Paris Travel Guide
How to Make the Most of Your Paris Trip with American Express Travel®
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September 18, 2025
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Few cities are more idolized for their beauty and refinement than Paris. The pale stone architecture on those wide boulevards, the dappled light bouncing off the Seine, the soaring churches, gilt-tipped palaces, and leisurely cafés all add to the magic of this French capital.
Paris continues to be a city that must be visited to be believed, providing abundant opportunities for entertainment and discovery — from museums that loom large in the art world to the hotels that ooze romance and the restaurants and markets that attract foodies. To help you plan, our Paris-based Destination Managers, Mike and Patrice, share some of their favorite things to do in Paris as well as insider hotel tips below.
Fly Air France to Paris and enjoy savings on premium seats with the International Airline Program* when you book with your Platinum Card® through Amex Travel™ for you and up to seven of your travel companions, including the newly refreshed La Première First Class. The new Air France La Premiere suite promises a private travel experience featuring five windows per seat and a chaise lounge that transforms into a two-meter bed, enhanced by personalized service and an elevated gastronomic experience. Discover original recipes with high-quality ingredients by the finest French chefs on La Premiere flights departing United States and Paris.
Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or prepaid The Hotel Collection3 bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®*.
Remember that you can explore freely with no foreign transaction fees2 on purchases made abroad.
Explore our Paris Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Where to Eat, What to Do
2American Express will not charge any foreign transaction fee on the purchases you make outside of the United States with your Card. However, there may be circumstances where ATMs or merchants charge a fee on foreign transactions.
3The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April/May) is ideal for sightseeing and sampling the outdoor café culture. Tourism peaks in July and August, when Parisians go on holiday and some venues close. Crowds are thinner in late autumn and winter but pack for chilly weather and possible rain.
Getting There
Fly Air France to Paris and enjoy savings on premium seats with the International Airline Program*. It offers Platinum Card® Members that book through Amex Travel access to lower fares on participating carriers’ international first, business, and premium economy seats. Lower fares are available to Platinum Card Members and up to seven of their companions when traveling on the same itinerary. Plus, earn 5X Membership Rewards® points* on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year when you book through American Express Travel.
Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG)
17 miles
Paris Orly Airport (ORY)
11 miles
*
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
Daily breakfast for two
$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Guaranteed 4pm check-out
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3,*
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Late check-out, when available
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
Mandarin Oriental, Paris
With a coveted address on designer-shop-lined rue Saint-Honoré, near Place Vendôme and the Tuileries Gardens, Mandarin Oriental, Paris appeals to fashionistas and connoisseurs of the good life. The hotel puts a contemporary spin on its 1930s-era Art Deco building; 135 rooms and suites feature elegant silk bedspreads, playful modern art, and marble bathrooms. Many come with balconies or terraces, and connecting rooms are available for families. Wellness seekers will appreciate the two-story spa with a glass mosaic floor and indoor pool, while foodies can indulge in all-day French dining at Camélia or the Cake Shop’s irresistible pastries.
PATRICE'S TIP
“Make time for afternoon tea or a romantic evening drink seated in the gazebos of the hotel’s magnificent garden terrace.”
Hotel du Louvre
Hotel du Louvre has been luring guests since 1885 with its elegance, comforts, and convenience to the Louvre. Many other popular destinations are in walking distance, among them, the Opera Garnier, Le Centre Pompidou, the Comédie Française theater, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Savor authentic French cuisine at the very first Brasserie "Bocuse" in Paris, known for its vintage bistro décor – red seats, elegant hat racks, and white tablecloths. Let your evening spill over to the hotel’s l’Officine du Louvre, a cocktail bar with a magnificent glass ceiling, palm fronds, and intimate atmosphere. Then wake up to complimentary daily breakfast for two, an additional benefit provided at this property in The Hotel Collection2.
2The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
MIKE'S TIP
“To play like the locals, ask the concierge desk to arrange an apéro pétanque experience in the nearby Palais Royal gardens; it combines the classic French game of pétanque with cocktails.”
Kimpton St Honoré
Previously the Samaritaine de Luxe department store, the Kimpton St Honoré Paris retains original features like a grand spiral staircase and celebrates its 1917-era design heritage. The hotel enlisted renowned Parisian interior designer Charles Zana to outfit the 149 rooms, including 26 suites, with warm neutrals and inviting furnishings such as a daybed or curved sofa.
MIKE'S TIP
“Be assured that Kimpton has convenient items at the ready, from in-room yoga mats and complimentary loaner bicycles to international plug adaptors and toiletries.”
SAX Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts
SAX Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts is tucked into the heart of the seventh arrondissement, just moments from the Champs-Élysées and the artistic pulse of Paris. The 118 bright, elegant rooms and suites feature white marble, brushed brass, and soft leather finishes, with the option of connecting rooms available for families. Between urban adventures, you can recharge at the hotel’s spa with a sauna or in The Garden, a tranquil space with café tables and a heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.
MIKE'S TIP
“Venture to the rooftop for tuna tartare with caviar and more Japanese-inspired dining at Kinugawa restaurant facing the Eiffel Tower.”
Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris
Just down the road from the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris blends 1940s- and 1950s-style décor with artistic touches, from handcrafted furniture and custom linens to unique art and musical instruments. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers and claw-foot bathtubs. A day in the life of a guest may include watching a film with popcorn and champagne in the private screening room; learning to make sushi during a class at Matsuhisa Paris; or exploring the on-site gallery with the help of hotel’s Art Concierge.
MIKE'S TIP
“Slip into the routine of many local Parisians by taking a morning stroll through nearby Parc Monceau. Then slip back into vacation mode with a treatment at the Raffles Spa & Wellness.”
Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera
Fresh off a renovation, the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera lets you stay the classically French way in accommodations inspired by 19th-century Haussmann apartments. Select suites include separate lounge areas and two-story windows with sweeping views. The hotel is in the heart of the Right Bank, steps away from the Opera Garnier, Place Vendôme, and refined department stores. You might start your day with pastries and coffee at Scribe & Cie., take a sightseeing break for afternoon tea service, or wind down the day over Mediterranean food at Rivages, which sets an appealing scene with pink velvet seating and a glass angular ceiling.
MIKE'S TIP
“The horseshoe shaped Le Bar du Scribe was frequented by Ernest Hemingway and Marlene Dietrich back in the day. Now it shakes up a mix of cocktails inspired by the South of France (lemon, thyme, and violet liqueur).”
Le Bristol Paris, Oetker Hotels
Located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Le Bristol Paris, Oetker Hotels is just steps from Arc de Triomphe, Grand Palais, and Champs-Elysees. A century after her 1925 debut, the hotel remains an icon of French elegance and art de vivre, with 190 renovated rooms and suites outfitted with fine fabrics and antiques. After settling in, stroll through the 13,000-square-foot courtyard garden and shake off any jet lag with a treatment at the spa or a dip in the rooftop swimming pool. Families will appreciate Le Bristol Paris x Bonpoint, a play area outfitted with chalkboard walls, electric car tracks, dollhouses, and books. Le Bristol Paris is also renowned for Epicure, an award-winning restaurant where the menu is thoroughly French.
MIKE'S TIP
“A private tour of the hotel's chocolate factory, mill, and cheese cellar is available only to hotel guests, making it one of the most unique experiences you can have at le Bristol.”
Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain
James Joyce completed “Ulysses” in a room here and the hotel bar is named in the writer’s honor, as is the extravagant James Joyce Suite, which has exposed wooden beams and inspiring views of the Parisian rooftops. Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain was created from three smaller hotels, and the combined 47 rooms and suites feature high ceilings, a soft color palette, and mid-century modern furniture. This literary haven is convenient for exploring the bohemian cafes and galleries of Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. You can use the $100 credit at the hotel spa, which offers a deep pool with water jets, a fitness room, two massage cabins, a meditation and yoga room, and a hammam2.
2The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
MIKE'S TIP
“This boutique hotel is sure to make you fall in love with Paris all over again, whether you’re staying overnight or dining at Les Parisiens, known for seasonal bistro classics with a twist.”
San Régis Paris
This jewel is one of Paris’s loveliest boutique hotels and has been a go-to hideaway for celebrities and fashion designers. Not coincidentally, San Régis Paris also happens to be walking distance from some of the finest restaurants and famed haute couture houses. The fully restored former-private mansion is artfully decorated and lavishly appointed. Distinctive styles, antique furnishings, and marble bathrooms adorn each of the 42 rooms, suites, and family suites. Restaurant Les Confidences charms with garden-inspired décor and light, flavorful cuisine.
PATRICE'S TIP
“For a special occasion type of visit, I would recommend one of the four Junior suites on the top floors (6th and 7th). My favorite is number 74 with a terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower.”
Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris
You may already be familiar with Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris — either from its famous art nouveau architecture or from its many appearances in literature, as depicted by its artistic past clientele. Now, it’s time to get to know it for yourself. Relax in Visit Bar Josephine, named after famed patron Josephine Baker, and take in the elegant botanical frescoes decorating the ceiling. Treat yourself to a refreshing treatment inspired by the four elements at Akasha Spa, or relax in your room, outfitted with a blend of Parisian elegance and modern minimalism. Wander through Saint-Germain-des-Prés to shop at Le Bon Marché or take in the collection at Musée d’Orsay.
MIKE'S TIP
“Ask the concierge to arrange an exclusive wine tasting (with canapés) in their wine cellar guided by the on-property Sommelier (you can choose from over 4000 bottles).”
Frenchie
An award-winning restaurant, the aptly named Frenchie showcases local and seasonal produce using contemporary techniques. Designed with a hint of industrial chic, with glimpses of bare brick walls and overhead piping, the dining space still feels quite intimate. The kitchen is helmed by chef Grégory Marchand who operates a “carte blanche” concept, which allows him to create culinary art, unrestricted. For this, guests can enjoy a menu of five courses that can be paired with wine (frenchie-ruedunil.com).
Margus
The rustic yet truly Parisian décor of Margús bistro is striking, with its menu inspired by Les Halles, the historic market hall. Starters of ceviche, using the fish of the day with roasted cauliflowers and chipotle, are deliciously unexpected and perfect for sharing. Enjoy mains of Bretagne cod with mascarpone or the crispy pancha-coated sweetbreads. Try the popular matcha tiramisu for dessert (margus.fr).
Le Restaurant OKUDA
Situated in the 8th arrondissement, on Rue de La Trémoille, Le Restaurant OKUDA is the creation of Michelin star chef Toru Okuda. Japanese-inspired, the cuisine is served in the “omakase” tradition of the chef’s choice. The menu changes daily, but you can expect to enjoy tasting menus that begin with amuse-bouches, followed by starters, sushi variations, a meat stew, and ending with a delicate fruit dessert and a choice of tea (okuda.fr).
Maison Vérot
This place has always known how to combine tradition and modernity. Maison Verot Delicatessen is a charcuterie distinguished by its constant search for excellence and service. Along with a rigorous offering, up-to-date recipes, and artisan methods, this brand has known how to make its name resonate as a symbol of high quality (maisonverot.fr).
Credit: Gao Jing/Xinhua/Alamy Live News
Pierre Hermé
Explore a world of tastes, pleasures, and sensations. Go for their delicious macarons and elegant seasonal patisseries. Discover why Pierre Hermé owes his international reputation to his characteristic macarons and why they have been an infinite field of creative exploration to achieve the best flavor. Don't miss the opportunity to savor their desserts inspired by ingredients from Japan (pierreherme.com).
Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée
For an indulgent night out, visit the gilded interiors of the award-winning Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée. The Chef takes diners on a time-hopping tour through French cuisine, employing recipes as much as 250 years old but constantly providing an of-the-moment twist. For a taste of the secrets behind the success, book a visit to the Cabinet des Conspirateurs (dorchestercollection.com).
Tour D’Argent
Eat feeling right at home—if your home is a centuries-old tower, that is. The mirror-ceilinged dining room at Tour D’Argent is refined yet welcoming and open to the kitchen. One of the standout traditional French dishes is the seasonal duckling paired with eggplant caviar, Greek yogurt, and drizzled with Corinthian molasses (tourdargent.com).
Allard (Ducasse Restaurant)
Decades of traditional home cooking, distilled in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. For over 80 years, Allard has carried on the spirit of the French bistro – and of namesake cook Martha Allard’s Burgundian peasant recipes. Stop by for seasonal classics, or make time for a mainstay like frog legs, duck confit, or a sweet rum savarin for dessert (restaurant-allard.fr).
La Crêperie
This quaint little creperie serves crepes and galettes hot off the griddle in sweet or savory flavor combinations. Ham, cheese and fried egg galettes are a staple, as well as the classic Nutella and banana. The shop also does daily specials that feature different flavors, such as smoked salmon with Boursin cheese and lemon.
Bontemps Pâtisserie
Delight yourself with the exquisite pastries and the combination of flavors in this beautiful place that represents Parisian charm. Bontemps is a renowned patisserie, run by its owners and with a tea room in its courtyard. The presentation of their desserts is charming and impeccable. Don't miss the famous and recommended Sunday brunch (bontemps.paris).
Credit: Petr Kovalenkov / Shutterstock.com
Poilâne Bakery
A traditional boulangerie that knows how to combine history with quality. Its value lies in applying an ancient slow fermentation technique to make its renowned bread. Poilâne Bread Bakery also offers vintage grain cookies, bakery croissants, and an amazing apple rotation—chausson aux pommes (poilane.com).
Coutume Café
Coutume Café is trendy and it knows it. Although the decor puts on hipster airs, with unfinished walls and industrial-style tables, there are no pretensions surrounding their coffee offerings—these baristas know what they’re doing. Whether you want your cup of joe cold-brewed, vacuum-brewed, AeroPress or regular, this is the place to go (coutumecafe.com).
Les Catacombes de Paris
Venture down into Paris’s macabre history with a visit to the catacombs. Twenty meters underground, visitors will discover an ossuary containing the remains of several million Parisians. The bones fill old quarries in grand artistic and structural arrangements. In a maze of galleries, the circuit is dotted with plaques carrying poetry and religious passages to encourage visitors to reflect on the nature of mortality (catacombes.paris).
Skip-the-Line Louvre Highlights Guided Tour
With its extensive collection and labyrinthine layout as a former palace, The Louvre can
be tricky to navigate. This 1.5-hour guided tour can help you make the most of a visit to
the famed museum, with anecdotes and art history to help you enjoy famed pieces like
the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory. Enjoy your visit in full with self-
guided wandering after your tour, and add on a visit to the fashion exhibits and period
rooms in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in the Louvre’s west wing (madparis.fr/en).
Perfume Creation Workshop at Candora
Visit the Candora perfume boutique near Île Saint-Louis and learn about the art of scent
from masters of customized fragrance. You’ll learn about the history and science of
perfume, familiarize yourself with a variety of smells, and craft your signature scent
profile, which you’ll take home in a 50ml batch.
Jardin Du Luxembourg
Thrill your inner child by renting one of the tiny vintage sailboats that bob in the Grand Bassin, in the center of this massive Baroque park. No sitting on the grass here, and sandal-wearers may not love the gravel, but everyone loves the discreet alleys, riotous flowerbeds, and garlands of ivy that seem to kiss the water of the Medici Fountain (parisjetaime.com).
Marin Montagut
Marin Montagut designs porcelain objects that celebrate the French art de vivre. The artist works on each of his dinnerware models, drawing inspiration from French tableware of the past. The tableware, of a rare finesse, is made of enameled porcelain. Each model is handmade, resulting in unique pieces (marinmontagut.com).
Cooking Class at Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, by Ferrandi
Learn French culinary techniques to take home with you in this cooking class with the Ferrandi school of culinary arts, presented in partnership with Get Your Guide. Venture to the famed Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store and let an expert chef guide you through making salty and sweet delicacies. Try your hand at dishes like magret de canard, ratatouille, and béarnaise or tartar of sea bream, gazpacho, and vanilla oil.
Le Bon Marché
Zola fans will recognize the world’s first department store, opened in 1852, as the inspiration for The Ladies’ Paradise. Shopping fans will recognize it as the most spacious and calm of the world’s fashion capital’s major grands magasins (lebonmarche.com). Don’t miss the adjoining food hall, La Grande Epicerie (lagrandeepicerie.com), complete with a pastry counter, a cheese monger, and formidable wine cellar.
The Pinault Collection at la Bourse de Commerce
Under the glass-and-steel dome of the Bourse de Commerce, the Pinault Collection takes on an unearthly quality. Peruse more than six decades of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos, and installations. The exhibitions and events offer an original perspective on a group of contemporary artworks that François Pinault has put together over the last 50 years as a collector and patron of the arts. (pinaultcollection.com).
Crazy Horse
High art meets risqué fun at Crazy Horse Paris, the cabaret that has been bringing glamour, divas, and delectable artistry since 1951, from among the couture houses of the Parisian Golden Triangle. Blending art, music, dance, and fashion, the current production Totally Crazy! opens with a number in which the dancers don tall, furry hats and step in crisp unison as a sexy send-up of the Queen’s Guard. On selected dates, you can catch a rotating lineup of femme icons-in-residence, from drag queens to pinups to pop stars and more (lecrazyhorseparis.com).
Bar du Bristol : After Dark
Step into the disco-ball-spattered enclave of Bristol After Dark, the effervescent, violet-toned bash that takes over the centennial Bristol Paris when the moon is high and the dancers come out to play. Find your rhythm to a mix of Italo-disco, ’80s pop, and top-of-the-charts current hits in an ambiance where Studio 54 club culture meets Parisian splendor. When it’s time to rest your feet, refresh yourself with the custom cocktail of the month from the Oetker Collection Cocktail Club (oetkercollection.com).
Bar Joséphine
Magnificent Art Deco frescoes adorn the walls and the ceiling of beautiful Bar Joséphine, evoking the finest glories of the Belle Époque. Celebrated in literature and song, the Lutetia Hotel’s legendary bar has been fully renovated, making for a quiet spot for a daytime rendez-vous, and a jazz club with a memorable francophile menu to enjoy after dark. Sushi and sashimi, and mocktails and cocktails, add a contemporary twist (hotellutetia.com).
Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
Get more when you get away with American Express
Fly Air France to Paris and enjoy savings on premium seats with the International Airline Program. It offers Platinum Card® Members that book through Amex Travel access to lower fares on participating carriers’ international first, business, and premium economy seats. Discounts are available to Platinum Card Members and up to seven of their companions when traveling on the same itinerary. Plus, earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year when you book through American Express Travel. Terms apply.
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Make your trip unforgettable through unique tours and activities booked at gyg.me/amex. Terms apply.
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