Although the Left Bank is generally associated with charming smaller hotels, the Right Bank has its own complement of such properties. The lovely Pavillon de la Reine overlooking the Place des Vosges captures the rich history of Le Marais, while the San Régis embodies the worldly elegance of the “Golden Triangle,” the local nickname for the 8th arrondissement, which is known for the Champs-Élysées and boutique shopping along Avenue Montaigne. The famous attractions of the Right Bank — the Arc de Triomphe, Opéra Garnier, Palais Royal, Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre, the Père-Lachaise Cemetery — mostly live up to their illustrious reputations, but save time to enjoy the cafés, bookshops and small public gardens of the quieter enclaves. The Marais started as a Jewish quarter in the 12th century and is now home to hip boutiques and bistros. There, the Picasso Museum houses the largest collection of the artist’s work, yet it still feels like an organic part of this engaging neighborhood.

In the 20th arrondissement, the Parc de Belleville offers spectacular Paris panoramas, and the Marché Belleville, a massive outdoor market, is an epicurean’s delight.