Places to stay in Paris
For those who love quirky places
Prepare to be wowed. Welcome to the OFF Paris Seine Hotel. Cross over onto the left bank of the River Seine in the 13th arrondissement, just opposite Gare de Lyon station. Yes, you read that right. The Seine. That’s where you’ll be staying. Surprising, isn’t it? The OFF Paris Seine hotel isn’t just one of those old barges. It’s THE premier water-based hotel and restaurant in Paris. Cross the little bridge on the barge and you’ll find yourself in the lobby. To your right, there are 54 rooms and four suites, all almost brand new and most with a view of the Seine. To your left, you’ll find a long swimming pool and an outdoor bar, where there are drinks and entertainment activities galore. Have your breakfast on the pontoon, take a dip in the River Seine, spend the whole day discovering Paris and return for a drink in the same space. Finally, you’ll be rocked to sleep, comforted by the lapping of the River Seine.
📍Hôtel OFF Paris Seine, Quai d’Austerlitz 86, 75013 Paris. From EUR 132 per night.
For those who know that the train is the future.
Looking for an environmentally friendly hotel? In a city as busy and built up as Paris, finding somewhere to stay that meets all your sustainability criteria isn’t always easy. However, we’ve found a real gem where you can spend your nights somewhere that’s kind to the planet: Le Bel-Ami. Much like the OFF Paris Seine and the other accommodation we’ve recommended, Le Bel-Ami isn’t a budget hotel, but it’s genuinely worth every cent just for the experience. Situated in the sixth arrondissement, again on the left bank and close to the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre and the River Seine, right in the middle of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, there’s no doubt that you’re right in the heart of Paris. This boutique hotel has signed an environmental charter and holds Clef Verte (‘Green Key’) accreditation. With biodegradable products in the bedrooms, eco-friendly cleaning products and practices, fresh, organic and seasonal produce in the kitchen, zero plastic and community initiatives, Le Bel-Ami is all about transparency.
📍Hôtel Bel-Ami, Rue Saint-Benoît 7, 75006 Paris. From EUR 350 per night.
For couples on a tight budget
And now for something completely different. Over on the right bank of the River Seine in the tenth arrondissement, we have the Generator Hostel. This chain of youth hostels can be found all over Europe, and this is its Paris branch. There are several accommodation options available, including mixed, male-only and female-only dormitories, private rooms, deluxe rooms and family rooms. You’ll be spoilt for choice at a bargain price. From Paris Gare de Lyon station, take metro line 1, then line 2 to Colonel Fabien. You’ll see the Generator as you come out of the metro station. Head into the entrance hall, grab your key, stop off at your room and drop off your bags and then make your way up to the top floor. Surprise! A rooftop area and bar awaits! You won’t believe your eyes with spectacular views like this over Paris. Our suggestion? The Generator is only a short distance away from the Saint Martin Canal. Why not explore this typically Parisian neighbourhood and join the locals enjoying their evening drinks on the canal?
📍 Place du Colonel Fabien 9 – 11, 75010 Paris. Bed in a dormitory from EUR 40 per night.
For the best views of Paris
Staying on the right bank, still up on the rooftops. The most stunning view of Paris can be found at the Terrass Hotel. Located on the cusp of the 17th and 18th arrondissements, in Montmartre, the Terrass Hotel offers sweeping views over the whole city. Yep, there’s the Eiffel Tower! As well as providing a fabulous view of one of Paris’s most famous monuments, the rooms look marvellous too. Ultra-modern, fully furnished and with the feel of an artist’s studio, they’re colourful and comfortable. Your stay in Paris will be calm and peaceful in this residential area in the 18th arrondissement. Foodies are well catered for, with seasonal menus available in the restaurant. If you fancy heading off on a wander, you can be at the Sacré-Coeur in just ten minutes. Or if you love a bit of R&R, there’s an on-site spa. The staff are also happy to recommend some of the best places to go in the area.
📍Terrass Hôtel, Rue Joseph de Maistre 12 – 14, 75018 Paris. From EUR 180 per night.
Of course, there’s a whole range of accommodation options available in Paris, but we’d love you to choose one of our faves!
Things to do in Paris as a couple
There’s no need to fight through the crowds on the Champs-Élysées or to pile into a packed Bateaux-Mouches river cruise. Instead, enjoy Paris’s more surprising, unusual side. Here are four activities and places that will allow you to discover Paris in a whole new way.
Musée d’Orsay 🎨
Let’s start with one of the classic must-sees. Rather than getting lost in the Louvre, why not cross the river and head to the Musée d’Orsay? It is home to major paintings from the Impressionist era by Manet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Courbet. Musée d’Orsay provides a perfect opportunity to indulge in 19th century art, but you can also find some remnants of the 1900 Paris Exposition, the event which gave us the Eiffel Tower. Yep! Orsay was actually a station before becoming a museum. On entering the museum, you’ll find yourself on the former platforms. As you explore the exhibits, you obviously need to check out the large station clock. This is our top pick of the Paris museums.
Nighttime mini cruise on the Seine 🚤
Forget those Bateaux-Mouches river cruises. Why not have a romantic interlude on the Seine as night falls? Hop onto a little boat armed with a glass of something special. Your captain awaits. Set off before sunset so you’ll get the chance to see the lights of the Eiffel Tower come on! Get a whole new perspective on Paris from the water, while your captain regales you with anecdotes.
A foodie tour in the Marais district 🍖
One great way of exploring Paris is through food. Rather than just trying out one option, why not get a taste of the full range of delicious delicacies that Paris has to offer? You’ll start your cycling tour in the heart of the Marais district. Your guide will lead the way. The first stop is a chocolatey one! As for the rest? That’s our little secret – and you’ll just have to find out for yourself. Croques monsieurs, burgers, ice cream and even cabbages – you’ll get the full low-down on what real Parisians eat in their everyday lives. Bon appétit!
A last-minute trip to the theatre 🎭
So, you get to Paris and feel like you want to see a show. Our tip? Head to the kiosks and grab yourself a last-minute ticket. Paris is the theatre capital, with 130 venues in the city, so you’re bound to find a show to delight you. Walk to the Madeleine theatre kiosk in the eighth arrondissement and ask for tickets for that evening. By booking at the last minute, you can get tickets at half their normal price. It doesn’t get any better than that, right?
A romantic dinner for two
Chez Chantoiseau
In the 18th arrondissement, not far from the Terrass Hotel and the Sacré Coeur, the small Chantoiseau brasserie offers French classics with a modern twist to tantalise your taste buds. Head up the Montmartre hill, at a height of 130 metres if you want to be precise, and then sit at a table or the counter. You’ll be treated to traditional and sustainable French fare, made using fine, flavourful ingredients. If you’d like an authentic, high-quality French food experience for a lower price, opt for lunch rather than dinner. The set menu is only EUR 28.
📍Chantoiseau, Rue Lepic 63, 75018 Paris, France.
Chez Faubourg Daimant
Some of the best Parisian eateries can definitely be found in the tenth arrondissement. and Faubourg Daimant is no exception. This restaurant is the latest brainchild of well-known restaurateur Alice Tuyet, who wanted to offer plant-based cuisine without making a big deal of it. As you head into the bistro, you’ll find yourself transported back to the Paris faubourgs of the 1900s. Sit down and let the journey begin! You’ll be treated to a panoply of delectable plant-based dishes. Served in the style of French classic dishes, the food at Faubourg Daimant features glossy sauces and a hearty, comforting flavour to delight vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Our favourite dish is croquettes cochonnes (‘dirty croquettes’). Every time they’re in Paris, our team go back for more.
📍Faubourg Daimant, Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière 20, 75010 Paris.
Le Clarence
You’ll probably have heard of Le Clarence. Right next to the Champs-Élysées, this restaurant offers an intimate feel and a fine-dining experience. Le Clarence is the home of twice-starred chef, Christophe Pelé. Yep! Enter this grand Parisian house and you’ll find everything you could possibly want from an exceptional dining experience, including period lounges, marble fireplaces and numerous works of art. All the romance of Paris! Your plate will be adorned with the freshest daily ingredients. A surprisingly fresh fine-dining experience of the highest quality. Treat yourself and enjoy.
📍Le Clarence, Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt 31, 75008 Paris.
Indulge in the magic of Paris for a weekend, just like a real Parisian couple. Stroll around the city, get your fill of culture at a museum, try some delicious food and enjoy a drink on the terrasse. It’s Paris at 320 km/hour