Many will lead you to believe that Paris is reserved only for couples madly in love; those who wander the streets arm-in-arm, kissing beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower, and attaching a lock to a bridge. However what I’ve come to learn over the years, is that Paris also makes a fantastic girl’s trip, and that actually visiting Paris as a couple isn’t half as much fun as doing it with the ladies in your life. Whoever you’re travelling with, we’ve put together a comprehensive luxury guide on how to get the very best out of your first time in the city!
Begin by checking-in on Friday evening at Shangri-La Paris, and then walk the short distance to the Trocadero and see the Eiffel Tower at night all lit up and sparkling brightly. Afterwards, head back to the Shangri-La for dinner at Shang Palace, the hotel’s Michelin starred Cantonese restaurant where you’ll experience some of the best Cantonese food in the world (we highly recommend ordering the Roasted whole Peking duck, as well as the Red-rice flour rolls with shrimp, and Fried eggplant glazed with gravy, sesame, and ginger).
Luxury Weekend Getaway to Paris For First-Timers
The Eiffel Tower sparkling at night
Day 1 in Paris
8:30am: Breakfast at Shangri-La Paris
The breakfast at Shangri-La is a very special one. They have a sumptuous breakfast buffet with freshly baked pastries and bread, as well as an a la carte menu. We recommend the french toast and the omelette.
10am: Arc de Triomphe
The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’s iconic landmarks and a must visit on your first trip to Paris. Make sure you book tickets in advance to go to the top of the building, as the views are spectacular.
11am: Champs Elysees
Make sure you do your shopping on the Saturday as most of the shops close on Sundays in France. Don’t miss the shopping on the Champs Elysees, especially the gorgeous Guerlain store.
12: Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier is unmissable for those who enjoy architecture and culture. The interior is breathtaking, and was the location used in Gaston Leroux’s famous novel, Phantom of the Opera.
1pm: Lunch at Cafe de la Paix
Cafe de la Paix is right opposite Palais Garnier, and is one of Paris’s most famous restaurants. Designed by architect Alfred Armand and opened in 1862, it was a key location during the Belle Epoque era and was the setting for Robert Service’s poem “The Absinthe Drinkers”.
2:30pm: Shopping in Galerie Lafayette
For your favourite designer brands stop by the Flagship Galerie Lafayette store. It’s one of the prettiest department stores in the world, so even if you’re not much of a shopper it’s worth stopping by to view the beautiful glass ceiling and architecture.
5pm: Montmatre & Sacre Couer at sunset
On your way to the Sacre Couer get a quick photo in-front of the Moulin Rouge, and stroll around the streets of Montmatre soaking up the atmosphere. Walk up the famous steps in front of the Sacre Couer and watch the sunset over Paris.
7pm: Dinner at Hotel Amour
After sunset enjoy dinner at Hotel Amour in Pigalle. Request a seat outside in the garden courtyard and sip on a glass of French wine whilst perusing the menu. We recommend the steak and frites, and don’t skip dessert as they are exceptionally good.
10pm: Cocktails at Krug Bar Shangri-La
Whilst you’re staying at the Shangri-La you really can’t miss the Krug Bar. This is exclusivity at its finest. The bar is located in one of the hotel’s terrace suites, so you’re able to sip on a glass of Krug – or one of their signature cocktails – whilst staring at the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night. But, to access the bar you’ll need to speak to the concierge first…
Day 2 in Paris
The location of afternoon tea at Hotel de Crillon Paris
9am: Breakfast at Eggs & Co
Seeing as you enjoyed the hotel breakfast the previous morning, get up early and order a car to take you to Eggs & Co in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighbourhood for a Parisian breakfast. As you might guess, eggs are the specialty here, so be prepared for a very egg-focused (but delicious) menu!
10am: Notre Dame
The queue for the Notre Dame may look humongous, but it moves very quickly. Make the most of the queue by taking in the French gothic architecture of the medieval cathedral. The interior of the cathedral is stunning with the stained glass windows and side-chapels, and the history is fascinating.
11:30am: Angelina – Hot Chocolate
A visit to Paris is not complete without hot chocolate and patisseries at Angelina on Rue de Rivoli. Their famous chocolat l’Africain tastes like melted chocolate pudding, and their patisseries rival Laduree’s.
12: The Louvre
They key is to book your tickets ahead of tim,e choose your favourite pieces located within the Louvre in advance, and head straight for them when you arrive. The museum is always packed with tourists and it can be a struggle to fight your way through them all, so knowing which pieces you want to see will ensure you get the best experience.
2pm: Afternoon Tea lunch at Hôtel de Crillon
Hôtel de Crillon is an historic palace hotel situated on the Place de la Concorde, and is the ideal place for a girl’s champagne afternoon tea in sumptuous surroundings. You’re able to choose between taking the delicious afternoon tea inside, or outside in the courtyard. This is an unmissable Parisian experience with delicate pastries and scones with apricot jam and lemon curd.
3:30pm: Jardin des Tuileries
One of the most beautiful gardens in the city, Jardin des Tuileries is opposite Hôtel de Crillon and perfect for people watching. Walk through the pretty gardens and admire the uniformity, the variety of flowers and plants, and the ponds with sail boats gently bobbing up and down.
4pm: Musee D’Orsay
Another of the famous Parisian museums is Musee D’Orsay, and it’s home to many of the Van Gogh pieces. Similar to the Louvre, choose the key pieces you would like to see, and don’t miss the clock tower!
6pm: Pont Alexandre III Bridge
On the way back to the hotel walk over Pont Alexandre III bridge and swoon at the ornate gilded cherubs and nymphs. There’s also a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower from here making it a great photo opportunity.
8pm: Dinner at La Gare
Restaurant La Gare is just a quick car ride away from the Shangri-La, in the la Muette neighbourhood. Located in the old Passy-La Muette train station, it was renovated into a restaurant and is now one of the trendiest fine dining restaurants in the city. The food really is exceptional, and there is surely no finer place to enjoy your last dinner in Paris.
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Catherine Lux is a food and travel contributor at AGLAIA, and a luxury lifestyle blogger documenting her life on her blog, Lux Life London. With Lux Life London having a large focus on travel and food, she loves nothing more than long-haul flights, excellent restaurants, and relaxing with friends in the coolest places in town.
