Grab your Pursuitist Passport and jetset to Paris for 48 hours of luxury, exploring the very best the City of Light has to offer.
Paris needs no introduction as the pinnacle of luxury travel. In 2025, fresh off the excitement of hosting the 2024 Olympics and the grand reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the City of Light shines brighter than ever. With only 48 hours to indulge, a seasoned traveler can still savor Paris’s finest – from palace hotels and Michelin-starred dining to artistic treasures and haute couture boutiques. Base yourself at one of the city’s legendary palace hotels, each an experience in itself. Cheval Blanc Paris, the newest jewel perched on the Seine in the historic La Samaritaine building, offers contemporary elegance with just 72 lavish rooms, a Dior Spa, and a rooftop terrace overlooking Notre-Dame. Ritz Paris, the iconic grande dame on Place Vendôme, wraps you in timeless glamour – think gilded salons, the Hemingway Bar’s classic cocktails, and suites that once hosted the likes of Coco Chanel and F. Scott Fitzgerald. For art lovers, Le Meurice provides old-world grandeur with a creative twist: this 19th-century palace facing the Tuileries Gardens has a Dalí-designed restaurant ceiling and a history of famous artist guests. From whichever opulent home base you choose, your Pursuitist Passport itinerary curated by renowned luxury travel journalist Christopher Parr will whisk you through an unforgettable two days of Parisian luxury.
Day 1: Artful Mornings and Elegant Evenings
Morning: Masterpieces and Mont Blancs
Morning in Paris begins with a touch of indulgence. After waking in fine linens, start your day either with a sumptuous in-room breakfast prepared by your hotel’s chef or venture out to an iconic café. In the 1st arrondissement, Angelina teahouse on Rue de Rivoli is a classic choice for a Parisian breakfast. Amidst Belle Époque mirrors and marble tables, savor their famed Mont Blanc pastry (a decadent swirl of chestnut cream) and a cup of rich hot chocolate l’Africain. Properly caffeinated and sweetened, it’s time to immerse yourself in art.
Just a short stroll away stands the Louvre Museum, home to thousands of masterpieces. Even if you’ve visited before, a focused, privately guided tour can reveal new wonders in this former royal palace. Enter through the modern glass pyramid with skip-the-line ease, arranged by your hotel concierge, and wander the echoing halls before the crowds peak. Gaze upon the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile and the regal perfection of the Venus de Milo. Take a moment in the Napoleon III Apartments – their gilded splendor offers a glimpse into 19th-century imperial luxury that matches the city’s opulence outside. If art is a priority, also consider a quick visit to the jewel-box Musée de l’Orangerie nearby, where Monet’s ethereal water lilies panels wrap you in serene impressionist beauty. By late morning, you’ll have experienced the heights of Parisian art and history, whetting your appetite for the culinary delights to come.
Midday: Chic Lunch and Haute Patisserie
After a cultural morning, treat yourself to a refined lunch in appropriately luxurious surroundings. One convenient option in the heart of art and fashion is Restaurant Le Dalí at Le Meurice hotel. Stepping into Le Dalí feels like entering a modern-day Versailles: a canvas-painted ceiling (a whimsical homage to Salvador Dalí) floats above you, and the atmosphere is elegant yet unpretentious. Settle into a plush velvet chair and enjoy a light three-course lunch featuring seasonal French cuisine – perhaps a delicate langoustine bisque or a truffled artichoke salad – paired with a crisp Sancerre. The service is polished and unobtrusive, allowing you to relax and recount the marvels of the Louvre.
For dessert, or if you prefer a midday change of scene, stroll across the Tuileries Garden to Café Marly under the arches of the Louvre palace. This chic café offers front-row seats to history, with its terrace overlooking the Louvre’s courtyard and pyramid. Join well-heeled locals and fashionistas as you sip an espresso or glass of Champagne, accompanied by a macaron or tarte fine. The juxtaposition of modern indulgence in view of centuries-old architecture encapsulates Paris perfectly. It’s a moment to live la belle vie, watching the world go by in style.
Afternoon: Couture Shopping and Hidden Ateliers
With energy restored, dedicate the afternoon to Paris’s unparalleled shopping and style. Begin along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, a storied street lined with haute couture houses and luxury ateliers. Just steps from Place Vendôme, you’ll find flagships of Hermès, Chanel, and Dior, as well as fine jewelers and art dealers. Peek into the window displays – each is a mini art exhibit of craftsmanship, from Hermès’s hand-stitched leather handbags to the glittering cases of Van Cleef & Arpels. The street exudes quiet exclusivity. For a bespoke touch, drop by the historic Maison Goyard to order custom monogrammed luggage, or visit Charvet at Place Vendôme, the renowned shirt-maker where you can be measured for a personalized silk tie or blouse.
As you wander, take in the elegance of the 1st arrondissement: the rhythm of well-dressed Parisians on their errands, the symmetry of Parisian balconies, and the subtle scent of expensive perfume trailing in the air. Venture into one of the covered passages if time allows – Galerie Vivienne is a short walk away, a 19th-century arcade with mosaic floors and eclectic boutiques (a lovely spot to find a vintage silk scarf or antique travel diary). These hidden passages and ateliers provide an intimate glimpse into Paris’s artisan soul, away from the main boulevards.
By mid-afternoon, consider a short intermission back at your hotel to refresh. This is the perfect time to indulge in amenities that set these hotels apart. Perhaps a swim in Cheval Blanc’s stunning underground pool – the longest in Paris – with its mosaic art and gentle lighting, or a rejuvenating massage at the Dior Spa to soothe your museum-weary feet. If at the Ritz, a quick visit to the Ritz Club spa or a few moments in the sauna can revive your senses. Feeling renewed, you’re ready to continue the shopping adventure in the Triangle d’Or – the Golden Triangle of luxury bounded by Avenue Montaigne, Avenue George V, and the Champs-Élysées.
As late afternoon light gilds the city, stroll down Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement, the epicenter of Parisian high fashion. Lined with opulent boutiques, Montaigne is home to Dior’s legendary flagship (30 Avenue Montaigne), complete with its elegant façade and an haute couture salon upstairs. Nearby, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Saint Laurent all beckon with their latest collections. Even if just window-shopping, the experience is akin to walking an haute couture runway – mannequins draped in silk and satin gaze out from artfully designed vitrines, and luxury cars glide by under tree-lined avenues. Should you wish for expert guidance, your hotel can arrange a personal shopper to escort you through these stores or even secure a private after-hours browsing session. And for something truly unique, ask your concierge about visiting a hidden atelier: perhaps a private milliner’s workshop crafting bespoke hats, or a fragrance house tucked in a courtyard where you can compose a custom perfume. These insider experiences – often by appointment only – connect you with Paris’s living heritage of craftsmanship.
As twilight approaches, make your way back toward the hotel to prepare for an exceptional evening. On the way, you might pass by the newly restored La Samaritaine department store (if you didn’t explore it earlier). Stop in briefly to admire its art nouveau meets modern design – the gilded murals and dramatic glass ceiling have been impeccably refurbished by LVMH. Within this temple of shopping, you’ll find curated selections of haute fashion and a concept store vibe, but even a quick look at the architecture is worth the detour. Now, with shopping bags (and memories) in hand, it’s time to dress up for dinner – tonight promises to be a highlight of your 48 hours.
Evening: Michelin-Starred Dining & Nightcaps
Paris by night offers a whole new level of splendor. This first evening, indulge in world-class fine dining that befits the luxury of the city. Paris is a gastronomic capital boasting multiple Michelin three-star restaurants, and one of the most lauded in recent years is Plénitude at Cheval Blanc Paris. If you’ve chosen Cheval Blanc as your hotel, simply descend to the dining room; if not, arriving at this address on the Seine is still well worth your evening. Chef Arnaud Donckele’s cuisine at Plénitude earned three Michelin stars right out of the gate – an unprecedented feat. In an intimate, contemporary dining room, you’ll be treated to a tasting menu that is a true culinary journey. Every course is art on a plate: perhaps blue lobster tail in a delicate saffron nage, or an inventive take on foie gras with seasonal fruit essences. The service is choreographed to perfection, and each dish is paired with rare wines selected by the sommelier from Cheval Blanc’s formidable cellar. As you dine, you can appreciate the restaurant’s stylish design and perhaps catch glimpses of lights reflecting off the Seine through the windows – a reminder that you’re floating in the heart of Parisian enchantment.
Should Plénitude be fully reserved, other Michelin-starred temples of cuisine await: the legendary Arpège, where chef Alain Passard’s vegetable-driven 3-star menu elevates garden produce to haute cuisine in a chic townhouse setting; or L’Ambroisie, a classic 3-star in a romantic Place des Vosges mansion, if you desire ultra-refined French dining in a historic atmosphere. Each offers an unforgettable dinner that celebrates French culinary artistry. Whichever you choose, plan for a leisurely meal – Parisians dine late and unhurried, relishing each course and conversation.
After dinner, the night is still young in this city that sparkles. For a sophisticated nightcap, slip into the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris – a short hop if you’re in the center, and a worthy pilgrimage for cocktail aficionados. Tucked inside the Ritz’s opulent ground floor, this petite wood-paneled bar was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway and has barely 30 seats. Order the signature Serendipity (a refreshing blend of calvados, mint and apple juice) or a perfectly dry martini. Surrounded by memorabilia of the literary greats and entertained by the bar’s talented mixologists, you’ll feel transported to a bygone era of glamour. Alternatively, if you prefer a panoramic view with your drink, head to Le Tout-Paris, the rooftop bar at Cheval Blanc. From its terrace you can gaze over Notre-Dame, the Seine, and the twinkling Eiffel Tower in the distance, all while sipping champagne in contemporary chic environs. It’s a breathtaking tableau that reaffirms why Paris at night is pure magic.
As you retire to your luxurious suite after this full day, you’ll have experienced the best of Paris’s art, style, and cuisine. Enjoy the silk-draped canopy of your bed, the distant sound of a violinist on the street (if you crack the window open), and the knowledge that tomorrow holds even more curated delights.
Day 2: Cultural Gems and Elevated Experiences
Morning: Left Bank Strolls and Cultural Insights
Awaken to your second day in Paris and prepare for another round of extraordinary experiences. Begin with a sojourn to the Left Bank, traditionally the bohemian-chic heart of the city, now home to its own brand of refined luxury. In the charming neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, grab a table at the legendary Café de Flore. Opened in the 1880s, this corner café with its green leather banquettes was once the haunt of existentialist philosophers and famous artists. This morning, it offers you a perfect café au lait served on a silver tray and a warm croissant fresh from the oven. As you watch stylish locals flip through Le Monde and chat, you’re soaking in authentic Parisian café society. (If you have a sweet tooth, you could instead visit Pierre Hermé nearby on Rue Bonaparte to pick up a few of his jewel-like pastries – his rose and lychee macaron, the “Ispahan,” is a tiny masterpiece to savor with your coffee.)
With a light breakfast done, delve into the cultural treasures of the Left Bank. A short walk or drive away in the 7th arrondissement is the Musée Rodin, a delightful change of pace from yesterday’s grand museums. Housed in a graceful 18th-century mansion where sculptor Auguste Rodin once worked, this museum is an oasis of art and tranquility. Stroll through the manicured sculpture garden, where bronze figures like The Thinker and The Gates of Hell stand amidst rose bushes. Inside the elegant villa, admire Rodin’s evocative marble creations such as The Kiss, and works by his muse Camille Claudel. The natural light, the gentle fountains in the garden, and the intimate scale of the museum make this a deeply relaxing yet enriching experience. By exploring Rodin’s world, you connect with the artistic soul of Paris in a more personal way – far from the crowds of larger institutions.
From culture to couture: as you exit the Rodin Museum, you’re not far from the golden dome of Les Invalides(Napoleon’s tomb) should you want a quick peek for historical grandeur. But another kind of monument awaits this afternoon – a monument of modern luxury and engineering: the Eiffel Tower. Before heading there, you might stop by the nearby Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris in the designer’s former haute couture house on Avenue Marceau. This small museum (often overlooked by short-term visitors) showcases original sketches, iconic dresses, and even YSL’s personal studio preserved as it was. For any fashion enthusiast, it’s a fascinating insight into the creative process behind the glamour. Seeing the legendary Mondrian dress or the sumptuous embroidered jackets up close adds context to your shopping finds from the day before.
Midday: Lunch in the Sky
Make your way to the Eiffel Tower area just in time for an unforgettable lunch reservation. Ascend the Eiffel Tower not by the crowded public lift, but via a private elevator that whisks you to the Michelin-starred Le Jules Verne restaurant on the Tower’s second level. Welcomed into an elegant dining room designed by star architect Aline Asmar d’Amman, you’ll be seated by a window with a panoramic view that literally takes your breath away – all of Paris is at your feet, from Sacré-Cœur on distant Montmartre to the Arc de Triomphe and beyond. Chef Frédéric Anton’s team crafts contemporary French cuisine worthy of the setting. Enjoy courses like delicate sea bass with citrus foam or perfectly cooked veal medallions accompanied by seasonal vegetables sourced from local marchés. Each plate is as refined as any top Parisian restaurant, but here the real garnish is the view. As you sip a fine Burgundy and delight in a beautifully plated dessert (perhaps the chocolate soufflé, a house specialty), the Eiffel Tower subtly sways ever so slightly in the breeze – a gentle reminder that you are suspended in a once-in-a-lifetime dining locale.
After lunch, step out onto the Eiffel Tower’s observation deck (accessible directly from the restaurant level) to fully appreciate the 360-degree vistas. In daylight, you can see the Grand Palais’s glass dome, the serpentine Seine, and the geometry of Haussmannian boulevards. Capture those photos and revel in the moment: enjoying haute cuisine in the Eiffel Tower is a Paris memory few can claim.
Back on ground level, take a leisurely walk across the river to the Place du Trocadéro for the classic postcard-perfect angle on the Eiffel Tower. It’s the ideal spot for a quick photo op if you desire a snapshot with the Iron Lady. Perhaps reward yourself for climbing all those Tower steps (if you did) with a stop at Carette, the art deco café at Trocadéro known for its delicate pastries and excellent people-watching. A scoop of artisanal ice cream or a café crème here, enjoyed on the terrace with the Eiffel Tower in full view, makes for a delightful palate cleanser.
Afternoon: Exclusive Encounters and Shopping Sprees
Now shift gears for an afternoon tailored to your personal tastes. This is the time to seek out those iconic and lesser-known experiences that align with your passions, be it art, fashion, or simply wandering picturesque streets.
If art and design intrigue you, consider heading to the Le Marais district on the Right Bank for an exclusive gallery visit. Le Marais, with its mix of medieval lanes and trendsetting boutiques, is home to many private art galleries. Through connections (easily facilitated by a luxury hotel concierge or a specialist guide), you can arrange a private gallery appointment outside of public hours. Imagine entering a discreet galerie by appointment-only to view contemporary artworks or haute antiques in a quiet setting. Perhaps it’s a modern art gallery like Galerie Perrotin, where you might get a personal tour of the latest exhibition of an avant-garde artist. Or for something classic, a rendezvous at Galerie Patrick Seguin could be arranged to see rare Art Deco furniture by Jean Prouvé. The gallerist welcomes you, champagne flute in hand, and walks you through each piece’s story. This kind of intimate art encounter transforms you from a mere tourist into a collector in the know, even if you are just browsing. It’s a chance to acquire a truly unique souvenir of Paris – a painting or sculpture – or simply to gain insight into the city’s current art scene in a way most visitors never experience.
Alternatively, if fashion is your true passion, the afternoon can be devoted to couture and craftsmanship. Paris is the capital of haute couture, and behind the glitzy storefronts lie the workshops where magic is made. Through special arrangement, you might tour a hidden couture atelier – for example, visiting the workrooms of a venerable fashion house. Picture stepping behind the scenes at Dior or Chanel (when their ateliers open for exclusive tours) and seeing seamstresses hand-sewing sequins onto a future runway gown. Or you might join a private workshop at Lesage (the legendary embroidery atelier now part of Chanel’s Métiers d’Art) to witness artisans creating the intricate beadwork that will adorn couture dresses. Another option is a bespoke perfume experience: meet with a master perfumer at a niche fragrance house such as Ex Nihilo or Maison Francis Kurkdjian. In a scented atelier tucked above a boutique, you’ll learn about perfume notes and create a custom fragrance tailored to your tastes – a luxurious souvenir that literally lets you take the essence of Paris home with you.
Of course, you could also spend this time simply shopping at leisure, revisiting any boutiques you missed yesterday. Perhaps venture to Le Bon Marché on the Left Bank, Paris’s oldest department store, which offers a calmer but equally upscale shopping atmosphere. Its Grand Épicerie gourmet food hall next door is a wonderland for foodies – you might pick up some rare tea blends, artisanal chocolates, or a tin of caviar for later indulgence. The afternoon is yours to design: whether soaking up culture or indulging in retail therapy, every choice is elevated and distinctly Parisian.
As the late afternoon sun casts a golden glow on Paris’s limestone facades, take a moment to relax and reflect. Maybe you’ll enjoy high tea in the Salon Proust at the Ritz, nibbling madeleines and petite pastries under a painted ceiling, surrounded by book-lined walls. Or perhaps a quick stop at Shakespeare & Company bookstore along the Seine, if literary charm beckons, to pick up a classic novel as a keepsake (this famed English-language bookstore, though “lesser-known” only in the sense of luxury, is an atmospheric gem many luxury travelers adore for its old-world vibe). By now, as dusk approaches, you’ve fulfilled many a Parisian dream – but your grand finale is still ahead.
Evening: A Glamorous Finale on the Seine
For the final evening, prepare for an experience that captures the essence of Parisian romance and luxury. One exquisite option is to spend the evening on the Seine itself, combining sightseeing with fine dining. Ducasse sur Seine, an electric-powered gastronomic yacht by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, offers a dinner cruise that is the very definition of dining in style. Board this sleek modern boat near the Pont d’Iéna as the sky darkens. The vessel glides silently along the river, a moving dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Over the next two to three hours, you’ll be served a multi-course gourmet meal, complete with wine pairings, while Paris’s illuminated monuments drift by. Imagine savoring seasonal French dishes – perhaps line-caught sea bass with caviar, followed by a delicate lemon tart – all while you float under the glittering Eiffel Tower and beneath the ornate bridges of the Seine. Through the glass, you catch views of the Louvre’s lit colonnades, Notre-Dame’s silhouette with its renewed spire, and the Île Saint-Louis’s elegant townhouses, each vista more enchanting than the last. Soft live music often plays on board (perhaps a piano or violin), enhancing the ambiance. This is not a crowded tourist boat with basic fare, but an intimate luxe experience where every detail is orchestrated for refinement. By the time dessert and coffee are served, the boat is passing by the twinkling façade of the Musée d’Orsay, and you realize you’ve been part of a living postcard – one where you can taste, smell, and feel the magic of Paris at night.
If a dinner cruise doesn’t appeal, you can craft an equally memorable finale on terra firma. For instance, attend a performance at the Palais Garnier, Paris’s opulent 19th-century opera house. Even if you’re not an opera aficionado, the venue itself is dazzling – marble staircases, Chagall’s painted ceiling, and gilded balconies set the scene for an unforgettable night. After an inspiring ballet or operatic performance, step out onto the Grand Palais Garnier’s steps and take a short car ride to Le Clarence for a late supper. Tucked in an aristocratic mansion near the Champs-Élysées, Le Clarence serves two-Michelin-star cuisine in what feels like a refined private club. Dine on superb modern French dishes in a dining room of oil paintings and crystal – it’s like eating in a small palace. As you toast with a final glass of vintage champagne, you’ll feel the noble spirit of Paris envelop you.
For a more relaxed but equally Parisian cap to the night, one could opt for a stroll along the Seine. Many of the city’s monuments are beautifully illuminated – you might walk arm-in-arm from the Place de la Concorde down the riverbanks, enjoying the view of the Grand Palais’s lights and the distant sparkle of the Eiffel Tower’s hourly glitter show. In summer, perhaps stop by the open-air riverbank pop-ups for a bit of music; in winter, take in the crisp air and the reflections on the water. Paris is safe and stunning in its central quarters at night, and this simple pleasure can be incredibly romantic and gratifying.
Pursuitist Final Word
As your 48 hours of curated Parisian luxury draw to a close, reflect on the mosaic of experiences you’ve collected. In two days, you have relaxed in the city’s most sumptuous hotels, dined at tables helmed by culinary masters, stood face-to-face with artistic masterpieces, and walked among both the storied grandes dames and the hidden corners of Paris. You’ve sipped rare teas in historic salons, felt the hush of a private gallery all to yourself, and perhaps even caught the scent of night-blooming jasmine as you returned to your hotel along a quiet cobbled street. This whirlwind itinerary, while brief, is crafted to immerse you in Paris’s unique blend of elegance, culture, and joie de vivre. Every moment was elevated – not a rush from sight to sight, but a thoughtful selection of only the best and most exclusive.
Paris has a way of making even a short stay feel timeless. The city’s luxury is not just in things, but in experiences: the way the light hits the Louvre at dawn, the friendly “bonjour” of a shop owner as they present a handcrafted item, or the sound of a cork popping in a century-old hotel bar. These are the touches that stay with you. As a seasoned luxury traveler, you sought the pinnacle of what Paris can offer – and Paris, in all her graciousness, delivered beyond expectation.
Au revoir – but not goodbye – for Paris always awaits your return, ready to reveal new layers of splendor. Until next time, you carry with you the memories of two days lived to the fullest in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Safe travels, and may your journey continue in grand Pursuitist style.
