Ask almost anyone about the destination on their bucket list, and Paris, France inevitably appears near the top. Known as the City of Light, the City of Love, and affectionately as Paname, Paris has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most iconic destinations. Yet for all its fame, Paris still rewards travelers who experience it thoughtfully—especially those seeking refined, well-planned luxury travel.
With so much to see and do, deciding where to begin can feel overwhelming. For most visitors, the journey starts with the Eiffel Tower, a landmark so instantly recognizable that it defines the city itself. While many visitors dream of ascending to the top, a longtime cruise director once shared a clever truth: the only place in Paris where you can’t see the Eiffel Tower is when you’re standing on it.
For a more memorable experience, consider a picnic instead. A blanket, fresh fruit, artisanal cheese, and a proper baguette enjoyed in the shadow of the tower—especially along the Champ de Mars—often becomes one of the most cherished moments of a Paris stay. When shopping for picnic supplies, avoid vendors clustered around major tourist sites. These spots are notorious for inflated prices and rushed service. Walk a few blocks into a neighborhood market instead; you’ll save money, enjoy higher quality, and be warmly received as a guest rather than treated like a transaction.
No first visit to Paris feels complete without the Louvre Museum, largely because of one small painting: the Mona Lisa. While it’s true that the Mona Lisa was not universally regarded as Leonardo da Vinci’s greatest work during his lifetime, its global fame surged after its theft in 1911—a media sensation that transformed it into a cultural icon. What many visitors don’t realize is that the Louvre holds thousands of extraordinary works with deeper historical and artistic significance. A private or small-group guided tour is invaluable here, helping you uncover masterpieces you might otherwise pass by without context.
On the Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame Cathedral naturally commands attention. Just steps away, however, stands Sainte-Chapelle, a jewel often overlooked. Built in the 13th century to house relics of the Passion of Christ—including the Crown of Thorns—Sainte-Chapelle’s soaring stained-glass windows are among the most breathtaking in Europe, illustrating biblical stories in vivid detail. While Sainte-Chapelle dazzles, Notre-Dame should not be missed—especially after the devastating 2019 fire that reminded the world just how close we came to losing this irreplaceable monument.
Outside the city center, many travelers venture to the Palace of Versailles, and understandably so. Once a royal hunting lodge before being expanded into a symbol of absolute monarchy, Versailles became a focal point of resentment during the French Revolution. While not all records were destroyed, many financial documents were lost or obscured, contributing to lingering myths about the palace’s true cost.
For a quieter—and often more rewarding—alternative, consider the Château de Fontainebleau. Unlike Versailles, Fontainebleau was largely spared during the Revolution, preserving original furniture, tapestries, and décor that span several centuries. It also holds immense historical significance as the site where Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated his throne in 1814, following his defeat by coalition forces led by the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo.
When it comes to accommodations, Paris excels across every tier—but for travelers seeking true luxury travel, the city is unmatched. From globally renowned properties such as the Mandarin Oriental and The Peninsula to an array of Forbes-rated hotels, Paris offers impeccable service, refined design, Michelin-starred dining, indulgent spas, and discreet butler service. When curated properly, your hotel becomes an extension of the experience rather than simply a place to sleep.
Paris is a city where details matter. Thoughtful planning, expert guidance, and access to the right partners elevate a trip from enjoyable to extraordinary.
To experience Paris through a curated luxury travel lens—with personalized accommodations, insider access, and seamless planning—visit Regal Luxury Travel with Raymond at 👉 www.regalluxurytravelwraymond.com
Luxury is not an upgrade—it’s the starting point.