lounge or back in your room. I loved this hotel. The location is perfect with all the major attractions and galleries within walking distance. The staff and service are excellent, and if you're looking for a hotel with all the mod cons in a historic location, Hotel Le A is the perfect choice. (45 rue d'Artois, 75008 Paris. T +33(0)142569999)
Hotels that didn't make my top 5, but did make the top 10
Hotel Beauchamps (24 rue de Ponthieu)
Le Meurice (228 rue de Rivoli) - VERY Expensive, hence no place in the top 5, but a beautiful hotel all the same.
Hotel de Sers (41 ave. de Pierre)
Hotel de Crillon (10, place de la Concorde) - Brilliant location and Exquisite interiors.
Ritz Paris (15 Place Vendome) - Classic Parisian Palace Hotel
