Paris and beyond

You can fall head-over-heels for Paris in a day or two. But to truly get to know the French capital, it pays to stay a little longer – then contrast it all with the beautiful gardens, sleepy villages and stunning villages that wait further north. Our Travel Advisors have assembled this week-long itinerary that brings you the best of Paris and a slice of Normandy – all while savouring some of the top boutique hotels in France.

• 1-week or more independent itinerary in Paris and Normandy, based on arriving and departing from Charles de Gaulle Airport
• Shaped around SLH boutique hotels in Paris, followed by a relaxing few days further north at Château La Chenevière
• Highlights include the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower and the Left Bank in Paris, Claude Monet’s Garden and the rural charm of Normandy

A stately enclave of Debussy and Monet or a hip hub of Daft Punk and parkour? A city of romance and refinement or a bohemian dream of absinthe and burlesque? Paris is many different cities rolled into one. And your experience will vary depending on which area you choose. So we’ve cherry picked some of the best boutique hotels Paris has to offer. By staying 2-3 nights in each one, you’ll see the many sides of this alluring city.

Begin your visit with a few days around the Eiffel Tower. This world-famous icon is the ideal place to get your bearings. If you can, visit first thing in the morning or late in the evening for a (hopefully) queue-free ascent. From here, you’re well placed for trips up the Seine, exploring the magnificent Musée d’Orsay or relaxing in the garden of the Musée Rodin.

Stay at Le Narcisse Blanc, a boutique retreat that fuses past and present. Or, step back to the elegance of the 19th century at Hôtel Maison Souquet in buzzing Montmarte. Suggested stay 1-2 nights.

From the Eiffel Tower, we head north of the Seine to many of the grandest boulevards and bucket-list-topping sights. You could easily spend a full day at the Louvre, or if the sun’s shining, watching the world go by from Tuileries Garden’s. For designer shopping, make a beeline for the ‘Triangle d’Or’ around Avenue Montaigne and Avenue Georges V. It wouldn’t be a trip to Paris without a detour to the Champs Elysées with its flagship Louis Vuitton store.

To counter-balance all that commercialism, make time to visit hilltop Montmartre and the ultra-modern art and architecture of Centre Pompidou.

For pure Parisian glamour, it has to be Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal. Or, for something with a contemporary feel, there’s the sleek sophistication of Le Pavillon des Lettres. Or opt for Grand Powers, in the heart of the Golden Triangle which offers a stylish setting that weaves together the best in European design from the 1930s to today. Suggested stay 2 nights – minimum.

To complete your stay in Paris, head to the Left Bank with its vibrant Latin Quarter and trend-setting Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Home to the Sorbonne, this university district has a more down-to-earth feel and is great for leisurely wandering, exploring art galleries, bookstores and dipping into jazz clubs.

STAY IN STYLE

Follow in the footsteps of greatness and stay at Oscar Wilde’s former home: Hôtel L’Hotel. Ideally placed for sampling that Left Bank lifestyle, it’s also a short stroll from Notre-Dame. Suggested stay 2-3 nights.

Be sure to take a look at SLH’s other tantalising hotels in Paris to find your favourite.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST: NORMANDY

Most visitors would finish their visit there: inspired, but maybe a little tired. So, to revive those Louvre-leaden feet, we’d suggest a few days on the coast.

A three-hour drive takes you from the depths of the city to the rolling fields and historic charms of Normandy. Break up your journey with a stop at Claude Monet’s Gardens, Giverny. And, while you’re passing, don’t miss the jaw-dropping grandeur of the nearby Château de La Roche-Guyon.

A scenic drive brings you to your final stop, the sublime Château La Chenevière. This countryside hideaway mixes 18th-century looks with modern luxury, from a heated outdoor pool to gourmet dining. There are sights aplenty to discover nearby – such as the D-Day beaches and historic Bayeux. But nothing quite beats a day (or three) lounging in the garden before exploring the wine list. Suggested stay 2-3 nights.

TRAVEL TIPS

For effortless travel, why not take the train? The French rail system is usually very reliable and extremely comfortable. As always, please ask our Voice Reservation Team for details about transfers or transport provided by individual hotels.

To book the hotels on this independent itinerary, get in touch with our Voice Reservation Team on 0800 0482 314 (UK) & 1-877-234-7033 (US). You can find a full list of our dedicated toll-free numbers here. We’re ready and waiting to plan luxury adventures 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So whenever inspiration strikes, just get in touch.