How to plan the perfect Paris honeymoon with Mr & Mrs Smith

The City of Lights, or Love, depending on who you ask. Paris is undoubtedly one of the chicest and best honeymoon destinations of all time. And it’s not hard to see how it got its reputation as the most romantic city in the world. From the grand architecture and breathtaking art to the delectable patisseries that will leave you wanting to consume nothing but croissants for the rest of your life. Everything about Paris is dusted with a glittering of je ne sais quoi making it the perfect trip to start your newlywed life in style.

But where to start? How much does a honeymoon in Paris cost and where should you stay? Fear not, we’ve got everything you need for planning your honeymoon in Paris.

The budget

First thing’s first, the budget. Planning a dreamy honeymoon in the city of romance, can be a bit of a rollercoaster for your wallets! So, picture this: a week in Paris, complete with the Eiffel Tower, mouthwatering French cuisine, and strolls along the Seine. Now, how much moolah should you stash for this lovey-dovey adventure? Well, you're looking at anything from £2,000 to £5,000, depending on your tastes. That'll cover your flights or Eurostar tickets, hotel, romantic dinners, and sightseeing galore! Oh, and remember, keep a little extra for spur-of-the-moment treats. If that's out of budget, remember that you can add a honeymoon fund to your wedding registry.

How long do we need?

How long should you spend in Paris? The great thing about this destination is that you could easily spend a week (or even longer if you're incorporating some day trips) but it also makes an ideal mini-moon spot. We would say May, June, September and October are the best times to visit. It’s best to avoid July and August as many locals are away, meaning shops and restaurants are likely to be closed.

Where should we stay?

Perhaps the most important part of planning your Paris honeymoon is where to stay. We caught up with the experts at Mr & Mrs Smith for their round-up of the best Paris honeymoon hotels you will l’amour. The best part is, they are all available to add to your gift list so you can plan your dream Paris honeymoon and your guests can give you something truly memorable. Let's go!

Steps from the Champs Elysées, hotel Monsieur George captures the globetrotting glamour of Paris with interiors that borrow from East and West alike. From the pavement of Rue Washington, the hotel’s Haussmanian exterior gives little away – bar a good dose of 18th-century splendour. But step inside and you’re in a world fashioned by designer Anouska Hempel, who has used marble, mirrors and sumptuous fabrics to create rooms reminiscent of Paris’ finest homes. Orient and Occident overlap in quintessential Parisian style, with the interiors influenced as much by Asian palaces as English gardens. The worldly theme continues into the restaurant, Galanga, where the dishes flaunt the flavours of Japan and Indochina.

Packing tips
Pack a woody spicy fragrance that’ll make you as chic as the locals - and transport you to the jungles of Indochina.

Former washing machine factory Maison Breguet spins off its retro-industrial roots and the creativity of Paris’ 11th arrondissement. London-based design studio Sagrada were behind the transformation, introducing bespoke furniture, Pierre Frey wallpaper and chevron-patterned Carrara marble to the upper floors. Downstairs, the workshop floor has become a light-flooded restaurant with a vaulted ceiling, greenery-girdled patio and a cocktail list created by globe-trotting mixologist Nicolas de Soto. Faithful to the spirit of Le Marais, the Maison hosts talks and workshops with Parisian artists, designers, writers and tastemakers, too.

Packing tips
Pare your wash kit down to the essentials - the Maison Margiela bath products will more than satisfy.

As sweet as mille-feuille, with almost as many layers: each level of Hôtel Adèle & Jules is bedecked with a different gem-bright colour scheme; rooms are set across two identical 19th-century buildings (one is ‘Adèle’, the other is ‘Jules’). French interior-design maven Stéphane Poux is responsible for the chocolate-box-pretty patterns and prints, the eclectic artworks and the covetable flea-market finds. The hotel’s setting is equally tasty: a peaceful patch of the ninth arrondissement, a short stroll away from the Grand Boulevards.

Packing tips
Come armed with an empty case if you can - then fill it with Marais-and-Montmartre finds.

A glorious boutique hotel, Monte Cristo is nestled in Paris's Left Bank, here you can find adventurous decor inspired by Alexandre Dumas's legendary novel form where the hotel takes its name. Expect scenes from 19th-century literature come to life in the most decadent of ways, with dark woods contrasting with rich velvet furniture, old books, custom tapestries and lush greenery. There's a beautiful indoor pool to escape to for a tropical-styled dip, and the hotel bar boasts Paris's largest selection of rum.

Packing tips
Bring along plenty of books to fit in with the inspiring literary theme.

Named after an 18th-century socialite, hotel La Belle Juliette leaves a sweet taste in your mouth, thanks to its confectionery-coloured interiors, hideaway spa and fresh-from-the oven Parisian breakfasts. Perched over the rue du Cherche Midi, its boudoir rooms have long been Smith favourites, but the new garden wing is just as charming, primped with bold colours, scorched-wood floors and sensuous mid-century furniture in a nod to Juliette’s daring, art-loving side. We're also partial to the champagne bar, too…

Packing tips
Candy-pink beach shorts/bikini for the spa; something dramatic for descending the ornate spiral staircase in style. Leave plenty of space in your suitcase – Rue du Cherche-Midi is dotted with discerning boutiques.

Having taken over two 19th-century buildings in the heart of the bustling 9th arrondissement, retro-inspired Hôtel Panache is a quintessential Parisian stay. A bold use of pattern and texture puts this boutique bolthole firmly on the map. Expect spacious rooms, a gourmet neighbourhood restaurant and the sort of indulgent Sunday brunch that will send you right back to your oh-so-comfy bed.

Packing tips
Leave bulky adaptors at home: the hotel has some to borrow and you’ll save space for a jar or two of something delicious from Lafayette Gourmet.

Parisians certainly know how to do things in style and breakfast is no exception. Bring a touch of luxury to the most important meal of the day by recreating French chic at home. Add some striped cushions, beautiful flutes and a pop of red, et voila, the perfect set up for champagne and croissants.