Taking time away from the rigors of running a business can feel daunting, especially for those who thrive on momentum. As part of my own self-care journey, I’ve come to realize that prioritizing time off from work is just as important as dedicating yourself to your business. For me, stepping away from work for a few days or a week does a lot to boost my creativity and productivity. Entrepreneurs, especially, need moments of tranquility to maintain resilience.
My Paris Travel Guide
This summer I decided to take my vacation in one of my favorite countries – France. Paris was the first stop on my trip, which I later paired with a visit to Crillon and St Tropez. Since I knew the South of France would be quieter and more laid back, I wanted to kick off my trip with a more dynamic city with even more things to do and see.
“Paris is the perfect city for staying active with experiences like museum visits, shopping, and many amazing casual and fine dining restaurants.” – Nancy Twine
Paris was a nice way to ease out of my hectic schedule and into a vacation that could balance activity with downtime.
If you’re considering Paris as your next vacation destination, I’ve put together a Paris travel guide (and packing list!) to help you make the most of your next trip.
Where to Stay
Whether you prefer a more immersive Airbnb experience through staying at a local’s home – or a boutique or luxury hotel experience, Paris has an abundance of lodging options to choose from. I typically prefer to stay in a hotel as opposed to an Airbnb because having on-location amenities like a gym, spa, restaurant and pool is important to me. One of the ways I narrow down where to stay is through recommendations from friends and searching the preferred hotels on the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts website. For a wider range of price options, I recommend doing a search on Expedia or Hotels.com.
For this particular trip, I reached out to a friend for hotel recommendations. I knew she frequents Paris often and has such good taste in travel lifestyle. She recommended a stay at Cheval Blanc Paris Hotel. I’d never stayed at a Cheval Blanc hotel and even though it was a pricey option, I wanted to make the most of my short time in Paris (before heading off to Crillon) and celebrate recent milestones with a very special hotel experience.
Here’s a glimpse of my experience staying at Cheval Blanc Paris and why I chose to splurge at this hotel:
Fantastic Views
From my window, I could perfectly see the Seine Riverscape and the Eiffel Tower which made for a very scenic stay. Despite being close to so much going on, the hotel room was incredibly quiet and peaceful.
Exceptional Dining
The hotel has two amazing French gastronomy and seafood dining options (Le Tout-Paris and Langosteria) that make it really seamless to enjoy a wonderful dinner without needing to leave the hotel.
Detail, Detail, Detail
Every detail, from the personalized concierge to the thoughtfully curated amenities made every aspect of my stay enjoyable and stress-free.
Wellness Retreat
The Dior Spa at Cheval Blanc is stunning and offers a wide array of spa treatments in a tranquil and elevated setting. I highly recommend the facial sculpting massage. Not only was it relaxing, my face looked more contoured and glowy after the treatment.
Cultural Immersion
With its proximity to cultural landmarks, like the 2-minute walk to the Louvre Museum, I seamlessly transitioned from a cocoon of comfort to the vibrant tapestry of Parisian life.
My stay at the Cheval Blanc Paris Hotel exceeded my expectations and really enhanced my Paris stay. You often pay for what you get, and while pricey, this elevated hotel experience allowed me to truly relax and reset without having to worry about a thing.
What to Do
I really wanted my recent Paris trip to be an immersive one, so I made sure to add to my agenda things like museum visits, shopping in charming districts, and sightseeing. Here’s a curated list of some of my favorite experiences that encapsulate the essence of Paris:
Immerse Yourself in Art and History:
The Louvre Museum: I love this museum because it has one of the most extensive collections of art masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. A downside to this museum is that it’s a main tourist attraction and can get incredibly crowded, so I recommend being mindful of peak hours and leveraging a guide to help you navigate the museum’s vastness efficiently.
Musée d’Orsay: This museum is located in a former railway station and showcases Impressionist and Post-Impressionist gems by artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
Centre Pompidou: This contemporary art museum features eclectic modern art, including works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Dalí.
Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles): Revel in the opulence of Louis XIV’s royal residence, exploring grand architecture, lush gardens, and historical significance.
Retail Therapy in Iconic Districts:
Avenue Montaigne: This destination is a must-visit for high-end shopping. It’s a one stop Avenue for all of the premiere luxury designer shops and boutiques.
Champs-Élysées: This is one of the most well known streets in Paris for shopping. It offers a nice mix of luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and cafes.
Le Marais: This very charming district is filled with chic fashion boutiques, vintage shops, art galleries, and concept stores. If you’re looking to shop for more unexpected items and gifts, this would be my choice shopping district to explore.
Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché, and Printemps: These iconic Parisian department stores offer a variety of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands under one roof. If you’re in a time crunch to shop or prefer to shop in a more central location, I recommend exploring these well curated department stores. It’s also a great way to spend part of the day in inclement weather.
Activities Beyond Shopping and Museums:
Seine Boat Ride: There are a few tour companies that offer private boat rides along the Seine River where you can enjoy scenic views of iconic bridges and landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. I really enjoyed my boat tour – it was a great way to get some really beautiful scenic photos and enjoy the moving view over a glass of wine.
Food Tour: I did my first Paris food tour on my most recent trip and recommend it as a way to get more immersed in the Paris food scene. I loved being able to explore different neighborhoods and sample local specialties like cheeses, chocolates, jams, and sausages at small markets, bistros, and patisseries.
Walking Tour: The weather during my summer trip to Paris was perfect and not too hot to spend walking during the day. There’s so much to see and do, and if the weather allows, I recommend spending some time exploring historic sites, like the Arc de Triomphe and Sacré-Cœur, by foot.
Where to Eat
Luckily for me, Paris is a haven for culinary enthusiasts. Whether you’re into French cuisine or not, there are so many incredible restaurants that expand beyond local specialities. Here’s a list of some of my favorite dining picks that I enjoyed during my most recent trip:
Paris Lunch Picks:
L’Avenue (Neighborhood: 8th Arrondissement)
• Trendy and upscale Parisian restaurant with stylish ambiance.
• Incredible French and Thai cuisine.
• Menu favorites: spicy tuna tartare, tom yam, and Chilean sea bass.
LouLou (Neighborhood: 1st Arrondissement)
• Nestled within the Musée des Arts Contemporary French cuisine with a sophisticated ambiance
• Menu highlights: tempura zucchini flowers, beef carpaccio, scampi ravioli.
Le Jules Verne (Neighborhood: 7th Arrondissement)
• Michelin-starred restaurant on the Eiffel Tower with stunning views of Paris.
• Incredible French cuisine with artistic presentation.
• Recommended: ravioli (mushroom, spinach, cream), cider soup.
Girafe (Neighborhood: 7th Arrondissement)
• Vibrant restaurant blending international flavors with French influences.
• Lively atmosphere at a moderate price point.
• Menu favorites: the lobster salad, seabream, and cod with roasted clams.
Paris Fine Dining Dinner Picks:
Langosteria (Neighborhood: 1st Arrondissement)
• Located within the Cheval Blanc Paris hotel, specializing in seafood.
• Exquisite dishes in a refined and elegant setting.
• Must-try: warm seafood salad, blue lobster “alla catalana,” Breton royal spiny lobster, tiramisu.
Le Christine (Neighborhood: 6th Arrondissement)
• Sophisticated restaurant offering gourmet French cuisine with a creative touch.
• Refined dining experience in an intimate and charming atmosphere.
• Highlights: beefsteak tomato with elderberry vinegar, pollock with zucchini flowers, Pistachio brownie.
Monsieur Bleu (Neighborhood: 16th Arrondissement)
• Located in the Palais de Tokyo, it offers upscale French cuisine.
• Chic and stylish setting with incredible Eiffel Tower views.
• Favorite dishes: fresh string beans salad, poppy-sesame seed-crusted tuna tataki, spicy marinated beef, bourbon vanilla napoleon.
Le Tout-Paris (Neighborhood: 1st Arrondissement)
• Within the Cheval Blanc Paris hotel, serving fine French cuisine.
• A sophisticated dining experience with meticulous attention to detail.
• Highlights (tasting menu may vary): Langoustine Dumpling, Octopus with Vierge Sauce, Lamb with Smoked Green Sabayon.
To help you pack smart and efficiently for your next Paris trip, I’ve created a downloadable guide with all the summer essentials. Download My Paris Packing List below and add it to the Master Packing List sheet.
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