THE FOOD ------------------…read more+ THEEEEEE gold standard for macarons in Paris ... or anywhere for that matter. + Macarons here are a little crisp, a little pillowy softness and a whollllllle bunch of flavor. - It cost a pretty penny (about 3 Euros for 1 piece), but you won't regret it for a second when you bite into one of these addictively delicious treats. THE SERVICE ----------------------- + All class, top notch white glove service - literally - they handle the macarons with much care like it were gold! THE SURROUNDINGS ------------------------------------ + Located in the heart of the Champs-Élysées on Rue Lincoln, so, YES, it is busy like rush hour outside ... and inside. + There are 2 sides to this massive flagship location - you can either make a purchase of macarons at their store OR dine/sit down in their tea house. Both have lines to wait on, but making a purchase only takes about 10 minutes on a weekend, while dining in looks like an unimaginable wait! + The store to make a macaron purchase at has 3 tables to sit around to enjoy your purchase of delicious macarons. You MUST catch someone about to leave (like we did) in order to snag a table. RANDOM OBSERVATIONS ------------------------------------------- = Expect waits on a weekend afternoon, especially to sit down in the tea room. If you just make a store purchase, it's only about a 10 minute wait ... and you'll be thanking your legs for that. = It's a tourist destination in itself, so expect LOTS of people taking photos of this location. CONCLUSION ----------------------- = Yes, I'm from the tri-state area and they've had a Laduree in NYC since 2011, but there's alwayyyyys something special about going to one of the originals and this spot is no different.

- Busy, busy, busy location right on the Champs-Élysées; there was a steady line on Easter Sunday…read morefor macarons; bright, inviting space with beautiful, colorful displays showcasing the full range of treats - Friendly, efficient, and professional service that kept things moving despite the crowds - 12-count mixed macarons were excellent--delicate, light shells with rich fillings that felt indulgent without being overly sweet - Pricey, but worth it for an occasional treat or special stop - Separate coffee shop offering a selection of hot beverages to pair with your sweets - Limited seating with a bar table and a couple of small tables; first come, first served - Restrooms available upstairs in the restaurant dining area

This restaurant in the lobby of the George V felt both laid back and very chic. A truly delightful…read morelocation to get breakfast, lunch or just spend the afternoon people watching. We had lunch here upon our arrival in Paris and really enjoyed our club sandwich and ratatouille. The Bloody Mary and French fries were also a 10/10. The hotel's signature breakfast was also outstanding. I loved the table assortment of butters, jams, honey and bee pollen as well as the lavish buffet.

We arrived at GV four seasons and booked afternoon tea at 4, I remember ed afternoon tea at GV was…read morevery elegant and outstanding a few years ago. We were a bit disappointed not the quality but the menu itself. I was expecting a traditional English afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, but none of those and amount of food doesn't explain 96 euro per person. But maybe this is French style!

Even though the line was long, it moved quickly and the staff kept everything organized. They were…read moreable to accommodate all 5 of us -- 4 adults and a 4-year-old -- with no problem. The portion sizes were excellent for the price. I was expecting smaller portions, so I was pleasantly surprised when my plate came out packed with food and definitely worth the value. I would definitely recommend checking this place out, especially the location near the Eiffel Tower. Great food, generous portions, and an overall good experience!

First time coming to Paris, so of course I wanted to try the infamous Carette! My friend and I…read moredecided to try and go on a Sunday around 10:30-11am. I was very worried about the lime being extremely long due to the time we came at. But when we arrived we were told it would be about a 30 minute wait. The service does a great job managing the line and trying to pull groups out of line to fit specific spots available if they can. The manager asked if there were any groups of three available and luckily we were able to get a table quicker than we thought! We were seated outside at a very small table. The tables are very close together and it is extremely hard to move around the chairs, etc. the interior is a little less tight, but nonetheless it is still a little chaotic to go about. Service was good and our food came out within about 10-15 minutes of ordering. I loved the classic Parisian atmosphere and really enjoyed being outside. We ended up ordering their famous hot chocolate and creme, the strawberries & creme, coffees, and a croissant. The prices here are a little steep considering what you are getting. But I definitely think it's an experience and the price reflects that. The hot chocolate was extremely rich and luscious--like nothing I've had before. It was almost reminiscent is drinking straight chocolate sauce. The fresh creme that accompanied it was delightful and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I tried one of my friends strawberries and thought they were extremely fresh, but not necessarily worth the price. Cappuccino was pretty standard, but I enjoyed it. The croissant probably isn't the best in the city, but it was flaky and buttery, with lots of layers (exactly how it should be). Overall, I was happy I got to experience dining at Carette! We only waited about 30 minutes for a table and I think it was worth it. While I don't think it is life changing, I do think it is definitely worth trying and a fun experience. I enjoyed the creme that it came with just as much as the drink itself, if not more. Service was good and they ran a tight ship. If I were to go to Paris again, I wouldn't go out of my way to come here again. But if it is your first time in the city or you haven't been, I would recommend!

Tour de France time here in Paris turned to "Tour de LAME!"…read more Maybe my favorite hang in Paris is now ruined. RUINED! Is Chef Jean Imbert ruining this too?!? This is the lobby of The Hotel Plaza Athenee hotel. Great for people watching and fine delicacies ... now Just a mess. A 50 Euro Croque Plaza sandwich . Sounds pricey? It is! But it's also been the best sandwich in Paris for over 20 years. A truffled cheese and chicken sandwich now laid waste. I've had it many times. Maybe 50 or more times. Did Chef Imbert "reimagine" it? Are they going for a rustic disheveled monstrosity? My twin lovelies had the lobster club and loved it. My soulmate "The Chosen One" dined on a local Reblochon cheese plate. Wonderful. French cheese is ALWAYS a gift and not pasteurized and ruined like our government (in America) demands by law. My fellow Americans - you have not had cheese until you've had it in France. Anyway, after a mind-boggling and rude wait of 95 minutes (95 minutes!!!) we left. I had no lunch. Just a gift of time theft. The hostess apologized on the way out adding ,"I don't know what's going on in the kitchen today. It's just awful." I concur.

I went to this place with high expectations about its quality. I had to wait around 30 minutes in…read moreorder to get a table. The chocolate was very good, and the desserts not bad (I believe one can get better ones for this prices); but they were aesthetically beautiful and very good tasting, anyways. When I payed and went to the lobby, I realized that my umbrella had been stolen. My Alexander McQueen umbrella. I informed the receptionist and she called the "attached director". She couldn't give me a solution, and she gave me the hotel's typical umbrella. She took note of my mail because she assured me that she was going to watch the recordings of the cameras. That was about four days ago and I still have no news about her. That is just unacceptable for a five stars "grand luxe" hotel. Five guys on the door than can't take care of your umbrella, and no one offers you to put your thing in the wardrobe. Unbelievable. Very disappointed and sad...

The Lobby is the restaurant found at the Peninsula Hotel in Paris. It is located just past the…read morefront desk, around the corner and across from the elevators. This restaurant is elegantly decorated, having plenty of seating, and a piano where performers come to play in the evening time. My girlfriend and I came here several times during our stay the Peninsula. Our first meal here was the croque monseur. It had the expected ingredients: ham, gruyere, bechamel, and a bit of butter. It also had some truffles, which gave it a very distinct taste. While truffles are not my cup of tea, the chef here somehow did make it my cup of tea when he included truffles in my croque. We also came here for dinner, in which I ordered grilled salmon while she ordered steak. The portions were smaller than expected, but the food was prepped decently. The side of potatoes and veggies, along with dinner bread, was decent for a late-night meal. The breakfast service was great. I ordered a salmon and cheese omelette, with a side of avocado, a cappuccino, and a glass of water. Again, the portions were smaller than expected, but the meal was prepped well. The staff here is amazing. I was initially worried that my high-school French was not going to allow me to get by. But the workers here speak English and Spanish as well, so we were good as far as communication. Overall, we were impressed by this restaurant. They took care of us very well, much how the staff in the rest of the hotel did. If you're staying at the Peninsula in Paris, this restaurant is a great place to dine.

The best most delicious dreamy brunch you can ever imagine. Just name a dish or dessert and you'll…read morefinde it in their Sunday brunch. You have to try it. The customer service was amazing like the rest of hotel and they do have live music. So overall it will be a joyful delicious experience that you will never forget. Their price is very reasonable for the high quality food in that variety that they provide.

Hotel de Crillon tea time at Jardin d'Hiver- fun activity in opulent atmosphere comes with choice…read moreof tea, coffee or hot chocolate and tiered platter of 3 services: 3 sandwiches, 3 desserts and choice of scones or brioche. Picked this location after reading/watching other reviews on different sites. Nice tea time, but nothing special. Thought the service presentation could have been a little more grand. Been to better tea times in other parts of the world.

If you are looking for a perfect patio experience this is the spot. For lunch or tea it's ideal…read more The menu selection is fresh and current with not classics and healthier options. I love the restoration of this most storied palace hotel.

I visited the Musee Jacquemart-Andre to see the Botticelli exhibition as well…read moreAs the house and all the art work. It was a Sunday , and other restaurants Around this area are lacking on Sunday. I decided to give this a try and Had a vegetarian quiche with salad , and a strawberry tart. The food was Good, the service Was very good.

This elegant cafe is part of small gem of a museum. But you need not tour the museum to enjoy the…read morecafe. The cafe overlooks a lovely courtyard and has outside seating which on a sunny warm day is a great setting for a peaceful lunch. The dining room itself is very beautiful and a fine example of French decor. The excellence of the food matches the beautiful of the cafe... delightful salads and delicious pasta. The deserts are beautiful to behold and delicious.

Le Joy is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, a cocktail, or a light meal away from the hustle…read moreand bustle of Champs-Élysées, understated yet undeniably sophisticated, reminiscent of a reading room at bibliothèque de la Sorbonne. It is not the most extensive menu but every item is delicious, made fresh with the finest ingredients, and cooked to perfection, by far one of the best breakfasts I've ever had. Fresh seasonal fruits are picked and sliced at the peak of ripeness, their croissants, breads, and viennoiserie are as good as the best Parisienne boulangeries, even the butter comes from La Maison du Beurre Bordeir, one of the finest creameries in France. There are 3 breakfast options, Continental €39, Bien Être (well-being) €60, and Américain (American) €50 pp. I selected the American breakfast as it was a better fit, and had a wider variety of choices, Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or ham, French Toast, Pancakes, or Crêpe, Eggs any style fried, pouched, scrambled, or as an omelette, with two sides choices, smoked brisket, veal sausage, cooked or raw ham, mushrooms, cheese, herbs, tomatoes, potatoes, and baked beans. I tried every item on the menu and was extremely pleased, though if I had to pick a favorite it would be the Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce and black truffles. There is also a dim sum menu which was good, but not exceptional, reminded me of Hakkasan, it even comes with training chopsticks. We are not talking about Triple Michelin stared restaurant, but the service is graceful and efficient, you'll immediately be impressed by the staff, their attention to detail, gracious and perfectly choreographed service, unlike some top rated restaurants were their service is as charming as a theoretical physicist. They remembered my likes and dislikes, days, even months later, not just the food but my favorite table was reserved every morning. There are several excellent options in Paris's 8th arrondissement, also known as Triangle D'or, Le Cinq @ George V comes to mind, opulent, elaborate menus, sure to please, however it can't match Le Joy with its more intimate surroundings, outstanding food, and warm service.

I am not sure why or how this place gets a 5 star rating. While it is clean, conveniently located a…read moreblock from Champs-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower, there are not many amenities that yield such an esteemed review. Rooms are clean and modernly simple. The walls are sterilely white. Bathrooms are spacious and clean. I did enjoy drinking champagne on the balcony and watching the top portion of the eiffel tower sparkle. Breakfast options are bleak. This hotel is not the hotel one would want to stay if wanting to experience the best of Paris.

I walked into the Musée d'Orsay knowing my art knowledge is quite pedestrian, and I still loved it…read morealmost immediately. The building alone is worth the visit: a former train station with that grand, vaulted Beaux-Arts drama that makes the whole museum feel both practical and theatrical. You can still sense the movement of the old Gare d'Orsay in the central hall, except now the platforms have been replaced by sculpture, light, and people quietly realizing they are somewhere special. Part of what makes the museum so memorable is that it gives you beauty without making you feel swallowed by the scale of the place. The Louvre is obviously magnificent, but the Musée d'Orsay is more digestible, more focused, and easier to enjoy in a single visit without feeling like you need a recovery meal afterward. It has a calmer rhythm, and that made it much easier for me to actually look around instead of simply trying to survive the museum. Upstairs, the perspective over the center of the museum is stunning. Looking down into the long main nave, with the sculptures below and the old station architecture stretching out beneath you, is one of those views that stays in your memory even if you cannot name every artist you saw that day. I also have this vague but lasting reflection of looking through the giant clock toward the Seine, with Paris appearing behind the glass in a way that felt almost too perfectly composed to be real. The collection is extraordinary, especially if you are drawn to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work, even casually. Seeing artists like Monet, Degas, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cézanne in a building this distinctive gives the whole visit a sense of coherence. The art is the reason people come, but the setting gives it a deeper charge, because every gallery feels connected to the history and personality of the building itself. Another thing I appreciated was the crowd. It felt interesting and cultured without being stiff. There was a nice energy in the rooms, as if people were genuinely enjoying themselves rather than checking off a tourist obligation. The museum is elegant without being cold, famous without being overwhelming, and serious without being hard to love. For anyone visiting Paris, I would put the Musée d'Orsay very high on the list. It is a beautiful alternative if you want something smaller and more navigable than the Louvre, but still full of major art, architecture, and atmosphere. Even as someone who often connects more with museum buildings than the finer points of art history, I found this place completely memorable and would highly recommend it.

I've been to Musée d'Orsay twice over the years and have left both times feeling awed by what I saw…read moreand rueful of all I'd so obviously missed. You can't even speed run the place in two or three hours, and you probably need days or a lifetime to appreciate it in full. My more recent visit was earlier this month, with my husband and kids and other sundry family members, who spread out and explored the museum on their own. The d'Orsay opens at 9:30 in the morning and we booked tickets in advance for 10:00 entry. Getting in was quick and easy, and the crowd was pretty reasonable for the first hour or so, which we spent on the fifth floor. By the time we got to the special exhibit on the ground level, around noon, every room was thronged. We didn't make it to the second floor at all. The museum is a global treasure, a beautiful place with a staggering collection of French art, including the world's largest trove of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. The d'Orsay was once the Gare d'Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. It would be worth visiting for the architecture and use of space and light alone. The art, of course, is genuinely amazing. If you have even a passing familiarity with paintings as a genre, you will walk around the d'Orsay going, "Oh, THAT's here?" I saw multiple paintings I'd encountered in jigsaw puzzles, or on the covers of Debussy piano books. Manet, Cezánne, Gauguin, Degas; a whole room of Van Gogh, including one of his most recognizable self-portraits and his "Bedroom in Arles" (a very enjoyable 2,000-piece puzzle). Monet everywhere--I guess the d'Orsay owns 86 of his paintings. I loved the mini-exhibit of five paintings of the Rouen Cathedral, and even my six-year-old appreciated, if purely for subject matter, "The Saint-Lazare Station." Our kids, it turns out, do not yet appreciate art, and were in ragged form for much of our visit. Our three-year-old demanded to be carried at all times and kept insisting he didn't like "these pictures." (He also objected to his first nude, "The Bathers" by Renoir: "Why aren't they wearing any clothes, even? They can wear pants. They can cover themselves.") We had to take a breather in the underground cafe, with water and snacks, and this gave us enough steam to make it back out to the main floor. We managed to zip through a few of the many rooms lining the main corridor on our way up to the Renoir exhibit at the front of the museum. This part of our visit could not have been more cursory, and yet we stumbled upon Courbet's self-portrait, "The Desperate Man"--a cool painting I'd never seen before--and Millet's "The Angelus," a painting I'd learned about at the d'Orsay many years earlier. The Renoir exhibit (Renoir and Love: A Joyful Modernity, apparently just ended) was spectacular, an expansive collection of iconic paintings displayed for maximum impact. It was also jam packed and slightly unpleasant to navigate with two children on the verge of meltdown. I'd love to go back to Paris and explore the d'Orsay at my leisure. I'm sure it'd also be worthwhile to go with a guide, and perhaps two older, well-behaved children who might get something out of the experience. In the meantime, I'm grateful I've been able to see the place at all. It's a marvelous museum, one of the greatest in the world.