I have had the pleasure of living six months in the city of love. An experience that I think everyone should be allowed to have! Paris really is an absolutely magic city, but as it is with big cities, it can be difficult to know where the cool hang outs are, and what the must sees in Paris are. Therefore, I would like to share my Paris favorites, and hopefully share a bit of the magic..
Paris is built up of 20 arrondissements, which is like 20 area codes. My favorite oasis' are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd (Le Marais), 4th (Le Marais), 6th (St. Germain) and 8th, but all areas have something to offer. The area code shows the arrondissement so area code 75001 is the 1st. arrondissement.
LoLa's Favorites - Where to stay?Caron de Beaumarchais, 12 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004: This hotel is truly divine! It is so parisian, very reasonably priced (from 130 euros), great service and the location is phenomenal, as it is located on the best street in the lovely Marais.

Another alternative that I can recommend is renting an apartment through Special Apartments. This solution is probably best if your stay will be for more than a weekend, as it is a bit more trouble, arranging to meet and get the keys etc. However, they have some really nice apartments all over Paris, and sometimes they have amazing last minute deals! (http://www.specialapartments.com)
LoLa's Favorites - ShoppingMerci, 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75010: Merci is one of my favorite boutiques of all. They have so many pretty things, both interior, clothes, jewelry, accessories and many cute little things you did not know you could not live without! They have a great bookstore/cafe, which I can absolutely recommend! Merci was founded by Marie-France and Bernard Cohen (who also founded children's clothing line Bonpoint). All proceeds, after break even, is donated to a co-op for women in Madagascar, which absolutely gives a better feeling when maxing out the credit card. If only your sad bank understood that you are just trying to help the woman in Managascar!
Colette, 213 Rue Saint-Honore, 75001: Some fashionistas claim that Colette is so last season, I would still say that the cool concept store is worth a visit. The store has clothes, jewelry, make-up, music etc. Absolutely a nice place to spend, if not euros, then at least 20 minutes.
Diptyque, 34 Boulevard Saint Germain, 75006: If you, like me, Carrie Bradshaw and so many other girls, are an absolute fan of cute scented candles, visiting the original Diptyque store is a must! The store has so much atmosphere, and it is "scented candle heaven"! The candles are even close to affordable, as it is a french brand, so no excuses!
General good shopping streets:
Rue Saint Honore/Rue Faubourg de Saint Honore (1st and 8th arr.) is fantastic with it's great mix of luxury stores (e.g. Lanvin, Prada, Cadolle, Louboutin) and little pastry shops, jewelry shops etc.
Avenue Montaigne: Many people visiting Paris think that Champs Elysees is where to find all parisian luxury flagship stores, but really you will find them at the sidestreet, Avenue Montaigne (8th.), which is heaven for shoppers with an addiction for Chanel, Dior, Celine and all the other darlings.
LoLa's Favorites - Dinner and DrinksCafe les Philosophes, 28 rue Vieille du Temple, 75004: This cafe is the essence of Paris, and as it was located right across from my apartment, I have spent a few hours here. The waiters are mature [read older] men, with the right attitude of parisian arrogance and still a high level of service. Enjoy their typical french food, or take a breath from the great shopping in Le Marais, enjoying that in Paris wine is cheaper than soda!
Chez Marianne, 2 rue des Hospitalieres-Saint-Gervais, 75004: Chez Marianne is a lovely little place located in the jewish quarter, where you can buy plates with mixed appetizers such as hummus, aubergine salad, meat balls etc. It is really cozy and reasonably priced, but the service sometimes has the previously mentioned parisian arrogance, however that is really everywhere. If you do not eat here, do yourself the favor to pass by their windows where you can see all the delicacies lined up! They offer both eat in and take away.
Hotel Costes, 239 rue Saint Honore, 75001: The Costes brothers are somewhat legendary parisians as they have opened many of the most popular restaurants in Paris. Many parisians are a bit fed up with them, but I must admit that I adore Hotel Costes, and the atmosphere they have built up. Go to the hotel for lunch, dinner or a drink, and sit in the beautiful courtyard or in the cozy little rooms with a very intimate living room atmosphere. When you go there do not forget to visit their beautiful flower shop just next door of the hotel.
Hotel du Nord, 102 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010: At the lovely Hotel du Nord you will not find accommodation as the name may imply. What you will find is a view of the canal and a great meal for a great price, served by the most handsome french waiters with the right combination of charm and arrogance. I was a regular guest for lunch, where they served a main course incl. coffee for 10 euros, and two courses incl. coffee for 15 euros. I absolutely recommend, unless you are in Paris on an unlimited budget. And remember the less spent on delicious food, the more can be spent on shopping and drinking wine!
Carette, 4 Place du Trocadero, 75016: Cerette is a lovely patisserie, where you can have the most delicious macarons and simple classic french food. Many parisians find Laduree a bit of a sell-out, and therefore Carette is where many natives go to enjoy their macaron and noisette (espresso with a hint of cream). Carette is located very close to both Palais Tokyo and Musee d'art Moderne.
Laduree, 21 rue Bonaparte, 75006: Laduree is a tourist magnet, especially the one at Champs Elysees, which I will not recommend. However, I must say that I adore the Laduree concept, and therefore I always go when I am in Paris. My preferred Laduree is in Saint Germain, which is an adorable area, so I will recommend to combine a visit to Laduree with a nice walk in Saint Germain. Do order their colorful macarons accompanied by their hot chocolate - that will keep you full from morning till dinner, and soooo good!
Matignon, 3 Avenue Matignon, 75008: Another hotspot of the costes family, however this is a must for everyone who likes a delicious meal and a good party. If you get a late table, people will be partying while they are eating, which is quite an extraordinary experience. Under the restaurant is a small private club where the guests from the night will continue the party, and it is very easy to meet people here. This place can be recommended if you fancy hanging out with the socialites of Paris, or if you simply like a good party.
Mama Shelter, 109 rue de Bagnolet, 75020: This is a hotel designed by Philippe Starck, and it is worth a visit. They have a restaurant, pizzeria and a bar, and all is great! The room is dark, and extremely cozy and creative. The only minus is that it is located in the 20th. arr. which is a bit far away from everything, but I would say that it is worth the trip.
Derrier, 69 rue des Gravilliers, 75003: This place is absolutely one of my favorites! The restaurant is designed as a regular house (see picture), and it has so much personality and charm. It can be a little bit difficult to find, but it is located in a courtyard at the address.
La Perle, 78 rue Vieille du Temple, 75003: La Perle is the hotspot for after work and late night wine. Parisians hang out in and outside the bar, and it is an extremely lively place. Late, it can be difficult to find a place to sit, but it is a place where there are always lots of people and a nice atmosphere. Bonus info for fashionistas, this is the place where Mr. Galliano had one of his less proud moments - which resulted in him getting fired from Dior.
Bon voyage,
LOVE LoLa
The guide will continuously be updated!