Planning a 2023 Trip to Paris? Here's Your Itinerary.

The best new restaurant, latest museum exhibitions, and the inexpensive item you must bring home!

Paris is always a good idea.

I’m just back from a trip to the most beautiful city in the world and, let me just say, Paris never disappoints!

I love Paris… so much that I lived there as a college student… and go back as much as I can. One year, I went four times. That’s right. Four.

This time, I took my mom to celebrate her 80th birthday.

A milestone birthday deserves a milestone trip, wouldn’t you say?

We saw a lot, we ate a lot, and we had a ball.

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN PARIS RIGHT NOW:

1.    LA GALERIE DIOR:  If you love fashion, like I do, this is the one museum you simply must see. La Galerie Dior presents the history of the legendary French fashion house beginning with its founder Christian Dior in 1946 to the present day. John Galliano and Raf Simons are among those who served as creative director. Go for the stunning gowns – you’ll also learn a thing or two. Book ahead.

2.    MUSÉE PICASSO PARIS:  In honor of the 50^th anniversary of Picasso’s death, the Musée Picasso invited British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith to curate an exhibition showcasing the museum’s collection. It’s stunning to see. Smith, known for his use of vivid color and stripes, used exactly that – stripes, patterns, color – on the walls, a unique backdrop for Picasso’s mesmerizing work. It allows the viewer to view the masterpieces through a contemporary lens.  

3.    MUSÉE DE L’ORANGERIE:  Some of you have already visited the L’Orangerie to see the enormous Monet waterlily murals on display in the oval rooms on the main floor. If you haven’t seen them, you must. But even if you have, go anyway to see the Matisse exhibition on the level below. I’m a fan of Matisse and there were many, many paintings I had never seen before. Worth 50 minutes of your time.

4.    LE VOLTAIRE:  Hands down, my favorite restaurant in the world. Yes, the entire world. Get the crab salad, the steak béarnaise, and do not leave without trying the world-famous chocolate mousse. I hosted my mom’s 80^th here.

5.    BONNIE:  If you’re looking to go to one of the hottest new restaurants in Paris, Bonnie is it. Located at the top of the new SO/ Hotel, Bonnie has a modern vibe with sweeping views of Paris. The food is modern, too, and delicious. We loved the cod fritters with tartar sauce and the lobster linguine.

6.    SANUKIYA:  If you’re out shopping on the Right Bank and you want to stop for a quick lunch, Sanukiya is the place to go. I heard about it on TikTok, believe it or not. It was billed as the best udon place in the world. When we arrived, there was a line out the door. It was cheap and, honestly, it was our favorite meal all week.

7.    DRIES VAN NOTEN:  I know what you’re thinking – Dries Van Noten is available everywhere. True. But there’s nothing like going to the Dries flagship in Paris. Located on Quai Malaquais on the Left Bank, this two-story boutique has all the Dries clothing and accessories you could ever want, things you won’t find anywhere else. And it’s cheaper in Paris. If you’re a Dries fan, run don’t walk.

8.    SABBIA ROSA:  If you’re looking for chic lingerie, you must go to Sabbia Rosa. This tiny store with the pale green exterior has the most beautiful silk negligées in gorgeous colors. A favorite of celebrities. Made to measure is available, too.

9.    CRÊPERIE DE ST-GERMAIN:  Located just across the street from Les Deux Magots on Boulevard Saint-Germain is what many believe to be the best creperie in Paris. It truly is. Both sweet and savory options available. I love the ham and cheese. My mom’s favorite is the beurre-sucre.

10.  MONOPRIX:  If you travel often to Paris, then you already know that you have to stop at the pharmacy to pick up French beauty products. They’re better and cheaper in Paris. I just stop at Monoprix, which a lot like Target. This is where I buy my favorite French sea salt (I bought a dozen this time) and Nuxe hand cream. You can say I told you so later.