24 Hours in Paris: A guide to the stylish French city

You have 24 hours to spend in Paris. What do you do? Paris is one of the chicest cities in the world. Here, fashion, culture, gastronomy and art converge to create a moment unlike any other. Backdropped by the River Seine, this is the city of love, the city of light and there is a plethora of things to do in this fashionable city. From cultural landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame to museums and fashion galleries, there is so much to see and explore. And with so many fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels scattered around the city, you are truly spoiled for choice when picking a place to stay. Not to mention the many flagship stores, high end boutiques and retailers that are perfect for a day of shopping. No matter what time of the year you visit the city of light, it always holds a sense of magic. From Montmarte to the Champs-Élysée, here, we curate a guide for the best way to spend 24 hours in Paris.STAY | Hotel Plaza Athénée

Hotel Plaza Athénée is a place of rich history in its every crevice. Dubbed the haute couture address of Paris, it is ideally located on the Montaigne Avenue, just a few steps from the banks of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. The hotel embodies the legend of Parisian couture, particularly through its history with the house of Christian Dior, and also hosts a Dior Spa within its walls. It has, for the longest time, played host to many celebrities and notable figures like Grace Kelly, Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor. The hotel has also been recently immortalised in a Taylor Swift song, who has also been a guest at the property.

And while the hotel has an incredibly impressive history, its suites, interiors and the staff help elevate this classic French haven to another level. The 154 bedrooms and 54 suites of the hotel are real Parisian apartments in classic or art deco style, offering the latest comfort in terms of technology. The hotel’s two best suites are the Royal Suite and the Haute Couture Eiffel suite, each offering a spectacular view of the glittering Eiffel Tower, Avenue Montaigne and its prestigious shops, as well as the hotel’s Cour Jardin, offering calm and serenity in an always bustling city.

Beyond the breathtaking suites and rooms, there are plenty of places to dine, lounge and relax in. From the chandelier adorned La Galerie and the seasonally changing La Cour Jardin to the La Terrasse Montaigne, the Bar and the Dior Spa, there is something for everyone to indulge in. If there ever was a hotel that was quintessentially Paris, it’s Hotel Plaza Athénée.DINE | Le Relais Plaza

To find elevated fine dining in Paris, you’re truly spoiled for choice. But you don’t need to travel too far to experience some of the very best of French cuisine in the city. Hotel Plaza Athénée’s Le Relais Plaza is a chic brasserie with a personal connection to Christian Dior that has, over the years, become an essential address in the capital – a very Parisian meeting place with a worldly and refined spirit. Dior would regularly send his models wearing his latest designs to this restaurant, which has also served as an inspiration for many of his creations. 

On par with the restaurant’s history is its food, which is the brain child of chef Jean Imbert. The chef wanted Le Relais Plaza to offer a cuisine driven by values that are dear to him and are inspired by his grandmother, with iconic dishes but also many new dishes from Parisian brasserie cuisine. The langoustines with mayonnaise and thermidor are a stand-out, as well as the sea bream and the lobster spaghetti. Do not leave the restaurant without indulging in its Madagascar vanilla crème brûlée – it is one of the most indulgent desserts I’ve ever had the pleasure of sampling.SHOP | Champs-Élysée and Galeries Lafayette

Paris is a haven for fashion lovers, and as a result, there should be no difficulty in finding places to shop around in. Two such locations for the ultimate luxury shopping experience are the Champs-Élysée and Galeries Lafayette, both of which are prestigious avenues for shopping, dining and culture. The Champs-Élysée is a boulevard adorned with every luxury boutique you can think of like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior and fine jewellery and watch brands like TAG Heuer, Tiffany & Co, Rolex, Cartier, Montblanc. 

Also inside the premises is the Galeries Lafayette, an upmarket French department store chain that is also famous for its incredible architecture. This is your one stop shop for exhibitions, luxury stores, food and drink, beauty and fragrance and culture. There are two more locations around Paris, so you are always near one no matter where in the city you are. With so many stores to choose from, you could spend your entire trip shopping around Paris and it somehow still wouldn’t be enough.EXPLORE | Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, Montmartre District and more

Paris is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and with good reason, as it is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and so much more. Not to mention the Palace of Versailles – which is an absolute must-visit for anyone going to Paris. Also worth exploring is the Dior Museum, which is mere steps away from Hotel Plaza Athénée, as well as the Montmartre district, which is accessible through a funicular and offers sweeping views of the city of Paris – including the Eiffel Tower. We recommend heading to Montmartre early in the morning, when the sun is breaking out of the horizon and the city is just waking up. It will certainly be a moment you will never forget.

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