It’s time we all put a little more romance into our friendships – and a trip to Paris à deux is the perfect way to do it; Jessica Burrell checks into Le Grand Hôtel Cayré in Paris with a friend.
Paris, Venice, Rome: certain city breaks have become synonymous with romantic escapes. But there’s something uniquely special about travelling to a couples’ hotspot with a female friend, whether you’re single or not.
It’s rare for us to spend one-on-one time with a friend in our 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. For one reason or another, these types of trips often fall by the wayside, but it’s worth putting in the extra effort to make them happen.
That’s why, when my friend and I were planning a recent trip to Paris, we treated it with the same care, investment and indulgence as we would a trip with a partner. We sought out restaurants for romantic dinners, packed our favourite new outfits, and booked two nights in the chicest hotel we could find: Le Grand Hôtel Cayré.
This is our guide to the perfect romantic weekend with a friend. All you need to do is start the WhatsApp group to find a date that suits you both. Bonne chance!
Romanticise the Journey
We’ve all heard of romanticising the everyday, but what about rediscovering the joy of the journey? The great thing with travelling to Paris is that you don’t need to step foot in an airport – the Eurostar might as well be the only option from London. It’s worth spending a bit more for Eurostar plus or premier tickets, which will make things even more seamless (smaller queues, lovely lounges at either end), as well as offering the opportunity to sip champagne and eat surprisingly good food on board. Still, sticking to standard class with a Pret picnic is never a bad option.
Book a Chic Hotel
During Paris Fashion Week A/W26, Le Grand Hôtel Cayré was buzzing with editors-in-the-know. And who could blame them? It’s the perfect Paris pitstop in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the city’s 7th arrondissement, and sits inside a handsome building between the bustling Boulevard Raspail and Rue du Bac. Not that a whisper of all the goings-on can be heard once you slip through the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
Inside, the design takes its cues from Roaring Twenties revelry, but wears the era lightly, with Art Deco chandelier-style lights and fringed lamps illuminating an immediately inviting space. The artwork is quietly impressive, dotted unassumingly around to showcase both Paris and the historic building (once the playground of Rive Gauche writers and artists) throughout the years.
This winning formula continues in the 100 or so rooms and two suites upstairs. Some of these err towards the smaller side (this is Paris after all) but they’re beautifully designed and cleverly thought through. There’s more of that Art Deco brilliance inflected with a light touch of seventies (mustard upholstery, toffee-toned wood), and all is fragranced by the Le Labo toiletries that await in the bathrooms.
The best rooms come with Eiffel Tower views, a money shot worth spending on if you are just here for a couple of days and want to amp up the romantic side of your friends’ trip. There are few delights more pure than crashing out on your comfortable bed after a long day of exploring the city, wrapped in fluffy dressing gowns and sipping on something from the mini bar (in this case, with a view to remember).
Dine Out à Deux
There are so many top tables to choose from in Paris. One of the most subtly romantic, and exceptionally convenient if you’re sleeping upstairs, is Le Grand Hôtel Cayré’s own restaurant, Annette (named after Annette Kolb, the French-German writer who once lived in the original Hotel Cayré).
Punt for a cosy corner booth and get ready to indulge: this is a classic French brasserie where ‘girl dinner’ might take the shape of French onion soup and escargots followed by a beef tartare that ticks all the boxes. The mash, which has an admirable butter-to-potato ratio, is also a must.
The speakeasy-style cocktail bar Officine Bac is equally too-good-to-miss, and worth popping into even if you’re not staying here. Hidden away around the corner from reception, the moodily lit space might feel like a date spot, but it’s ripe for co-opting on your friends’ trip. Ask the friendly barman to whip you up a surprise and name it after yourselves, toasting the day’s success.
If you want to venture out, the hotel is perfectly placed for bagging a sunny table outside Café de Flore, an ever-popular classic that manages to maintain its integrity despite being something of an Insta-magnet. Just across the road, there’s Brasserie Lipp, which is the ideal place to settle in for a long, languid lunch (or dinner) and have the kind of rambling conversations that never quite seem possible back home.
Shop… a lot
When it comes to retail therapy, cheese might not be your very first thought. But Fromagerie Barthélemy, which is about 20 steps from Le Grand Hôtel Cayré, is a place you’ll remember forever. Deeply traditional and proudly independent, it’s a treasure trove of cheese, hidden behind a retro façade. Even though you can’t take your favourite Comté back to the UK anymore, there’s nothing to stop you sampling some in-store, and perhaps taking some back to your hotel room.
Le Bon Marché department store is also an easy walk away (the hotel offers a special package that gets you 15 per cent off). Many of the brands on offer can be found back at home, but the Parisian buyers make this a unique shopping destination, and a dreamy place to spend time. For more, head across the river to Le Marais, where vintage emporiums and chic boutiques await (don’t miss Merci, known as the city’s coolest concept store).
Lead image: Le Grand Hôtel Cayré
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?