The Ultimate French Girl Guide to Visiting Paris

Although it's been months since Paris Fashion Week, the allure of Parisian life remains everpresent. Many foreigners feel an irresistible pull to Paris as they dream of warm croissants, cobblestone streets, and running from one museum to the next. It's magical, it's romantic. While the temperature drops and a chill overtakes the city in the winter, Paris only becomes more magical as winter sets in. If you've been holding off on booking your flight to Paris, L'OFFICIEL is here to help you hit confirm and answer the looming "what to do in Paris" question. 

To maximize the Parisian experience, your trip will take careful planning from start to finish. The first step is finding your ideal hotel stay. This choice might determine how luxurious your trip might end up being. 

Once the logistics are confirmed, it's time to plan the fun parts, taking into consideration the most iconic places to visit as well as the seasonal and lesser-known options. Get into the nitty gritty of which museums or exhibits pique your interest the most, what food and drink you must try before heading home, and which iconic spots you just can't resist. Grab your cutest winter clothes and get packing. Onward to find the most chic recommendations of what to do in Paris.

What to Do in Paris: Museum Exhibitions

Step into the vibrant sphere of Nicolas de Staël at the Musée d’Art Moderne until January 21. His status as a post-war French artist makes this collection of over 200 paintings, notebooks, sketches, and prints a must-see in Paris. Move through his work chronologically and watch Staël revolutionize color and art as a whole.

Calling all fashion lovers for this fashion-forward exhibition at Fondation Azzedine Alaïa. Featuring designers Madame Grès and Azzedine Alaïa, examine how these two have translated their sculpting skills into fashion design. Through color, making practice, and cutting, Grès and Alaïa made similar pieces with similar styles. Although the two never worked together, this exhibition explores how both of their collections of work interact with each other in the modern day. The collection is on display until December 22.

The performance hall and cultural phenomenon La Gaîté Lyrique, is hosting an exhibition through December 22. Enjoy a break from the holidays by finding your fix of music met with cinema. The exhibition takes inspiration from 15 different films to create a new musical understanding of them. Their website explains that "each syllable is translated into a musical note...word becomes music," proving this exhibition to be innovative and a fascinating activity for your trip. 

The Musée des Arts décoratif hosts Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses from November 29, 2023 to April 28, 2024. Honoring Herpen's impact on fashion, the exhibition asks viewers to consider her role in the fashion industry and question the same ideas she would. How does traditional couture intersect with innovation with legendary designers like Herpen? What is the role of the body in fashion? How are these questions essential to the future of fashion? Enter a space of reflection at the Musée des Arts décoratif. 

Through March 17, enter a world of scent history at the Institut du Monde Arabe. This exhibition explores the rich history of perfume in East Asia and highlights the importance of scent in Arab culture. Manuscripts, textiles, art, videos, as well as guided tours and workshops are available to guests. 

If you're looking for a tourist attraction with a fashionable twist, stop by The Louvre's Musée de la Mode et du Textile. Although it takes some searching to find this section, the extensive fashion history available makes the adventure worthwhile. 

What to Do in Paris: Iconic Sights

Starting on December 8, visit the Opéra Bastille to watch the holiday classic ballet, The Nutcracker where some of the most prestigious names in the ballet will take the stage. If you can't get your hands on The Nutcracker tickets, explore the guided tours available daily to explore the monument's expressive architectural and interior design. 

This church features gorgeous architecture inside and out. But inside, sits a restaurant, Le Foyer de la Madeleine. To order off the menu, you must purchase an annual membership for €10, which is used to help people in need. Volunteers serve classic French food with the backdrop of paintings, columns, and fluffy clouds above guest's heads. 

When asking yourself what to do in Paris, the obvious answer is to visit the Saint Ouen Flea Market. It not only takes the cake for the largest flea market in Paris but it's also the largest in the world. This is an iconic must-stop spot for all the vintage lovers out there. The deep-rooted history at this flea market alone makes this a worthwhile stop. 

While this flea market could never compare to the size of the Saint Ouen Flea Market, La Porte De Vanves has a less overwhelming atmosphere for fashion lovers to explore rare and vintage finds.

Take a walk through La Marais, the young and trendy district in Paris. Here you'll find all sorts of vintage shopping options and can explore some unique art galleries along your stroll. For those looking for a chic Instagrammable spot to grab a pastry, visit Ob-La-Di Café on Rue de Saintonge.

What to Do in Paris: Food & Drink

Seb'on is sure to surprise you every night. This tiny spot rotates their menu based on what they have in the kitchen, making every night just a bit different than the last. The food here is fresh, in season, and sophisticated with an added charm. 

On the hunt for authentic Korean food in Paris? Oma Cuisine serves traditional kimchi alongside other dishes like semi-cooked mackerel tartare in vinegar and fish stock with sweet squash. The chef took inspiration from her childhood meals when cultivating the menu and even the name of the restaurant. Oma, meaning mom in Korean, will give you a taste of Korea while in Paris.

With a stunning view of the city, Hotel Dames Des Arts sets the perfect background for a night out. Enjoy a range of seasonal cocktails and small, sharable plates at this rooftop bar. The rooftop closes on October 7, but their luxury hotel rooms are available to retreat to after your long days of exploring any season. 

Partisan Coffee, located in the Arts et Métiers district, might be a perfect stop for a morning cup of coffee. The café serves local roasts and has space for guests to enjoy their morning brews in their lounge.  

If you want to immerse yourself in French culture and food, this bistronomy might be a must-try. Right at the edge of the Seine, Jaïs serves dishes like amberjack ceviche, sole meunière, and matured Simmental beef rib. This classic French spot will remind you of the Paris you always dreamed of. 

What to Do in Paris: Hotels

Need a moment to relax on your vacation? That starts with your hotel selection. At Les Jardins du Faubourg, find a warm Turkish steam bath (called a hammam), a sauna, professional masseuses, and a lavish swimming pool. All these amenities are available right down the hall from their hotel rooms. 

SO/Paris is the ultimate hotel for fashion and art lovers. In partnering with designers like Christian Lacroix, Karl Lagerfeld, Viktor & Rolf, and Guillaume Henry, the hotel is intrinsically infused with high art and creativity. Overlooking the Seine, you're sure to gain some creative inspiration of your own during your stay here. 

If you had to choose one word to describe Le Bristol Paris, it would undoubtedly be elegant. This five-star hotel epitomizes Parisian style and grace. Since 1925, Le Bristol Paris has provided its guests with luxurious stays with many dining options, partnerships with various art galleries, and a number of high-class amenities. 

Bulgari tiptoed out of the luxury jewelry world and into the luxury hotel world. With a spa, dining options, a bar, and the introduction of their new afternoon tea service, your stay will offer you moments of relaxation.