It’s just over a week since I returned from my city break in beautfiul Paris! It really is everything you imagine and this post will show you my favourite places to stay, shop, eat and see. Before my trip, I spent a full day researching the best parts of Paris (I’m a a freak when it comes to planning & organising) so it’s great to be able to share a Paris Travel Guide with you guys now. Whether you’re planning a trip this year or for sometime in the future, this guide will always be here on Retro Flame for you to have a look at.

1. HOTELS

When it comes to finding city hotels, it can often be a little stressful so here is some information about the hotel I stayed in and also some other good (and reasonably priced) hotel suggestions in the Saint Germain Area.

Hotel Saint Jacques – As soon as I arrived into this hotel, I just knew we had made the right choice. It’s a hotel full of romantic, Parisian decor, lots of chandeliers and with just 36 boutique rooms -it’s the perfect little hideaway. In regards to location, it couldn’t have been better. It’s located in the Saint Germain area and really close to the train station that brings you directly from the airport and also to nearby metro stops. I couldn’t recommend it more!

Other hotels that are nearby and also look quite good are Hotel Claude Bernard & Hotel Delavigne. Both are reasonably priced and are beautifully decorated (my main requirement from a hotel).

                                                                               2. SHOPPING

A trip to Paris wouldn’t be a successful one without checking out all the wonderful shopping areas, boutiques, department stores and vintage shops. It’s full to the brim of inspiration and it’s a city where window-shopping is like no other!

Shopping Areas

Champs Eyysees – A must-see street. Full of high-end stores such as Louis Vuitton, Chloe, YSL and other popular stores such as Sephora and Zara.
Haussman / Opera – A bustling area which is home to two of the most famous department stores in Paris – Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. There are also lots of high-street stores in this area too.
Le Marais – My favourite! Full of amazing vintage stores, cute boutiques and many stores showcasing the the work of up and coming designers.
Saint Germain des Pres – A beautiful area to explore. You can check out the well-known department store, Le Bon Marche or wander between the cute gift, vintage and book stores.
Les Halles & Rue de Rivoli – Well known for it’s huge underground shopping centre, Le Forum des Halles and also for it’s quirky boutiques all along Rue Montorgueil.

Vintage Shopping

*Free P Star – 8 Rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie & 61 Rue de la Verrerie
Frip’irium – 2 Rue Verrerie
King of Frip – 33 Rue du Roi de Sicile
*Coiffeur Vintage – 32 Rue de Rosiers
Vintage by Ramin – 17 Rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie
Pretty Box – 46 Rue de Saintonge
Episode – 14/16 Rue Tiquetonne
*Chine Machine – Rue la Vieuville

(The ones with a * were my favourites.)

3.DINING

There’s no possible way you can spend some time in Paris, without indulging in their sweet treats, macaroons & amazing coffee!

Cafe’s

Cafe de Flore – This famous cafe on Boulevard de Saint Germain is genuinely like something out of a movie!
Rose Bakery – There’s a few of these around the city and are well worth a visit.
Le Coquelicot des Absesses – Great for breakfast or brunch.
Mamie Gateau -Lots of cakes & sweet treats.
Le Maison Rose – Great pasta dishes, crepes & hot chocolates. The adorable pink and green exterior will immediately draw you in.

Macaroons

Pierre Herme – The BEST macaroons in Paris! Be sure to try the praline one -it’s to die for.
Angelina – Great for macaroons, cakes and hot chocolate.
Gerard Mulot – We found this on out first day on Rue de Seine (love this street) and their giant sized hazelnut macaroon was honestly the best thing I’ve ever eaten. You will not regret a trip to this sweet treat heaven!

Restaurants

Cafe Pierre – Amazing decor and beautiful food.
Peres des Filles -Expensive but typically french.
(Chatelet is a great area to eat in at night.)

Cocktail Bar

Kong -Such a fun bar with amazing cocktails.

4.SIGHTSEEING

Lets just say there is A LOT to see in Paris and these sights definitely won’t disappoint. If your time in Paris is short, be sure to map out exactly where you want to go (metro stops, distances, etc.) and this will ensure you will be able to fit a huge amount in.

Here are my Top 10 sightseeing recommendations:

1. Take a walk up the big hill to Montmartre where you will have the most amazing views of Paris.
2. Visit the Luxembourg Gardens and watch the world go by.
3. Go to the Love Lock Bridge and attach your very own love/friendship lock followed by throwing away the key.
4. Visit the Lourve and see the Mona Lisa.
5. Go for a walk through Tuileries Gardens (to work off all those macaroons).
6. Go on a champagne cruise on the River Seine and see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.
7. Climb all those crazy steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe or take the lift to the top of the Eiffel Tour.
8. Visit and explore Palace de Versailles.
9. Explore Notre Dame.
10….and walk, walk, walk and get lost! The best places are always the ones you just accidentally find!

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“Paris is always a good idea” -Audrey Hepburn
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I really hope you’ve enjoyed this and have found it useful! If you do get a chance to visit some of the places I’ve just suggested -I’d love to know what you think! Feel free to tag me on Instagram or Twitter and make me jealous!

Until next time Paris,

Stylishly Yours,

Erika x