Paris Fashion Week may be over, but there are still plenty of stylish sights to see around the City of Light. The French capital has long been known as one of the most fashionable destinations in the world, and that title comes with a long list of landmarks worthy of exploration. Though, we would recommend sensible shoes rather than Louboutins for this outing.
For more than 30 years, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star retreat was home to fashion icon Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. While her flagship store was (and still is) adjacent to the property at 31 Rue Cambon with its own apartment above it, Chanel preferred the lavish hotel, moving into room 302 in 1937 and remaining there until her death in 1971.
To honor its most famous guest, the sumptuous stay created the 2,024-square-foot Suite Coco Chanel, taking inspiration from the designer’s signature black-and-white palette and love of gilded mirrors, Asian lacquer and pure luxury — which is reflected in the room’s EUR$18,000 (US$19,724) a night price tag.
Complete your fashion-focused getaway with a visit to Five-Star Ritz Club Paris, the world’s only spa from Chanel.
78 Rue Mozart
This seven-story art nouveau building would be indistinguishable from any number of lavish 16th arrondissement abodes except for one distinct feature: future style maven Jackie Kennedy (then Jacqueline Bouvier) called it home during her junior year (1949 to 1950) of college.
Bunking with a host family, the future Mrs. Kennedy studied art history and literature for a year that she described as, “The high point in my life, my happiest and most carefree year.”
A plaque affixed to the front of the building notes its famed former resident, who returned to the city in June 1961 as first lady, where she delighted residents with her fluent French and knowledge of the country’s history. This prompted President John F. Kennedy to declare, “I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris.”
It’s been more than 20 years since HBO comedy series Sex and the City debuted, but women the world over still fantasize about being fashionable main character Carrie Bradshaw.
For the show’s finale, Bradshaw moved to Paris, taking up residence at this historic Five-Star hotel (suite 609, to be specific). The property’s signature red awnings, matching geraniums and stunning views of the Eiffel Tower caused the fictional columnist to exclaim, “Mon dieu!”
Even if you can’t live in suite 609, you can still pop into La Galerie for afternoon tea, complete with dainty delights and an optional Rose Royal cocktail (champagne and raspberry liqueur) — something Carrie would approve of.
While the Louis Vuitton store on the Champs-Élysées has a perpetual queue out front, those in the know head to this multi-story masterpiece, a stunning, recently opened venue mere steps from where the storied fashion house began more than 160 years ago.
Not only can you shop the label’s fashions, perfumes and jewelry, but also marvel at several historical pieces on display, including two famous steamer trunks from the early 20th century.
A visit to the dedicated travel floor is a must, as it includes an in-house artist making bespoke painted luggage labels for those purchasing the brand’s famous hard-sided suitcases.
No list of historical Parisian sites would be complete without a museum stop, and this stylish gallery in the Palais du Louvre’s west wing is the mothership when it comes to haute history.
The museum made a name for itself when it debuted the “Christian Dior: Couturier du Reve” exhibit in 2017 in honor of the fashion house’s 70th anniversary. The exhibit encompassed 32,000 square feet and broke attendance records. Showings rotate regularly, but the gallery’s permanent collections are equally as intriguing. Don’t miss a pass through The Gallery Des Bijoux, where you’ll find more than 1,200 pieces of jewelry spanning from the Middle Ages to present day.
