Discovering the City of Lights

Like so many tourists, when I go to Paris, I feel an indescribable emotion that transports me to another era. The light mist on the Seine in the morning, the charm of Montmartre, and the lively café terraces remind me of a scene from a French film that inevitably makes me smile. This is Paris in all its splendor!

Louise Bourbonnais

Paris is one of those cities we think we know before we've even set foot there, because we've all seen it thousands of times, whether in photos or on screen. Yet, the French capital continues to fascinate travelers. Just last year, nearly 50 million tourists visited and succumbed to its legendary charm.

Between its iconic monuments, lively cafes and streets steeped in history, each district has a unique atmosphere that makes you want to walk for hours just to admire the scenery.

My last trip to Paris coincided with Fashion Week 2026, which took place there last March. The City of Lights was ablaze with light for the event. It was an opportunity to see the new Fall/Winter 2026-2027 creations unveiled by renowned designers, including Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Givenchy, and many others.

The fashion shows were held in various iconic Parisian locations, including the Grand Palais and the Palais de Tokyo. The event concluded with a sumptuous dinner at the Louvre.

A whole host of celebrities had gathered to discover the latest fashion trends. Among the prestigious guests were several actresses, as well as several fashion icons, including British supermodel Kate Moss and her daughter Lila Moss, who took advantage of her Parisian getaway to stay at the prestigious Ritz Hotel on Place Vendôme.

If you were keen to discover the trends from the major fashion houses, this was the place to be. Several other celebrities were also present, including Demi Moore, Catherine Deneuve, Naomi Watts, Carla Bruni, and Oprah Winfrey, to name just a few.

Even music icon Paul McCartney was there with his wife Nancy Shevell to support his daughter, fashion designer Stella McCartney.

If you have any regrets about not being able to attend the event, be aware that it costs between 5,000 and 7,000 US dollars per person per parade to attend.

Ultra-chic holidays at the prestigious Ritz Paris

The Ritz Paris, located on Place Vendôme, has been a favorite haunt of celebrities for decades. It's a place people love to stay and, of course, to be seen. It's undeniably chic. The hotel is prized for its charm, elegance, and prime location, and even more so for its exceptional service. Its refinement and rich history make it one of the most sought-after hotels in the French capital.

It is said that Kate Moss is a regular at the Ritz, as are several other artists, including Madonna.

While the Ritz has 71 rooms, the hotel also boasts 71 suites, including 16 prestige suites. These suites are named after iconic figures who have left their mark on the hotel's history. This is a way of paying tribute to legendary personalities, adding a touch of magic to this place, which is considered a historic palace.

In fact, the legendary Coco Chanel made it her home and lived there for the last 30 years of her life. For several other celebrities of yesteryear, the Ritz Paris served as a second residence. This was the case for Ernest Hemingway, the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII), and Marcel Proust. The suites were named in their honor. You can also choose the Charlie Chaplin, Chopin, or Maria Callas suite, among others.

The Coco Chanel suite

One of the most prestigious suites at the Ritz Paris is undoubtedly the Coco Chanel Suite. The price? You'll need to shell out at least €42,000 (CA$67,500) per night to stay in the Coco Chanel Suite. Photos of Gabrielle Chanel adorn the walls, recalling the history of the fashion icon. The suite, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living room, offers a view of Place Vendôme.

Paris on a whirlwind tour

Even if you're not one of the lucky few who attend grand fashion shows, perhaps you'll still make a quick stop in Paris, during a layover, for example. It's the perfect opportunity to make the most of those precious moments and discover some must-see sights.

Even without staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy a memorable meal at the Ritz. Located on Place de la Concorde, just steps from the Tuileries Garden, the Ritz Paris is definitely a must-visit . If your schedule or budget doesn't allow for a full meal, head to the Bar Vendôme or the terrace to savor the Ritz experience. A light afternoon tea at the bar is available for €75 (CA$120). A lovely way to enjoy the elegant ambiance.

A stroll through the Tuileries Gardens remains a charming classic; the gardens are magnificent and offer a moment of calm in the heart of the city.

Alternatively, a Seine River cruise is not only very pleasant, but it also allows you to admire several Parisian monuments without too much walking. In my opinion, it's one of the best ways to admire the city's landmarks and the magnificent historic bridges that span the capital at a leisurely pace.

The Louvre Museum remains, of course, an essential stop, especially to see the Mona Lisa and other great works. Even for those who aren't particularly fond of art, the experience is fascinating. The building itself is spectacular and worth a photograph.

Strolling through the historic streets of the Marais is also a wonderful way to soak up the medieval atmosphere. I loved the ambiance, with its narrow streets, elegant boutiques, cafés, and historic buildings. It's the perfect place to wander aimlessly and simply enjoy the Parisian atmosphere.

For a change of scenery, head to the Montmartre district. The street artists, café terraces, and narrow streets create the feeling of being somewhere else entirely. Alternatively, a visit to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers a spectacular view of Paris.

And to end the day in style, nothing beats the view of the Eiffel Tower at sunset. The spectacle is magnificent when the city lights illuminate.

Even if you've seen it 100 times, it's still dazzling and the magic works every time.

Above all, take the time to stop at a café, if only to soak up the local atmosphere while watching the passersby. That's also part of the charm of Paris.

And keep in mind that even after visiting 10 times, you still won't have seen everything. Paris remains a city to discover, where each neighborhood tells its own story.