There’s something about Paris that feels like slipping into silk—luxurious, timeless, and effortlessly elegant. Much like how we design, the way we travel is defined by thoughtful detail and an affinity for indulgence. So we curated a Paris guide for the discerning traveler—one that drapes you in inspiration, indulgence, and just enough spontaneity to feel truly French.

Whether you’re in Paris for fashion, food, or simply to wander with no particular place to be, this city rewards the curious. Read on for our curated selection of hotels, cafés, restaurants, wine bars, boutiques, and unforgettable moments—all experienced the LBS way. Let’s dive in.

Where to Stay: Elegance at Every Turn

Begin your Parisian escape in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, where riverside grandeur and fashion landmarks meet. Cheval Blanc Paris, overlooking the Seine, redefines modern elegance with its sleek interiors, Dior Spa, and panoramic rooftop views of Notre-Dame. Just a few cobblestone streets away, Hotel 1, Place Vendôme offers classic 5-star sophistication and impeccable service, while the nearby Hôtel Thérèseis a discreet 4-star gem that feels like a well-kept secret—warm, intimate, and quietly luxurious.

Over in the 8th, Plaza Athénée delivers on every expectation of Parisian grandeur, from its silk-upholstered walls to its Eiffel Tower views. The experience is further elevated by the iconic culinary creations of Jean Imbert, served beneath chandeliers in a dining room worthy of haute couture.

For those drawn to the quieter elegance of the Left Bank or the creative spirit of the Marais, Paris offers just as much allure. In Saint-Germain, Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Paris balances historic legacy with modern design—complete with a holistic spa and a brasserie that nods to the quartier’s literary past. Across the Seine in the 3rd, Maison Proust, Hotel & Spa La Mer brings Belle Époque opulence to life with velvet lounges and bespoke antiques, while Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin blends whimsical flair and artful décor in the vibrant Marais.

Cafés: A Morning Ritual

Start your mornings like a local, at a café with a perfect croissant and a street-side table. Loulou, tucked beside the Jardin des Tuileries, blends effortless Parisian charm with a sunny, Australian spirit. It’s an all-day favourite, but particularly lovely in the morning when the terrace hums quietly and the city slowly stirs. For something quintessentially Left Bank, Café de Flore remains iconic for good reason—elegantly designed, always packed, and utterly Paris. Sit outside, order un café crème, and pretend not to people-watch.

Lunch: Leisure, Not Lunch Hour

Lunch in Paris should be unhurried and a little indulgent. At Habile, tucked away in the Marais, you’ll find a design-savvy concept store and café hybrid—perfect for a light seasonal plate and a bit of curated shopping. In the 8th, L’Avenue and Gigi Rigolatto both deliver on polished Parisian charm and terrace glamour. While widely known, each offers a lunch experience that’s as fashionable as it is flavorful. For something more low-key but no less satisfying, head to Le Truffaut in the 7th—a beloved bistro with classic fare and an atmosphere that feels effortlessly local. But truly, if the sidewalk is lined with bistro tables, chances are you’ve found somewhere worth enjoying a leisurely coffee.

Wine Bars: The Art of Lingering

When golden hour sets in, lean into the pleasure of lingering. Ô Chateau, near the Louvre, is a favourite for curated tastings—ideal whether you're a Burgundy devotee or a casual enthusiast. For something more decadent, Bar Joséphine at Hôtel Lutetia offers a cinematic setting of marble, gilding, and live jazz—perfect for sipping Champagne in style. And for a relaxed, local experience, head north to Le 17.45 in Batignolles, where wine is served with à la carte cheese and charcuterie boards, in an atmosphere that feels wonderfully unhurried.

Dinner: When Paris Dresses Up

For dinner, lean into the kind of elegance Paris does best. Margaux, a Left Bank favourite, feels both contemporary and timeless, with interiors as polished as the plates. At the iconic Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, opulence is served alongside history, as the chef reimagines traditional French gastronomy through a haute couture lens. And if you're seeking something effortlessly refined yet inventive, book a table at Pavyllon Paris by Yannick Alléno. Tucked into the Pavillon Ledoyen near the Champs-Élysées, this one-Michelin-starred restaurant reimagines fine dining at the counter, with seasonal tasting menus and an atmosphere that feels quietly exclusive.

Bakeries & Fromageries: Rituals Worth Repeating

No trip to Paris is complete without indulging in its most sacred ritual: the boulangerie run. In the 6th, Poilâneis as quintessential as they come—home to the city’s most beloved sourdough. Pick up a still-warm loaf, or better yet, stay for a tartine with salted butter and jam. A few blocks away in the 7th, Barthelemy may be a fromagerie, but it invites café-style reverie: select a wedge of creamy brie, then head to nearby Square Boucicaut for an impromptu picnic under the trees.

On her first trip to Paris, our founder Lauren Bentley set herself a very French challenge—to find the city’s best macaron. After much research, she narrowed it down to three top-rated pâtisseries and arranged a blind taste test with her husband. The clear winner? Ladurée, by a landslide. Sometimes, tradition wins for a reason.

Things to Do: Explore Beyond the Itinerary

Paris, of course, isn’t just for dining and dressing well—it’s for living beautifully in every sense. Begin with a few hours of vintage shopping at standout addresses like Old Fashioned Club Paris, Curated By, and Erem, where you’ll uncover everything from coveted bags to one-of-a-kind historical vintage ensembles. It’s treasure hunting, elevated.

When the skies turn grey—or you simply crave inspiration—head indoors to explore the city’s exceptional museums. At the Musée d'Orsay, a breathtaking retrospective on the evolution of Impressionism awaits beneath its iconic clock. Over at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, expect cutting-edge exhibitions spanning fashion, interiors, and design. For modern architecture lovers and art connoisseurs alike, the Louis Vuitton Foundation is a must: a Frank Gehry-designed marvel set in the Bois de Boulogne, housing contemporary works in an airy, glass-paned jewel box.

No rainy afternoon is wasted at Le Bon Marché, Paris’s most refined department store. Drift between curated fashion floors, scent-infused beauty counters, and the design-savvy home section—but don’t leave without visiting La Grande Épicerie de Paris next door. Part luxury grocer, part culinary wonderland, it’s the perfect place to stock up on infused butters, Champagne, or elegant gifts for loved ones back home.

And for a moment of complete stillness, nothing rivals a spa afternoon. Book a treatment at the Dior Spa at Cheval Blanc for a fully immersive, couture-level wellness experience. Or, retreat to the Spa Guerlain at Saint James Paris, an intimate sanctuary tucked within a château-style estate, where Guerlain’s iconic rituals unfold in serene, bespoke luxury.

Three Perfect Days in Paris

St. Germain-des-Prés (6th & 7th Arrondissements)

Morning: Start with a still-warm sourdough croissant from Poilâne, then spend a few peaceful hours immersed in art at Musée d’Orsay.

Lunch: Head to Les Antiquaires, a classic bistro with white tablecloths and dependable charm.

Afternoon: Browse antique bookstores and boutiques along Rue de Verneuil and Rue Bonaparte.

Evening: Pick up a wedge of cheese from Barthelemy, a baguette, and a bottle from Septime La Cave, then enjoy a sunset picnic along the Seine.

Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements)

Morning: Grab a table at Laïzé Sainte-Avoye for Taiwanese-style coffee and creative pastries.

Lunch: Book a spot at Habile, where you can graze on seasonal plates and browse the concept store.

Afternoon: Go vintage shopping at Old Fashioned Club Paris, Curated By, and Erem—all local favorites for pre-loved designer and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Evening: Ease into the night with a wine tasting at Ô Chateau, then make your way to Margaux for an elegant, artful dinner.

1st & 8th Arrondissements (Palais Royal, Tuileries, Triangle d’Or)

Morning: Wake up in your suite at Cheval Blanc Paris or Hotel 1, Place Vendôme. Order room service or stroll to Loulou (Jardin des Tuileries location) for a coffee and croissant beneath the garden trees.

Late Morning: Walk through the Tuileries Garden, stopping to people-watch, sketch, or browse the nearby galleries.

Lunch: Choose between L’Avenue or Gigi Rigolatto for a see-and-be-seen terrace moment. Both promise polished glamour and unforgettable ambiance.

Afternoon: Explore Le Bon Marché and La Grande Épicerie de Paris for luxury goods and gourmet indulgences.

Dinner: Make it a night to remember with Pavyllon Paris, where refined French dining gets a modern twist.

The Parisian way is not rushed. It lingers. Don’t overpack your itinerary. Leave space for the unexpected—the tucked-away courtyard café, the stranger’s dog you stop to pet, the antique shop that calls you in.

Because sometimes, the most memorable moments are the ones you never planned.