My Ultimate Guide to Paris
My favorite vintage stores to the restaurants I reserve before I even book a flight.
Welcome back to Let’s Get Dressed, a weekly newsletter where I share my endeavors in fashion - what I’m wearing, shopping, trying on, and thinking about — to give you some inspiration for the week ahead. It’s my fashion diary, except I’m actually letting you look inside.
I’m grateful to say that my work has taken me to Paris twice a year for nearly a decade. Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of places that have made a lasting impression on me—from hotels with personal touches to unique dining experiences and must-see sights. Here are some of my favorites I’ve gathered over time. Bon voyage!
Where to stay:
Hotel Balzac. Effortless but elevated, the Hotel Balzac is quintessential Parisian chic. My room felt like staying in a Parisian apartment. Located right by the Champs Élysée, this hotel is one you’ve definitely seen all over your Tiktok feeds and lives up to the hype.
Hôtel de Crillon. The crème de la crème of hospitality, the Hôtel de Crillon is rated one of the best hotels in the world and is one of my favorite stays ever. My mom and I stayed here for my first wedding dress fitting and they actually decorated my room with photos of my now husband and I and a stuffed animal for my newborn niece.
*Asterix because the below two I haven’t stayed at yet but come highly recommended!*
La Fantasie. My friend who’s a wonderful artist told me about this place, and I trust her when it comes to all things beautiful. It’s a whimsical, garden retreat placed right in the heart of Paris.
Chateau Voltaire. This hotel oozes historical significance as it’s set across three buildings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Previously the headquarters for Zadig and Voltaire (and now owned by the brands’ founders), it’s definitely become the go-to for the fashion set.
What to eat:
Restaurant DIEP. It’s not a Paris trip to me without a visit to DIEP. It’s a cultural institution my friends’ and I visit every time we’re in town. Get the coconut sticky rice for dessert.
Septime. With 1 Michelin star, Septime is one of the best meals in Paris. It’s a vegetable focused menu that’s incredible inventive in a very laid back environment. Book as far in advance as you possibly can!
L’Avant Comptoir. This is one of the most fun dining experiences, set at a standing only bar with the menu hanging from the ceiling. Go here for a midday snack.
Ferdi. The best burger in town.
Oobazt. And some of the best pizza in town!
Télescope Café. Set near the Kenzo and CELINE offices, you’ll get both a great coffee and lots of style inspiration at this beloved café. The owner is usually there preparing coffee himself - it’s a very welcoming vibe for a stop on your way to the sights.
Hemingway Bar. There’s only a few things on the menu, including martinis, hot dogs, sliders, and potato chips. It’s the perfect night cap location and located in the historic Ritz Paris.
Loulou. Loulou is always the first reservation I make when a Paris trip lands on my calendar. Located right next to the Louvre in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, there’s no better meal than Loulou’s incredible Mediterranean-inspired, food sitting outside in the gardens on a sunny day. Walk off the meal at the Tuileries Gardens right next door.
Chez Janou. Located in the Marais, Chez Janou serves world class chocolate mousse scooped out of a giant bowl for dessert. Enough said.
Where to shop:
Bobby Paris Vintage. I went here for my first time this trip and scored on a vintage pair of Celine trousers for €200. Definitely a sift, but so worth it.
Les Archives Vintage. I found an incredible vintage Chloé sequin dress last time I was there that felt like winning the lottery. The curator has such great taste and is a California transplant too! They also have an e-commerce platform and ship to the US.
THX GOD I’M A VIP Vintage. My favorite vintage store in town, the selection is organized in a rainbow and filled with gems from Missoni to Jean Paul Gaultier. I saw Greta Lee last time I was there so that’s really all the co-sign needed.
Moji Farhat Vintage. Tania Sarin and I went here right before our weddings and we both got gorgeous pieces from Dior, Mugler, and more. You have to make an appointment, so make sure you reach out ahead of time!
Merci. One of Paris’ most beloved concept shops in the Marais with a coffee shop, used book store, and an assortment of designers.
La Samaritaine. If you’re in town to splurge, go here. It’s Paris’s luxury department store (now owned by LVMH) that’s absolutely stunning with stores like Dior and Louis Vuitton.
The Broken Arm. Both a coffee shop and a store, you’ll find brands like Comme des Garçons, Jacquemus, and Marigela here. With it’s minimalist design, The Broken Arm is known for emerging designers and a more trend-driven curation.
What to see:
La Galerie Dior. I was absolutely blown away by this museum. I got to visit at the same time that I was watching The New Look (Apple TV’s drama about Christian Dior’s rise to fame), so it felt particularly special to see the history IRL. The preservation of gowns is exquisite and the museum itself is a work of art. Reservations required.
Musée de l'Orangerie. This museum is known for housing Monet’s incredible “Water Lilies” murals. There are also pieces from Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir. I love that it’s centrally located in the Place Concorde, so it’s an easy stop if your days are jam packed but you want to get some art in.
Musée Rodin. My parents used to take me here as a child and I have the most wonderful memories looking at the large sculptures in the gardens. An ideal visit on a sunny day so you can stroll the gardens and admire Rodin’s “The Thinker.”
Studio 7L. Preserved as Karl Lagerfeld’s creative hub, the 7L bookshop was founded in 1999 and houses a curation of works that embody Lagerfeld himself. The bookshop is public, but Karl’s private library-studio is kept private for friends of the house.
What are some of your favorite places in Paris? Let me know in the comments where I should visit next.
This is wonderful. Heading to Paris in a couple weeks with the family.
One of my favorite low key restaurants in the marais is Glou, not a tourist in sight ⭐️