Paris might be the most difficult city to write about--because it is and will always be the place I dream about. The lifestyle, the fashion, the architecture, the effortless beauty,wine at lunch, the reasons go on & on... but I will do my best to continue to add my favorite hotels, restaurants, and spots check out. But have no fear, I will never stop traveling here so the list will continue to expand... and yes I do always say I'm going to live here someday.

To begin, it is helpful to visualize the city. It is comprised of 20 neighborhoods, called Arrondissements. Each has its own personality and charm. It is also helpful to know that it is divided by the Seine River: Left Bank/Right Bank. For the sake of this blog, I will focus on the main touristy spots.

*8th Arrondissement being my favorite, and where I want to live--right near L'Avenue, Hôtel Plaza Athénee, walking steps to the Eiffel Tower, and the elegant shopping street of Avenue Montaigne.

When to visit:

June- August: Best weather, but most crowded & most expensive. Keep in mind, if you want to see Parisians, they will not be in the city in August- this is when the majority take holiday. This might be your agenda, but know this heading into it.
September-November: Weather is more unpredictable, but it's less crowded. You will also be able to see the Christmas Market, starting in November.
December-March: If you aren't afraid of wearing a coat, you will save the most money now.
March-June: Same as the fall, shoulder season, so you will save a bit and it will be less crowded than the summer.

Hotels I've been lucky enough to stay at:

Champs Élysées Plaza : 2 Blocks away from Champs-Élysées at 35 Rue de Berri. My first trip to Paris was spent here, and EVERY single trip since, I have stopped back in to grab a drink. This is a boutique hotel--which you will find is my favorite type of lodging. This hotel was great! Charming decor and prime location for a first time Paris-goer.

2 Blocks from this hotel you have the heavily traveled Champs Elysées; however, on the back side, you have a low traveled road that leads you to the greatest shopping in the city, as well as Place Vendôme! (Another favorite Spot...but I've kind of lost count of those)

La Maison Favart: This boutique hotel is located in the 2nd Arrondissement. I stayed with my partner in crime (baby sister), Dr. Dre, here on our way to Nice & Monaco. We had a nice stay--cute rooms with an honesty bar.

Intercontinental Paris Le Grand: We stayed at this hotel during a trip and used points. This is a fantastic hotel. Larger than what I prefer; however, it has grand charm. I'm a complete sucker for detail and charm: drapes, wall paper..etc. I love detail and I love feeling like a princess. Ask for a room with a view of the Opera. My husband is an Ambassador-Spire Elite with IHG.. which means... yes, Upgrades Galore and other perks!

*Travel Tip: Sign up with a hotel---and stick with them! (Except for special occasions of course.)

Hôtel Costes: I like every place I've stayed in Paris; however, this is my favorite hotel. I almost don't want to share this gem.. because I want it to remain my secret! The rooms are small; however, every inch is magnificent and full of charm. This hotel also has my favorite dinner restaurant: in the courtyard. The hotel is located in Place Vendôme, 1st arrondissement. There is a luxurious bar that doesn't get started until the wee hours: People watching galore. I would not recommend this hotel to non-fashionistas. (I'm not kidding... it's definitely a scene.)

Have not stayed here yet.... by mark my words.. I Will! Hôtel Plaza Athênêe: Located in the 8th Arrondissement, with views of the Eiffel Tower! This is a Dorchester Collection Hotel (which means pricey... but Ultimate Luxury) it is also where Aleksandr Petrovsky took Carrie Bradshaw! (Sex & The City)

Hôtel Plaza Athénée, walking from L'Avenue to the Eiffel Tower

Keep in mind these are some of my favorite hotels. If you can use points or save by staying at a different hotel-then you should. Travel is about the experience you make. At the end of the day, you are still in the greatest city in the world. The City of Love.

Things to Do in Paris: other than wander the streets in awe.

Eiffel Tower: The thing about the Eiffel Tower--well at least with me, I thought it would be this lame touristy thing to see... But then you see it... and like a giddy 5 year old girl, all your dreams about Paris come true.

SO--you need to see the Eiffel Tower at day & night.

WHEN you see it at night, sit on the field on the back side, and bring a bottle of wine. If you forget, there will be boys walking around with beer, bubbles, and wine for purchase. Seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle is magical.

Another great thing to do: One of the Boat tours for dinner. Scott & I took a dinner cruise with a live band, it was super lame & touristy... and guess what? It was AMAZING! DO it.

*Travel Tip: If you have airline or credit card miles see if you can purchase or use miles through them!

The Louvre & Musée d'Órsay: This is located on the right bank. It is a historic landmark in Paris as well as one of the world's largest museums.

There is so much art, it is an art history lover's dream. I was more enthused by the architecture. It's overwhelmingly large. To think it was built hundreds of years ago is impressive. Our first stop of course was the Mona Lisa.

Musée d'Orsay is located on the left bank: Here is where you will find Monet's Water Lillies (my personal favorite) but i'm biased to impressionism.

Pont des Arts Bridge: This bridge crosses the River Seine and used to be the trendy bridge where you put your "love lock" on. They have started to take this down, but the bridge is still a gorgeous view & photo opp *Tip: have someone take your photo with the break in the river-two different routes.

Notre Dame: If in Paris, you kind of need to give respect to the Notre Dame. In the summer, the line is out the door... in the fall (November)there is no line, so keep this in mind.

Place Vendôme: Vendôme is a square in the 1st arrondissement--and also Jewelry Galore! Every major jewelry store you can imagine.. think Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Rolex..etc In this square you are walking distance to the L'ouvre, Park, Theater district and greatest shopping at flagship stores.

Arc de Triomphe: Super Touristy, but for the first time Paris-goer, you kind of have to. The top gives you a great view of the whole city and the Champs Elysées.

The Tuileries Garden: Once you are done seeing the museums, Eiffel tower, and all the other to-dos in Paris, sit back and put your heels up here. Or if you are planning on going to the Louvre, grab a snack here and enjoy some people watching. Just relax.

In the summertime, you will see children with miniature sail boats in the fountains, lovers strolling through the park, with the beauty of the city surrounding you... and when its time for a snack... or pint of beer, head to Café Diane.

Jardin du Palais Royal & Le Palais Royal: Palace and gardens with arcades and striped columns. It's a great spot to sit and picnic or pose on columns!

Daniel Buren's 260 Black&White striped columns

St. Germain: Across the river from the Louvre, you can walk across Pont des Arts bridge. This area can be described as possibly the most Classical Parisian neighborhood. The streets are lined with art galleries, shopping, and cafés. If you have time on your trip, visit St. Germain even for a casual lunch to check out the neighborhood.

Sacré-Cœur: If you want a view of Paris, come to this Cathedral on the top of the hill. This is the highest point in the city. *If you've seen the movie Three Days to Kill, it is the location where Kevin Costner teaches his daughter to ride a bike.

Favorite Places to Eat: the scene doesn't get started until later. I won't book a reservation until at least 10:30pm. But in general, people don't eat dinner until at least 8:30pm.

L'Avenue: My favorite time to eat here is at lunch-late afternoon. Sit outside always. Great people watching and located in one of my favorite Arrondissements.

If you care to see some celebs--this might be your spot as it is located near my next stay: Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris (Dorchester Collection.) When sitting outside, you can view the Eiffel Tower. After lunch and a cocktail-walk to the Eiffel Tower.

Restaurant & Terrace at Hotel Costes: Dinner doesn't get going until 10:30-11:00 so hopefully you are a night owl like myself. This place is fantastic. Favorite dinner spot--have your concierge make the reservation so you can sit outside in the courtyard.

Le Grand Colbert: This is a classic Parisian Brasserie-the food isn't the greatest, but you come here for the atmosphere anyways. If you've seen the movie Something's Gotta Give, this is the romantic spot at the end with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson.

Others restaurants to check out: Restaurant Le Meurice, L'Arpége, Chez Paul, Frenchie; Although, this is Paris-there are a million different spots. Ask your concierge at check-in (or prior to stay if it's summer) and ask them to make reservations. We did this our first stay at The Champs Elysées Plaza: it was how we discovered Hôtel des Costes.

Shopping: My favorite pasttime

Don't forget to shop your face off! If you do, make sure to get VAT tax back at the airport. You may think it's a pain in the butt, but it's not, it makes it cheaper than the states.. so think: Handbags.... seriously. If you are planning on shopping, do it wisely. (VAT)

Chanel: The iconic black & white flagship store. It is a work of beauty. Located at 31 Rue Cambon, 1st Arrondissement. Just stare in Awe. It's fabulous.

Louis Vuitton: Several locations, but the location on Champs Elysées will have lines out the door until closing time. I've been to this location when they have built the Eiffel Tower out of LV Monogrammed Luggage. It's like a museum for fashion.

Other Notables: Balmain, Christian Louboutin, Hermés, Lanvin, Christian Dior.

*Travel Tip, check with your bank of course, but you will get the best exchange rate by taking cash out at the atms in Paris.

The corner of Rue Cambon (Chanel's Flagship Store)

Day Trips:

Palaces of Versailles: If you have an extra day, this is a must. If the weather isn't perfect.. rent a golf cart--I know it sounds lazy, and I laughed at my sister when she suggested it (per recommendation from her friend) after the trip, it was the best decision of the day, besides getting a pint after. This is an easy train ride from Paris.