Destination Paris: The Fab Rundown

A trip to Paris calls for wining and dining, and when you want to indulge in the top of what the city has to offer, there are a few places not to miss, especially when you’re game for a little extravagance.

Take a peek at our guide on where to stay, where to dine, and more when you can splurge in the City of Light’s lap of luxury.

Splurge Stays:

Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris: Step into the lap of luxury at this artistic, cosmopolitan hotel near the famed Arc de Triomphe. Reimagined by Philippe Starck, guests are greeted by the glow of red lanterns as they head inside to grab drinks and people watch at the illuminated Long Bar, or stroll through the hotel’s on-site art gallery, concept store, and bookshop. And that’s just the beginning. Those lucky enough to stay here can also enjoy spa treatments in the mirrored Spa My Blend by Clarins, and go for a dip in a 100 foot infinity pool – the largest hotel swimming pool in town.

While the majority of the hotel’s magic happens outside of the rooms, those are far from shabby. Each one features a refrigerated bar, includes tufted island beds, artwork strewn about the space, and mirror-lined bathrooms.  

Four Seasons Hotel George V: Touted as one of the most luxurious hotels in Paris, George V sits right on Champs Elysees and has an opulent vibe from the time guests pull up in the valet. Tall clear glass vases stuffed with gorgeous, colorful flowers are strewn about the lobby, just as they are throughout the hotel’s stunning courtyard and three acclaimed, splurge-worthy restaurants – the Le Cinq, L’Orangerie, and Le George.

The rooms are plush and elegant, with an attentive staff ready to cater to guests’ every need. That’s particularly true for those staying in any of the suites, who are privy to the George V Wine Cellar, which houses more than 50,000 bottles of wine.

Splurge Nightlife:

Ciel de Paris:  Grab drinks at the highest panoramic bar and restaurant in Europe – and one of the priciest. Located on the 56th floor of the Tour Montparnasse, this ultra-glam hotspot has views of the Paris skyline and Eiffel Tower, which sparkles with light at night. Pick up a cocktail, enjoy the view, and if you’re in the mood for wining and dining, indulge at the adjacent restaurant.

Pershing Hall: With cocktails at about 20€ a pop, this glam bar has some of the priciest drinks of the city’s bars, but it also has one of the most cozy, beautiful scenes. As a DJ spins a set, bar goers sip on custom cocktails, champagne, and wine under the glass roof, which opens up when the weather allows.

Splurge Eats:

Le Meurice Alain Ducasse: Tucked away in Le Meurice hotel, this two Michelin-starred restaurant embodies classic haute French cuisine. It oozes charm with its crystal chandeliers, elegant frescoes, and table setting perfect for a special occasion. As for the food, it’s a high-end, gastronomic experience, with crab served with gold caviar and a sauté gourmand of chicken, crayfish and girolle just two of the items on the menu.

Epicure: This gorgeous restaurant located in Le Bristol Hotel overlooks a garden and is shrouded in decadence, from its tartan-patterned dining chairs and glitzy gold chandeliers. Foodwise, guests rave about the grandiose grub, from the signature stuffed macaroni with black truffle, artichoke, and duck foie gras to the blue lobster roasted in its shell. Midnight In Paris featured the hotel. 

Splurge Buys:

When you’re in the mood for some high-end shopping, head over to Champs Elysees or Rue Saint Honore. Both are home to stores like Hermes, Chanel, Balenciaga, and Christian Louboutin.