Le Bristol Paris, Oetker Collection

Consistently voted one of the top restaurants in the city, Epicure is a seriously splurge-worthy spot that lives up to its three-Michelin-star rating. The setting is the luxurious Le Bristol hotel, which dates back to 1925, and the plush, stately dining room looks out onto the hotel’s flower-filled courtyard garden (an idyllic place for a pre- or post-dinner drink). Expect superlative French cooking with a seasonal approach—nearly everything on the menu is sourced from France, from the famed Bresse chicken (here, poached in a pig’s bladder) to the succulent Loire Valley duck. Every dish is beautifully prepared, artfully plated and of course, service is impeccable—as befits the hefty price tag.

It is hard to imagine a city that could make a plausible claim on Paris’s title as the style capital of the world. From the Place de Vosges’ construction in the 1600s to the French New Waves of the ‘60s, the city has a long history of showing the rest of the world what urban life looks at its best. Its famed “palace hotels” have contributed to that legacy, as exemplified by Le Bristol Paris. The hotel provides a lesson in the elements of French style—always flawless and yet often surprising. At first glance, the Bar at Le Bristol may look like a staid English gentlemen’s club, but as the evening progresses it becomes clear that it’s anything but. Original video installations are played behind the bar which serves original cocktails and an exceptional selection of eau-de-vies. Epicure holds three stars from Michelin, thanks to Eric Frechon’s daringly creative dishes, like sweetbreads braised with tobacco leaves and lamb in a nori crust. From the magnolia- and rose-scented gardens to the French and English fabrics decorating the rooms, Hôtel Le Bristol delights all the senses.

Start your trip to France by learning more about one of the country’s most famous cultural contributions, its cuisine. From the morning’s first pain au chocolat to stops for croques monsieur and crepes as you explore, the country’s famous dishes will likely be high points of your day. But to truly gain an appreciation for French cuisine, Shelby can arrange a turn behind the stove at the original workshop of L’Atelier des Chefs, on Rue de Penthièvre in the 8th arrondissement. Courses include everything from French macarons to classic bistro fare. And once sated by your rich meal, a dip in the pool at the nearby Bristol is an ideal way to cap off the afternoon. The design of the indoor pool was inspired by classic yachts, complete with teak decking, and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out across the city with views of the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the Sacré-Coeur basilica.