Paris is a city that I have been to many times and always enjoy. Whether it is the restaurant scene, the nightlife, the architecture, parks, or just walking around the city, I always have a great time.
On this visit, I am arriving by car during my European road trip so I am already off to a different start and that includes the hotel. The hotel I chose is the St. James Paris. This 5-star luxury hotel is like a mini-oasis with its tranquil setting in the Rive Droite neighborhood and just a short walk to Arc de Triomphe and Trocadéro. The gates open a fountain and beautiful estate like mansion. This hotel used to be the grounds for an aerodrome, a place where balloons were launched and you see this in the décor. Everywhere you look here, you find something that catches your eye from the lobby, to the luxurious dining room, to the bar, and right to the room. Entering the room, you see a large mirrored glass room with skylights that resembles a beautiful greenhouse. The grounds, the food, and the service are all exceptional here and this is an amazing place to stay during my visit.
For dinner, I visit La Bauhinia, a fine dining restaurant at the Shangri-La hotel that features a “unique blend of French and South-East Asian culinary inspirations.” The food here is amazing and you dine under a beautiful glass cupola. I highly recommend this wonderful dining experience and will return. After dinner, I dance the night away at Queen nightclub.
The next day, I walk the city and visit Tuileries Garden, Galleries Lafayette, Champs-Élysées, do a little shopping, and take a break at the rooftop at a rooftop bar with a great view of the city. Galleries Lafayette is worth a visit to see the breathtaking dome in the main department store and there is a lot to see, do, and of course buy here!
Later that evening, I am booked for dinner at Jules Verne Restaurant in the Eiffel Tower at the perfect time to catch a beautiful sunset and I am not disappointed. The visit starts with a trip up the Eiffel Tower where the low light illuminates structure with warmth. This Michelin Star awarded restaurant lives up to its rating with a delicious multi-course meal and service that were impeccable. Then there are the views of Paris and the most amazing sunset I have seen in the city. It is easy to see why they call Paris the city of light. This night was truly unforgettable and one of the best dining experiences I have had.
The next day, it is time to visit the Louvre, one of the most famous museums in the world. I recommend buying your tickets before arriving to the museum to avoid the lines. This place is huge but I manage to see all the highlights including the omnipresent Mona Lisa painting. The crushing crowd here is a bit much but this is something you should not miss.
That night, I have dinner at the Buddha-Bar Paris. This is more than just a place to eat, it is an experience. The Asian style restaurant combines exquisite culinary delights with visuals and sounds, to deliver an eclectic dining experience. Here I am joined by my great friend Anja and we have an amazing evening.
The next night, I visit Maison Blanche Panoramic Restaurant. The restaurant features outstanding views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. The atmosphere was very serene and perfect for a romantic dinner or having conversation with a friend and on this night, I am joined again by Anja. We enjoyed the food and the service was excellent. This would be an ideal spot to enjoy during a summer night on the terrace.
Later that night, it is time for drinks at the lively Bar Kleber in the Peninsula Hotel. This place is gorgeous, the drinks are great, and there is live music and dancing well into the night. Au Revoir Paris – that wraps up another amazing visit to the city of light – I cannot wait to be back!
