With world-renowned museums and monuments, wonderful shopping, stunning architecture, and a diverse culinary scene there is certainly no shortage of things to do and see in Paris. Whether you spend your time sightseeing or strolling, you’ll be sure to soak up plenty of culture along the way. For a truly unforgettable stay, we’re sharing six once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Paris.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences in Paris
Exceptional Discovery of the Arc de Triomphe with a Private Dinner
Discover the history of the Champs Elysées and of one of the most emblematic Parisian monuments, the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon I to the glory of his armies. Your expert guide will comment on the famous history of the avenue and its great historical celebrations up to Christo’s packaged work. Enjoy a private dinner by a renowned gourmet chef on a private terrace overlooking the Arc de Triomphe – a true once-in-a-lifetime experience in Paris!
Private French Caviar Tasting Experience
During this exclusive experience, discover a caviar from the Dordogne region. This product of excellence, based on the valorization of unique land and on innovative production techniques, reflects impeccable standards.
Research, innovation, protection of the natural habitat, and respect for expertise are the keywords for the very high-quality ambition of this French producer. Embark on an ephemeral detour to discover the genesis of this exceptional gastronomic gem. This experience will be a unique tasting and cultural discovery, going through three lines of caviar and the by-products of sturgeon, as 98% of the fish is used and transformed into “rillettes” or butter. The tasting will be accompanied by a glass of French vodka. By the end of the experience, you will be able to recognize the differences between three different types of caviar and enjoy their unique subtleties.
Where to Stay in Paris
La Réserve
This palace hotel is housed in a mansion dating from 1854.
Behind its ruby-red doors, it offers guests a world of Haussmann charm and rooms with stunning views of Paris’s finest landmarks. The elegant and stylish decor illustrates the mansion’s Belle Époque history.
The hotel’s 26 suites and 14 rooms seamlessly combine tradition with modern technology: pastel tones, Carrara marble bathrooms, a Devon & Devon silver bathtub together with underfloor heating, screens integrated into the mirrors, an interactive tablet (with a special button to call your butler), all providing exceptional comfort for its prestigious clientele. It is also worth noting that it is the first palace hotel to offer a personal butler service for every room. There is special attention to making guests feel as though they are staying in a private home.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the world’s most beautiful avenue, this discrete and spacious establishment also has a private library and a smoking room. Other exclusive amenities for guests: a gym with a personal trainer, a steam room & spa with Nescens-Swiss products, and an indoor pool.
Awarded two Michelin stars after only one year of business, Le Chef has translated the excellence of the place into the cuisine. The restaurant serves contemporary French cuisine with Asian influences.
Fan-Making Workshop in a Parisian Fashion House
Since the beginning of the 19th century, a Parisian house has been making sumptuous fans for the queens of yesterday as well as the elegant ladies of today. From peacock feathers to the finest woods, the craftsmen use exceptional materials to create truly unique pieces. Enjoy a private guided visit of the workshop. According to your specific tastes, you will also be given the opportunity to create your own fan.
Private After Hours Tour of the Musée du Louvre
Have you ever imagined having the Musée du Louvre all to yourself? With this private, after hours tour it is possible! Enjoy a one-on-one meeting with the most iconic pieces of art in the world. Discover the Musée du Louvre’s enigmatic masterpieces like Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Learn anecdotes about the Louvre, including Mona Lisa’s burglary and how exhibits are organized.
Then, depending on your interests, your guide will create a specific and personalized tour for you to discover some of the Musée du Louvre’s priceless treasures.
Where to Stay in Paris
Hotel Shangri-La Paris
A former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte and listed in the French Monuments Historiques, this hotel palace is located next to the Seine River and faces the Eiffel Tower. It reflects both Asian hospitality and French art de vivre.
All rooms and suites are decorated in shades of blue, white and ecru, in keeping with both European Empire and Asian aesthetics. All rooms have a separate living room with desk and a marble bathroom with heated flooring, separate bath and rainfall shower and Bulgari toiletries. The rooms and suites feature custom-made furniture with crystal finishing. A flat-screen TV with in-house movie channels, an iPod dock and a laptop safe are provided.
Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the glass-roofed dining room. The hotel has three restaurants, two of which have a Michelin star. The bar provides rare botanical spirits to match with a large menu of cocktail creations and liquors. This hotel also offers wellness and leisure services which include an indoor swimming pool and fitness room bathed with natural daylight. The swimming pool is located in Roland Bonaparte’s former stables. A hammam and in-room relaxing spa experiences are available.
The 16th arrondissement, where the hotel is located, is a great choice for travelers interested in romance, shopping, and food.
Private Candle-Lit Dinner at Château Vaux-le-Vicomte
Celebrate an exceptional moment by privatizing the dome of Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, culminating at more than 25 meters and with a 360° view on the domain. You will also have the privilege of launching the fireworks yourself from the dome. For larger groups, you will also have the Dépendances all for yourself. Enjoy a private guided visit of the château before the dinner, as it will be privatized just for you.
Located 50 kilometers southeast of Paris, Vaux-le-Vicomte offers a living experience of the 17th century. This is a perfect opportunity for a romantic and gastronomic candlelit dinner overlooking the illuminated garden and castle.
Private Discovery of a Parisian Rooftop Urban Farm
Urban farming has become one of the most important trends in contemporary urban planning and architecture. The most pressing need is to better produce food in Paris and guarantee a fresh harvest with the highest nutritional value and flavor.
In this tour, discover how an innovative company in organic food production in urban areas has specialized in the cultivation of rare and forgotten exotic plants. The company now occupies some of Paris’s nicest rooftops with panoramic view on the city to produce as close as possible to the consumption sites. They grow more than 300 varieties of aromatic plants, edible flowers, vegetables, and small fruits all grown for their taste and character.
We hope this list six once-in-a-lifetime experiences in Paris will help inspire future travel to the French capital. We would love to help you plan a dream trip to France in the coming year with a custom itinerary. Some of our favorite destinations in France include Bordeaux, the South of France, Normandy, and Paris. Get in touch with a travel designer today to start the planning process!