Paris, France
A winter return to the City of Light—where every corner feels familiar, yet always new. There’s something magnetic about Paris in late December: the glow of shop windows along the Right Bank, the hush of grand museums in winter light, and champagne toasts that linger long past midnight. Returning for New Year’s, the energy was festive but elegant—exactly as it should be.
Our love for the city was only deepened by that visit, so much so that we returned again in June—this time as a trio—for city walks, warm evenings, and a bit of Roland-Garros magic.
Dream
On our first trip, we stayed at the Four Seasons George V, a timeless grand hotel just steps from the Golden Triangle. That experience introduced us to the joy of exploring Paris on foot—especially the luxury shopping district, which we still adore returning to.
La Fantaisie, 9th Arrondissement. On our return trips, we chose to stay at the whimsical new La Fantaisie, tucked into Rue Cadet in the 9th. With eclectic design and a charming rooftop bar (Le Bar sur le Toit), the hotel offers a refreshing and design-forward counterpoint to the city’s historic elegance. It quickly felt like a hidden oasis amid the buzz of Paris.
Dine
Le Bar sur le Toit: La Fantaisie’s rooftop bar quickly became a favorite. Stylish and cozy in winter, it’s perfect for pre-dinner cocktails and watching the city light up beneath you.
Papi: A buzzing neighborhood spot where modern Italian flavors meet natural wine and cool interiors. A little tucked away and all the better for it.
Madonna: A sultry Italian restaurant with a lively crowd and a menu built around shareable plates and house-made pasta. Chic, a bit loud, and absolutely fun.
Loulou (NYE Dinner): Located at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs with views of the Eiffel Tower, Loulou is one of Paris’s most elegant dinner settings. Perfect for a festive evening—especially on New Year’s Eve. The popular terrace, even in winter, adds to the atmosphere.
Grand Café at Grand Palais Éphémère: A recent hotspot with a dramatic setting, housed in the Grand Palais Éphémère. Ideal for a stylish lunch in between gallery visits and long walks through the 7th. A nod to Parisian café culture with a modern twist.
Do
Notre-Dame: Still undergoing restoration, but a must-visit to witness the rebirth of one of the city's most important landmarks.
Musée d'Orsay: Always inspiring, especially in the quiet of winter. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
Musée Rodin: Fewer crowds, more space to wander. The garden in winter has its own serene magic.
Musée de l'Orangerie: Monet’s water lilies never disappoint—especially with fewer visitors around.
Fondation Louis Vuitton: Architecturally stunning and always compelling in its curatorial choices. This time, the David Hockney exhibition was an absolute standout—one of the best we’ve ever seen. Vivid, playful, and deeply moving, it captured both the joy and introspection of his work in a space that felt made for it.
Summer Return: Roland-Garros
We returned to Paris again that summer—this time for Roland-Garros, and it couldn’t have been more different from our winter visit, yet just as unforgettable.
For tennis lovers, it’s truly a dream. The atmosphere is electric but not overwhelming, with the perfect blend of Parisian style and sportsmanship. Watching world-class matches unfold on clay courts with a chilled glass of rosé in hand felt both effortless and exhilarating. Even for those who aren't die-hard fans, the energy, the crowd, and the setting make it a must. If you're lucky enough to catch a match on Court Philippe-Chatrier during golden hour, it’s magic.
Paris in summer has a lighter rhythm—long days, outdoor cafés, and river strolls late into the evening. Seeing the city through that lens, with Roland-Garros as the backdrop, gave us a whole new appreciation for it.