On your marks...Travel!!!
In July, all eyes will be on Paris as it hosts the 2024 Olympic Games. If you’re lucky enough to be attending events, or simply researching a trip to Paris in the future, we’ve asked our travel experts for their ‘must visit’ recommendations.
It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that:
Paris, though, is of course, the City of Love and no matter what temporary ‘inconveniences’ there might be, you’ll still LOVE every minute of your stay. These destinations will be the easiest we can suggest to access. Jouir!
It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that:
- 15 million spectators and athletes are expected attending many related Parisian events. This means all areas around the Olympic venues will be super busy as well as possibly difficult to reach.
- Unprecedented security, additional traffic and closed metro stations will make moving around more tricky than usual.
- The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games take place from August 28 to September 8, which means the chaos will continue!
Paris, though, is of course, the City of Love and no matter what temporary ‘inconveniences’ there might be, you’ll still LOVE every minute of your stay. These destinations will be the easiest we can suggest to access. Jouir!
Saint-Germain-des-Pres
The quintessential Left Bank neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Pres should be mostly spared from the frenzy of the games. Although the area’s art galleries and antique shops usually close in August, you should still be able to enjoy the peacefulness of its alluring narrow streets. Take a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, catch the last of the summer sales in chic boutiques, sip a coffee at legendary cafes or visit Maison Gainsbourg, a new museum dedicated to legendary French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg.
For French culinary classics with a modern twist, book a table at the charming Brasserie Des Pres. For exceptional “bistronomic” cuisine, try Oktobre, the new venture of chef Martin Maumet, formerly of Kitchen Galerie Bis.
The Marais
The historic and stylish Marais district features a central location, and its quiet streets make it an ideal place to escape Olympic hustle and bustle. There’s enough to do in the neighbourhood to occupy a few hours, a full day or longer. Browse the trendy boutiques around Rue des Francs-Bourgeois or Rue Vieille du Temple. Wander through the rooms of the Marais’ many museums, such as Musee Picasso Paris; Musee Histoire de Paris Carnavalet, the free city history museum; or Musee Cognacq-Jay, which displays art from the 18th century. Enjoy a sunny break or some people-watching in the glorious Place des Vosges or lesser-known Square du Temple.
Located in the newly opened Le Grand Mazarin hotel and featuring a stylish eclectic decor, Boubale offers exquisite Ashkenazi cuisine by Michelin-star chef Assaf Granit. For top-quality Italian food within a cozy setting in the North Marais, stop by local favourite Les Vitelloni.
Montmartre
Although the former village of Montmartre is popular with tourists, it’s far removed from the Games and therefore will make for a well-appreciated retreat. Weave your way through its tranquil car-free lanes, where you’ll discover the art studios and hangouts of artists such as Renoir, van Gogh and Picasso. Peruse the shops along the vibrant Rue des Abbesses or art stands of Place du Tertre. Admire the many sweeping vistas of the city throughout the hilly neighbourhood or in front of Sacre-Coeur Basilica.
Located on the north side of Montmartre, is Le Borealis, one of Paris’s best new modern bistros, serving exceptional seasonal dishes. Next to Place des Abbesses is the newest branch of Kozy, a group of popular brunch spots.
The quintessential Left Bank neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Pres should be mostly spared from the frenzy of the games. Although the area’s art galleries and antique shops usually close in August, you should still be able to enjoy the peacefulness of its alluring narrow streets. Take a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens, catch the last of the summer sales in chic boutiques, sip a coffee at legendary cafes or visit Maison Gainsbourg, a new museum dedicated to legendary French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg.
For French culinary classics with a modern twist, book a table at the charming Brasserie Des Pres. For exceptional “bistronomic” cuisine, try Oktobre, the new venture of chef Martin Maumet, formerly of Kitchen Galerie Bis.
The Marais
The historic and stylish Marais district features a central location, and its quiet streets make it an ideal place to escape Olympic hustle and bustle. There’s enough to do in the neighbourhood to occupy a few hours, a full day or longer. Browse the trendy boutiques around Rue des Francs-Bourgeois or Rue Vieille du Temple. Wander through the rooms of the Marais’ many museums, such as Musee Picasso Paris; Musee Histoire de Paris Carnavalet, the free city history museum; or Musee Cognacq-Jay, which displays art from the 18th century. Enjoy a sunny break or some people-watching in the glorious Place des Vosges or lesser-known Square du Temple.
Located in the newly opened Le Grand Mazarin hotel and featuring a stylish eclectic decor, Boubale offers exquisite Ashkenazi cuisine by Michelin-star chef Assaf Granit. For top-quality Italian food within a cozy setting in the North Marais, stop by local favourite Les Vitelloni.
Montmartre
Although the former village of Montmartre is popular with tourists, it’s far removed from the Games and therefore will make for a well-appreciated retreat. Weave your way through its tranquil car-free lanes, where you’ll discover the art studios and hangouts of artists such as Renoir, van Gogh and Picasso. Peruse the shops along the vibrant Rue des Abbesses or art stands of Place du Tertre. Admire the many sweeping vistas of the city throughout the hilly neighbourhood or in front of Sacre-Coeur Basilica.
Located on the north side of Montmartre, is Le Borealis, one of Paris’s best new modern bistros, serving exceptional seasonal dishes. Next to Place des Abbesses is the newest branch of Kozy, a group of popular brunch spots.
Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l’Ourcq
Flowing through the northeast of the city, Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l’Ourcq were commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800s. A favourite of locals, they provide an alternative to enjoy the waterside away from the flocks of people congregating along the Seine in central Paris. The more southern and trendier Canal Saint-Martin and its surrounding streets are packed with hip shops, modern eateries and street art. It leads north to Canal de l’Ourcq, which has wide walkways, bars on former barges, Paname Brewing Company and friendly Parisians playing petanque (a bocce-style game). Clients can take to the waterway by renting a self-drive boat from Marin D’Eau Douce or hop onboard a two-hour Canauxrama cruise, which sails along the canals.
For a taste of the south on Canal Saint-Martin, try lunch at Brasserie Valma, which offers up contemporary Provencal cuisine. For modern-fusion dishes available on lunch menus, head to Bloom Garden in the new Bloom House hotel.
The 12th Arrondissement
Located east of Place de la Bastille — and on the exact opposite side of town to where the in-city Olympics events are being held — the hidden gem of the 12th Arrondissement district is another perfect escape. Relax along the neighbourhood’s two bucolic watersides: Port de l’Arsenal, a small pleasure port dotted with boats and exuding a seaside feel, and Port de la Rapee, a lively area along the Seine south of the Gare de Lyon train station with outdoor bars and restaurants. Stroll along Coulee verte Rene-Dumont, a pretty walkway on a repurposed elevated train viaduct, beneath which is Le Viaduc des Arts, a collection of artisan shops, art galleries and a new gin distillery. Pick up picnic supplies to enjoy at the above spaces at the district’s much-loved food market, Marche d’Aligre.
Found on a refurbished barge moored on the Seine, Facette welcomes guests for festive meals of modern dishes and natural wines accompanied by DJs on weekends. Or drop by Bamboche Comptoir for market-based cuisine using ingredients straight from the Aligre market.
Flowing through the northeast of the city, Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l’Ourcq were commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800s. A favourite of locals, they provide an alternative to enjoy the waterside away from the flocks of people congregating along the Seine in central Paris. The more southern and trendier Canal Saint-Martin and its surrounding streets are packed with hip shops, modern eateries and street art. It leads north to Canal de l’Ourcq, which has wide walkways, bars on former barges, Paname Brewing Company and friendly Parisians playing petanque (a bocce-style game). Clients can take to the waterway by renting a self-drive boat from Marin D’Eau Douce or hop onboard a two-hour Canauxrama cruise, which sails along the canals.
For a taste of the south on Canal Saint-Martin, try lunch at Brasserie Valma, which offers up contemporary Provencal cuisine. For modern-fusion dishes available on lunch menus, head to Bloom Garden in the new Bloom House hotel.
The 12th Arrondissement
Located east of Place de la Bastille — and on the exact opposite side of town to where the in-city Olympics events are being held — the hidden gem of the 12th Arrondissement district is another perfect escape. Relax along the neighbourhood’s two bucolic watersides: Port de l’Arsenal, a small pleasure port dotted with boats and exuding a seaside feel, and Port de la Rapee, a lively area along the Seine south of the Gare de Lyon train station with outdoor bars and restaurants. Stroll along Coulee verte Rene-Dumont, a pretty walkway on a repurposed elevated train viaduct, beneath which is Le Viaduc des Arts, a collection of artisan shops, art galleries and a new gin distillery. Pick up picnic supplies to enjoy at the above spaces at the district’s much-loved food market, Marche d’Aligre.
Found on a refurbished barge moored on the Seine, Facette welcomes guests for festive meals of modern dishes and natural wines accompanied by DJs on weekends. Or drop by Bamboche Comptoir for market-based cuisine using ingredients straight from the Aligre market.
Just in case your trip involves romance (as a Paris visit should!), here are a few top -of- the -romance- hotel ideas!
Hotel de Jobo
Hidden within the tiny streets of the Marais district is this 4-star romantic ode to Empress Josephine Bonaparte, also known as “JoBo.”
Hotel Montalembert
Located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighbourhood and surrounded by historic cafes, posh boutiques and antique shops, this chic five-star boutique hotel is the ideal base for a romantic stay on the city’s Left Bank.
Hotel Providence
Occupying a mid-1800s townhouse in the trendy 10th arrondissement (in between the Upper Marais and the St. Martin Canal) Hotel Providence is one of Paris’s most beautiful boutique hotels. A great option for travellers wanting to explore like a local.
Le Pavillon de la Reine
Nestled within a vine-ladened courtyard off the majestic Place des Vosges, Le Pavillon de la Reine, or the Queen’s Pavilion, (named in honour of Queen Anne of Austria) is the ideal setting for a royally romantic stay in Paris.
Maison Souquet
Since opening in 2016 on a quiet side street near the Moulin Rouge and Montmartre, this seductive five-star hotel has consistently received the Travellers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor for the most romantic hotel in France. Briefly a “house of pleasure” run by a certain Madame Souquet in the early 20th century, the building was transformed by Jacques Garcia into a modern take on a lavish boudoir of the Belle Epoque era.
Hotel de Jobo
Hidden within the tiny streets of the Marais district is this 4-star romantic ode to Empress Josephine Bonaparte, also known as “JoBo.”
Hotel Montalembert
Located in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighbourhood and surrounded by historic cafes, posh boutiques and antique shops, this chic five-star boutique hotel is the ideal base for a romantic stay on the city’s Left Bank.
Hotel Providence
Occupying a mid-1800s townhouse in the trendy 10th arrondissement (in between the Upper Marais and the St. Martin Canal) Hotel Providence is one of Paris’s most beautiful boutique hotels. A great option for travellers wanting to explore like a local.
Le Pavillon de la Reine
Nestled within a vine-ladened courtyard off the majestic Place des Vosges, Le Pavillon de la Reine, or the Queen’s Pavilion, (named in honour of Queen Anne of Austria) is the ideal setting for a royally romantic stay in Paris.
Maison Souquet
Since opening in 2016 on a quiet side street near the Moulin Rouge and Montmartre, this seductive five-star hotel has consistently received the Travellers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor for the most romantic hotel in France. Briefly a “house of pleasure” run by a certain Madame Souquet in the early 20th century, the building was transformed by Jacques Garcia into a modern take on a lavish boudoir of the Belle Epoque era.