Paris is always a good idea, so they say. There isn’t really a bad time of the year to visit the French capital. Here is our pick of where to eat, drink, and stay — and what to see this summer.
LessLe Grand Mazarin is the latest outpost from the Maisons Pariente group and opened its Martin Brudnizki-designed doors last September in the Marais with all sorts of bells and whistles including a winter garden, an indoor swimming pool, and a secret cabaret bar.
Discover an intimate and exclusive Parisian stay at Cinabre Suites, discreetly located on a private street in the 9th arrondissement. Fashioned by a luxury brand, this new concept features only two carefully curated rooms, where you can enjoy amenities like hot water, a hi-fi system, signature cocktails, and impeccable French hospitality.
Château Voltaire is a very personal project. Thierry Gillier wanted to give back to Paris a little of what this city had given him by creating a place that brings together and celebrates everything that makes the capital so magical and its power of attraction unique in the world: historical depth, meaningful beauty, hospitality and celebration, good taste, ideas, culture, elegance, refinement and the art de vivre.
Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers offers innovative design, a great rooftop bar and restaurant, hidden behind a classic Haussmannian facade in the Marais.
Hôtel Madame Rêve has found its home within the magnificent former Louvre Post Office, an opulent address in the heart of the first arrondissement. Under the artistic direction of Laurent Taïeb, this exceptional hotel has revived its Second Empire interiors to their former glory, while adding modern touches like a rooftop 'forest garden' with a bar and 360° views. Discover retro wood-lined rooms offering glimpses of iconic monuments, and a penthouse Japanese restaurant.
Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is an intimate address in the 18th, a haven of greenery and the former home of the Hermes family — it’s a slice of the French countryside in Paris.
Les Enfants du Marché has been around for a while. What is new is the menu. Everyday. What's great is the vibe: casual, yet elegant with counter and high-top dining. On a sunny day, it can't be beaten, with excellent people watching and a cool team whipping up creative seasonal food not seen on every menu. Expect dishes such as asparagus with stracciatella and an apple-like citrus compote, alongside natural and conventional wines. Allow yourself at least an hour and a half here.
Located within the iconic Grand Palais, Le Grand Café opened its doors on May 9th, 2025, offering a sophisticated reimagining of the traditional Parisian brasserie, envisioned by renowned French interior architect Dirand. The ambience is set by a brick-toned colour scheme, luxurious velvet banquettes, rich wood panelling, and subtly aged mirrors. Expect servers in white jackets, and live jazz from a charming stage beneath the impressive 60-foot ceilings.
Every meal at Bistrot des Tournelles feels like the best meal ever. Classic French dishes are executed to perfection. Every meat dish is followed by Michelin-grade “au jus”, and you get as much jus as you want. There are two side dish choices of frites or puréed potatoes - choose BOTH. A selection of beautiful natural wines with a focus on the Beaujolais region. The Bistrot des Tournelles opened in 2022 and was named “Best Bistro of 2023” by Le Fooding.
Bistrot Paul Bert in the 11th arrondissement delivers dishes like a delicate feuilleté of calf sweetbreads with mushrooms, and a flavorful roast venison accompanied by cranberries and celeriac purée. Expect generous and tasty plates prepared without unnecessary fuss, but be sure to save room for the irresistible rum baba!
Chez George on Rue du Mail in the 2nd arrondissement is an institution and probably our favourite restaurant in Paris. A menu penned in purple ink, a service that's both friendly and attentive, cheerful wines, and an owner who treats every guest like a cherished friend – this is the essence. Add to that clear, comforting cuisine crafted from quality, well-sourced ingredients, and a shimmering decor featuring moleskin benches, wall moldings, and a vast pewter counter.
Aux Deux Amis is the quintessential Parisian wine bar you imagine: softly lit, with red-backed mirrored walls and a classic awning shading bistro tables, all bearing the charming marks of time. Despite its name ("between two friends"), the atmosphere buzzes with the energy of a lively gathering. Expect friendly encounters and shared drinks in this perpetually packed spot, where vinyl stools at the bar and standing room in between are the norm.
Septime is possibly the hardest table to book in Paris, but worth the effort. The restaurant sources over 90% of its ingredients from within France with a focus on vegetables, whole animals, and natural wine. Despite its decade-lasting success, both the cuisine and the wines are still reasonably priced. The decor, service, and overall mood of the restaurant are very chill and relaxed, rather than your typical fine-dining cuisine.
The Musée National Picasso is our favourite museum in Paris, located in the Marais. You can discover a collection of 5,000 works of the Spanish artist and the artists that he worked alongside.