Paris: A Love Letter
It’s February, and love is in the air. Paris has always been synonymous with romance, but right now it also feels newly energized. Exciting cultural openings, a surge of design-led boutique hotels, and compelling value at the top end of the market make the city feel fresh, even for seasoned visitors.
Here’s what’s new, what’s worth your time, and how I’m planning Paris trips for clients right now.
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What’s new & noteworthy
The Fondation Cartier recently reopened in a new location at Place du Palais-Royal (right by the Louvre), giving design and art lovers a major new reason to linger. It’s sleek, modern, and a perfect counterbalance to the city’s classics.
Yes, Officine Universelle Buly still has lines, and yes, it’s worth it. Custom lip balms make for charming, personal souvenirs, and a very Parisian outing.
For a meal truly off the beaten path: Jaïs. It’s discreet, creative, and quietly becoming one of the best dining experiences in the city.
Le Petit Pontoise in the 5th arrondissement remains a Left Bank staple—cozy, refined, timeless, and perfect for a relaxed, local-feeling meal.
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Where to stay
Neighborhoods matter: During winter and early spring, the sun hits the Right Bank better and later, making it a more pleasant base through about May.
I’m loving a cluster of Right Bank, design-led boutique hotels right now:
Le Grand Mazarin (4th arrondissement)
La Fantaisie (9th arrondissement)
Brach Paris (16th arrondissement)
Alternatively, you could stay at a Palace Hotel. To be dubbed a Palace is the highest level of recognition a hotel can receive in France. The designation was introduced in 2010 by the French government and is awarded to a very small (31 to be exact), highly selective group of hotels. Each of the Palace Hotels must be five-star, but the Palace distinction sits above the standard five-star rating, and is reserved for properties that represent the pinnacle of French hospitality, heritage, and excellence.
Fun fact: Speaking of Left Bank vs. Right Bank, Mandarin Oriental Lutetia is the only Palace de France Hotel on the Left Bank.
Right now, there’s excellent value at this level if you know where to look:
Four Seasons Hotel George V has just completed a full renovation.
Ritz Paris (famously not a Palace Hotel) offers a guaranteed upgrade at the time of booking, plus airport transfers.
Cheval Blanc Paris includes airport meet-and-greet service and transfers in the hotel rate.
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel offers flexible check-in and check-out, perfect for access to your room immediately after the long flight.
When you factor in the perks, the high level of service, and spacious rooms, these hotels often deliver more value than a standard five-star stay.
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You can unlock access to the best deals when you book your trip to Paris through me. Below are some deals active through March 31:
The Peninsula Paris: Stay 4 nights and enjoy the fourth night complimentary.
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme: Stay 4 nights (or more) and enjoy 25% off on all room types. Blackout dates may apply.
Shangri-La Paris: Book your stay at least 21 days in advance and enjoy 20% off.
If Paris is calling, whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, I’d love to design the right experience for your next Parisian getaway.
