Paris can be an overwhelming city to visit, particularly if it’s your first time in the French capital. But thanks to its compact, intuitive layout, Paris is also a very walkable city, making it possible to explore a lot in only a few days. 

“It’s easy to reach all the major sites and monuments by walking,” explains Jérôme Joubert, concierge at the luxury, family-owned Hôtel San Régis, which is located in the coveted Golden Triangle area. “Paris is also wonderful because it’s a combination of neighborhoods where real people live. It’s not just a city with museums and monuments — it’s a place bustling with atmosphere. There’s always something going on. There’s a lot of history, but it’s the people who make Paris so special.” 

Joubert recommends not overplanning in order to make the most of Paris. It’s a city with a lot to discover, whether it’s your first time there or your tenth. As a long-time resident, Joubert himself has seen a lot of evolution in Paris, especially as it prepares for the Summer Olympics, offering an undeniable combination of history and modernity. 

“Paris has its own heritage, but it's changing all the time,” Joubert says. “It's interesting to see how the city is building itself again and again, so after all these centuries, you still have new places to see and new neighborhoods to discover. I've been here 22 years and it's never been a dull moment.” 

Here Joubert offers a few tips on planning the perfect trip to the City of Lights. 

Where to Eat and Drink in Paris

There’s no shortage of incredible restaurants in Paris, from casual corner bistros to three Michelin-starred restaurants. Where you eat will depend on your favorite neighborhood, preferred style of cuisine, and budget. But Joubert says travelers can’t miss a classic French eatery, which doesn’t have to be upscale. He sends guests to Au Petit Tonneau, a family-owned French restaurant in the 7th arrondissement. 

“Tonneau means wine barrel, so it’s a place for good wine,” he says. “It makes me think about the San Régis because it’s a family-run restaurant and the wife, who is the owner, passes by each table to ensure everybody is well treated. I know whenever I send people there they will come back with a smile. It serves big, classic French cuisine and that’s what people are looking for. A nice steak and a charming atmosphere.”

The 7th is also a great spot to find an outdoor café and people watch — something Joubert says is essential when in Paris. Rue Cler is a charming, pedestrian street filled with boutiques, shops, bars, and cafes. “I can't tell you one in particular because there are so many good ones,” Joubert says. “You should go anywhere on Rue Cler.” 

The hotel’s own restaurant, Les Confidences, helmed by Chef Michele Fanciullo, is also top of Joubert’s list. “You have to experience Michele’s cuisine,” he says. “He’s an outstanding chef who surprises us every time. He just released his new menu. It’s seasonal, it’s subtle, it’s light, it’s inventive, it’s not too fussy.”

For drinks, Joubert suggests Riviera Fuga, which is actually located on the Seine. The floating restaurant and bar is a short walk from the hotel and has views of the Pont Alexandre III and the Grand Palais. “It's a lively, trendy spot with a beautiful view of Paris, especially at night,” he says. “They do great cocktails and they have live music on weekends. In the summertime, they also have small boats that you can hire and get little groups out on the river.”

Joubert admits that every Parisian will tell you a different place to buy a baguette, but his personal favorite is Du Pain et des Idées, a traditional bakery started by Christophe Vasseur. “The place itself is an 1875 boutique that is gorgeous, with a painted ceiling,” he says. “The ‘Pain des Amis’ is to die for. It takes two days to bake. You can also get a cooking class from Christophe. He does bread classes every week.”

Where to Shop in Paris

The most obvious place to shop in Paris is the Champs-Élysées, located around the corner from the San Régis along with Avenue Montaigne, home to many designer boutiques. But as a Parisian himself, Joubert prefers smaller, more local neighborhoods like the Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. 

“Instead of heading to the Avenue Montaigne, which is, of course, a must for somebody going to Paris, I prefer Le Bon Marché,” Joubert says. “Not only is it the first-ever department store built in Paris, but it is the most Parisian. It combines very Parisian brands, it has a bookstore, and across the street you have La Grande Épicerie de Paris, which is a beautiful food hall. I go there myself to get my cheeses every week. It’s my usual recommendation for people looking for nice food to bring back home.” 

For French skincare, a must-have for many visitors, Joubert sends hotel guests around the corner to Pharmacie Matignon, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It’s also a good pick for English speakers. If you want to score a bargain, Joubert suggests Pharmacie Du Four Bonparte, which is famous for its deals. “That’s the cheapest one and they have a great variety of products at affordable rates,” Joubert says. “Expect a little crowd.” 

What to Do in Paris

For first-timers, Joubert advises a sight-seeing river cruise. While it can be touristy, it’s a great way to see the major monuments and museums, which are even more beautiful at night when they’re all lit up. He also sends guests to Île Saint-Louis and the Marais, an area on the Right Bank known for its cultural heritage and enchanting streets. “The atmosphere of the Marais is, to me, unbeatable,” he says. “It’s a combination of old townhouses, winding streets, cafés, art galleries, vintage shops. It's a great atmosphere. It’s very lively because it’s the gay district and part of the Jewish Quarter.”

Because the San Régis is located in the fashion district, Joubert recommends several museums that highlight Paris’ sartorial history. These include La Galerie Dior, the Palais Galliera, and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, all of which are a short walk from the hotel. Joubert’s favorite hidden gem is Place Dauphine, a public square on the western side of Île de la Cité. “Few people know about it, even Parisians,” he says. “It’s the prettiest square in Paris. It’s a hidden square where people meet to sit on benches or play ball games. It’s great for a picnic. It’s full of nice outdoor cafés. It looks like it’s a small village in Provence.”

For anyone looking to unwind, there are several spa options near the hotel. Ambassade Biologique Recherche Paris offers high-end treatments, while the Dior Spa at Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a top pick. “That’s the usual place we recommend our guests to go, and I know they will be very well treated there,” Joubert says. “It’s one of the best in town.”

The Best Time to Visit Paris

There is no wrong time to visit Paris, although certain times of year will be busier than others. Summer tends to bring the most tourists to the city, which is much quieter in the late fall and early spring. Joubert says when you come depends on what you want to experience. 

“Paris will always have something to offer whatever the season is, but I like April in Paris just like the song,” he says. “I like Christmas shopping. It’s fun with all the Champs-Élysées illuminated. My preference would be in the fall — September or October. A stroll in the garden of Luxembourg with all the golden leaves is very charming.”