Paris is one of the world's best destinations for a luxury city break. However, planning a trip to the City of Light can be overwhelming, especially when looking for the best places to base yourself. While it all depends on several factors, such as the purpose of your trip and the attractions to visit, some neighbourhoods are better than others, especially if you're seeking a luxurious experience. If you need suggestions of where to stay, here are some of the most luxurious locations in Paris.
5 Luxurious Locations in Paris
1. Montmartre
Montmartre is one of the most charming neighbourhoods in Paris, home to gorgeous apartment buildings and retro cafés.
Set on a hill in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Paris. When staying in this area, you'll spend your days strolling through its cobblestone paths, enjoying the stunning views of Sacre Coeur from one of the cafes, experiencing the lavish comfort of Paris's world-renowned luxury hotels for a romantic getaway, and trying out the delicious bread and pastries at one of the local pâtisseries.
Staying in Montmartre will put you in a strategic location to explore some of Paris' top attractions. While the area is separate from the rest of the city since it's on a hilltop, you'll be close to the Moulin Rouge and Montmartre Cemetery, the resting places of some of Paris' most famous residents. The chic neighbourhood is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Paris, including Maison Souquet, a five-star boutique hotel opposite the Moulin Rouge.
Montmartre lies along the right bank of Paris in the 18th arrondissement. The best way to get to the area is to take lines 2 or 12 of the Paris Metro and get off at Blanche, Pigalle, or Anvers, depending on where you are staying.
2. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the most sophisticated areas of Paris, offering a five-star Parisian experience. It's part of the 6th arrondissement, along the left bank of the Seine. Located in the centre of Paris, it has bustling food markets, cosy cafes, art galleries, small boutiques, theatres, and the Jardin du Luxembourg, giving you plenty to enjoy during your stay.
As one of the most luxurious locations to stay in Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is home to many elegant hotels, including the Hotel d'Aubusson, a boutique hotel housed in a 17th-century mansion featuring old-world charm and decorated with antique furniture. The well-appointed rooms have all the modern comforts and amenities you expect from a luxury hotel room.
One of the best things about staying in Saint-Germain-des-Prés is that you'll be walking distance from some of the city's top museums, such as the Musée Delacroix. It showcases the work of the famous French painter Eugène Delacroix, including oil paintings, sketches, and pastels. If you are interested in the arts and history, Saint-Germain-des-Prés would be the perfect place to stay in Paris.
3. Marais
Le Marais is another neighbourhood in Paris, home to some of the city's top hotels, making it an ideal place to stay for your luxury holiday in Paris. It occupies some parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, west of Place de la Bastille and north of the Seine River.
Once an enclave for the rich, it attracts bohemian residents and is among the few neighbourhoods Napoleon spared when modernising the city. Thus, expect to find many buildings with old-world charm. It's also a prominent Jewish Quarter, home to a few Jewish restaurants.
The Marais is in the city centre and is a favourite hangout spot for many locals and tourists. Here, you'll find many bars, restaurants, and cafes to chill out in and chat over drinks and French delicacies. It's also a fun neighbourhood to stroll around, offering an exciting mix of architecture, scenic squares, and small museums and art galleries.
If you're visiting Paris on a weekend, the Marais is an ideal base since it's one of the few places where many establishments remain open on a Sunday. Check out Hotel Jeanne d'Arc, a gorgeous hotel in a quiet area of the 4th arrondissement featuring chic decor and warmly decorated rooms.
4. Bastille
Bastille is close to Le Marais but offers more accommodation options, including reasonably priced boutique hotels. It's in the 11th arrondissement, named after the famous prison that once occupied the neighbourhood. Nowadays, the lively district is home to numerous bars and clubs and has become one of Paris' most popular nightlife spots. If you love to socialise and meet people from different walks of life, this may be the perfect place to stay.
Those seeking a luxury experience can stay at Maison Bréguet, a stunning five-star hotel 500 metres from the Bastille and walking distance to the neighbourhood's top bars and clubs. It has the amenities you expect from a luxury hotel, such as a spa, a fitness centre, and a fantastic restaurant with a glass ceiling.
During the day, stroll through Rue de Charonne, home to some lovely boutiques and a fantastic place to shop for the latest trends in fashion.
Visit the historic Place de la Bastille, the former location of the Bastille Prison. You'll find Café Français, a perfect place to enjoy a glass of champagne while watching the world drift past. If you happen to be in the neighbourhood on a Sunday, check out the farmer's market, which has numerous stalls selling fresh produce.
5. South Pigalle
Sitting at the foot of Montmartre Hill, South Pigalle is another fantastic place to stay in Paris. It's an area where two roads meet, and you'll find many street vendors selling trinkets, watches, textiles, etc.
The area where two roads meet along Place Pigalle has a reputation for being a red-light district, home to adult stores. But that's no longer the case. In fact, South Pigalle is home to some of the city's best hotels, such as the Grand Pigalle Hôtel, a four-star boutique hotel near Sacré Coeur.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a wealth of luxurious locations in Paris for a truly enchanting stay. From the opulence of Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the artistic charm of Montmartre, each destination promises a unique experience. However, Paris is a city of endless beauty and diversity, and countless other neighbourhoods await exploring.
We'd love to hear from you! Do you have a favourite place to stay in Paris that wasn't mentioned here? Please share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below. Your insights could be invaluable to fellow travellers looking to make their visit to the City of Light even more memorable.