Hotel Highlights

Christian Lacroix´s Bellechasse sits right next door to the Musée d´Orsay, steps from the Seine. Luxuriate in a unique setting designed by the French fashion icon.

Hôtel Chateaubriand is an insider´s hotel, tucked away from the lights of the Champs-Elysées. Staying here will make you feel like a princess!

Le Grand is the largest hotel in Paris—it´s our idealized version of what a truly grand European hotel should look like. We also love the spa and could sit for hours in the legendary Café de la Paix. Le Grand is directly across from the Opéra Garnier and was designed by the same architect, Charles Garnier.

For value-driven gals, we like the Hôtel Thérèse. Tucked away in the 1st Arrondissement but close to the Palais Royal, this hotel is run by Sylvie de Lattre (who owns two others) in expert fashion. The decor is absolutely charming and chic.

Apartments
A very smart girl who is staying for a week or more will book an apartment. Just France and I Love Paris Apartments are two top options—we love them for their experience and their sparkling clean and beautiful flats.

Take the Quiz
Need more help deciding? Answer these five questions and find out what kind of gal you are, and hence which hotel suits your particular fancies!

Get Your Foodie On

OK, so you´ve got lodging, but where are you going to eat? There´s no decision that´s more important—after all, this is France, and French food is half the reason to travel to Paris. And while mistakes can be made, you can avoid them by consulting our newly updated favorites list. These are the not-to-be-missed foodie hot spots that are too new to be in your guidebook.

Cook It!

If you are careful and do as Mireille Guiliano says (you probably remember her from the best-selling French Women Don't Get Fat), you can eat well and still fit into those sexy spring frocks. BTW, Mireille just came out with The French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook — which is fast becoming the bible on how to eat French and stay slim. Please join us (@GirlsGuideParis) and Mireille (@French_Women) on Twitter on Wednesday, May 19, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST, for a live chat. You can ask Mireille anything about the cookbook, her life and even her favorite spots in Paris. We'll be giving away three autographed copies of the cookbook, and a chance to meet Mireille in person in New York, Paris or Provence! The hashtag for this special Twitter event will be #ParisChat. If you don't have a Twitter account, it is simple to join. And we recommend that you participate via TweetChat to follow the conversation easily. This will be fun!

Bonus Try this hot-off-the-press recipe from Mireille: Salmon with Leeks & Asparagus en Papillote.

Frocks

Earlier this month we sent you a newsletter from our friends at What2WearWhere.com. We continue our partnership—and our YSL lust—with our weekly Fabulous French Finds feature. And honey, if you´ve got the legs, this is a good look for you!

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Wine of the Month

Domaine Mardon 2008, Quincy

Domaine Mardon from Quincy, a very old but lesser-known appellation in the Loire Valley, is a finger-snapping white wine that fills your glass with plenty of attitude.

Recipe of the Month

Creamy Asparagus and Leek Soup

Here is a pretty, pale green spring soup, easy to make for a casual meal but elegant enough to serve to guests. Recipes for pureed vegetable soups are among the most forgiving. Because the ingredients need to be soft, there is little risk of overcooking.