Here are our top places to visit with recommendations for Paris.
Hotels
Hotel California
The California Hotel is four stars and it is located at five minutes of the Champs-Elysées street. There is a fantastic bar and a wonderful restaurant but more than anything it's the wonderful service here which has guests returning year after year.
La Maison de Champs Élysées (hotel)
So we all know that Paris is synonymous with Style. It's one of the undisputed centres of the fasion industry, and has a fine art pedigree that can be challenged by very few other cities, with its old world European grandeur, matched only by its stylish urban modernity. The La Maison de Champs Élysées is, as the name suggests, positioned right off the most famous boulevard in the city, not to mention the world. It's part of Paris's 'Golden Triangle' and as such, it fits into the strict and very beautiful 19th century architectural rules set down by Napoleon. Yet, once you step inside, modern Paris hits you right between the eyes. After all, it was recently remodelled by none other than the darling of the Fasion world Martin Margiela (his first interior project). It is playful, whimsical, quirky and sophisticated - deconstructing standard proportions with beautiful lashings of monochrome and design features throughout the property. With just 57 intimate rooms and attentive, polished service it is a fitting tribute to what was once the home of the Duchess of Rivoli
Restaurants
The Pur' - Jean-François Rouqette
The Pur’ – Jean-François Rouqette is a 1 Michelin star restaurant in Paris. Various menus are possible with fish or meat. It is located ten minutes from the Champs-Elysées and, if you stay at my recommended hotel, ten minutes by bicycle. Why not try rent a Velib (free city bike) on the way there to beat the traffic and look like a local!
Attractions
Château de Versailles (Versailles Castle)
It’s the second most visited attraction in France. Located several kilometres from the city centre and accessible by RER train, it was the home of the French King. It's gardens are a must see, but it is the Hall of Mirrors which is my favourite. It was to here that the insurgents marched from the centre of Paris to demand the head of Marie-Antoinette; bring your own cake!
La Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower)
It’s the third most visited attraction in France. It’s a instantly recognisable symbol of France throughout the world. From there you can enjoy “le champ de Mars” garden and if you ascend to the top you can have a fabulous view of Paris - try to get there early to beat the lines!
Le Musée de Picasso (Picasso Museum)
The Picasso Museum was closed for over eight years for significant renovations. It reopened in 2016 and the result of the renovations, despite the politics involved in such a project, have produced phenomenal results. You will walk amongst many of Picasso's most famous signature pieces and periods. Very highly recommended! I suggest advance purchase of tickets because demand is very high.
Le Musée de la Légion d'Honneur et des Ordres de la Chevalerie (The Museum of the Legion of Honor and the Orders of Chivalry)
In front of the Orsay Museum, just behind the RER Station, you can go to the "Musée de la Légion d'Honneur et des Ordres de la Chevalerie". There you'll find a huge collection of medals from many differents countries and a permanent exibition about the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits (also accessible to foreigners). You should check if one of your ancestors were suitably honoured on the register of the museum. The museum is free off charge. This is a wonderful, little-visited museum and is a must for anyone interested in WW1 or WW2 history.
