Perfect Paris Vacation

Go ahead and splurge! See our quintessential ways to explore the City of Light, including a cruise along the River Seine, where to enjoy a classic French meal and which luxe hotels we recommend.

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River Cruise on the Seine

Spend some quality time with someone you love while you cruise along the magnificent Seine River. Thirty-seven bridges run along the river in Paris, like the Pont Alexandre III, the city’s most ornate, extravagant bridge. And if you’re lucky enough to visit Paris in summer, make sure you enjoy the three artificial beaches set up along the river. Sand, palm trees, beach chairs and chaise longues are brought in to create “Paris Beach,” which is usually set up from late July to mid-August.

Eiffel Tower

Explore the City of Light by taking a Paris sightseeing tour of its not-to-be-missed attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Georges Pompidou Center, Notre Dame de Paris, Basilica of the Sacre Coeur and Palais Garnier.

Bistrot Paul Bert

Looking for a traditional French bistro? Get a bite to eat at Bistrot Paul Bert, but call ahead for dinner reservations because the restaurant’s two dining rooms are always crowded at night. An impressively stocked wine cellar, cheese cart, hearty dishes and laid-back, efficient staff are all reasons why you visit this bistro. For about $50, guests have the option of getting the prix fixe, which is three courses. Inexpensive wines are on the chalkboard, whereas expensive ones are on the wine list.

Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris

Located near the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris has five restaurants, 12 categories of rooms and suites, a well-stocked mini bar in each room, a cellar with more than 35,000 bottles of wine and more! You can’t miss getting a luxurious spa treatment at the Dior Institut au Plaza Athenee, either.

Champs-Elysees Shopping

Go shopping along the Champs-Elysees. This area has a little something for everyone. Big spenders can shop at high-end shops like Hugo Boss, Christian Louboutin, Swarovski and Peugeot Avenue Paris. And there are more reasonably priced spots for frugal shoppers like Gap. Take a break from shopping in Paris and visit the Arc de Triomphe or indulge yourself at a nearby restaurant -- you’ll instantly realize why this is a prime area for people watching.

Le Meurice

Stay at the five-star Le Meurice Paris, where all rooms and suites feature a private entrance, private bar with refrigerator, twice daily maid service, digital interactive television system, traditional shoeshine service and more. For $128, the hotel’s wine tasting allows guests the chance to savor the best French wines, picked by the head sommelier. This hotel is just a short walk away from a few tourist attractions, including the Louvre, Place de La Concorde and Musee d’Orsay.

Tuileries Palace and Garden

Visitors to the Tuileries Palace and Garden instantly realize why this crowded spot is THE place to be in the spring and summer. During the weekend, it’s not uncommon to see locals lying on the lawn and chatting with friends while thousands walk through the gardens and the palace’s grounds. After the death of her husband Henri II in 1559, Catherine de Medicis had the palace built, featuring a large Italian-style garden to remind her of her home in Tuscany.

Casino de Paris

Contrary to what the name might suggest, Casino de Paris is a well-known music and performance hall, and not a gambling casino. After it was built in 1730, the building served many purposes, including being used as a fireworks display venue, before it was converted into a cinema and music hall. African-American actress and singer Josephine Baker was one of many notable people to perform at Casino de Paris.

Four Seasons Hotel George V

Experience the elegant charm of the Four Seasons Hotel George V, located just steps away from the Champs-Elysees. Swim a few laps in the indoor pool, enjoy eating a classic French meal at Le Cinq restaurant or get a four-hands massage at the spa. For families in Paris, the hotel provides babysitting services as well as a staff on-hand to provide personalized programs for younger guests both in the hotel and around Paris.

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Paris

Perfect Paris Vacation

Related To:

Shop This Look

River Cruise on the Seine

Eiffel Tower

Bistrot Paul Bert

Hotel Plaza Athenee Paris

Champs-Elysees Shopping

Le Meurice

Tuileries Palace and Garden

Casino de Paris

Four Seasons Hotel George V

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