from jonathan hawks

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Open air markets are my favorite. This one located in the heart of Paris is one of the best.

The rooms in L'Hotel de Sers are so bright and cheery you can't help but smile. The former 19th-century mansion was renovated into this fantastic hotel with breathtaking views of the city.

The French make more than 250 varieties of cheese. I love grazing at Laurent Dubois’s shop. He’s one of the most knowledgeable in the biz.

A classic French staple served in a way that still resonates with diners.

Place de Madeline is a must-stop for me, and every I go, I head straight to Paris at the Maison de la Truffe for, you guessed it, truffles. It’s umami heaven.

Rated one of the world's best restaurants, this is definitely the top of French dining - Chef Pierre Gagnaire has even been awarded the French knighthood.

It's one of the world's best restaurants, so call ahead for a reservation. And bring your wallet.

I love the juxtaposition of L'Ami Jean against traditional "stuffy" French dining. It's all about serving world-class food in an everyday setting. Pigeon meat, blood sausage and chicken tureen with minced vegetables in olive oil and vinegar syrup.

Perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner on a nice day. Tables are arranged under the arches of place des Vosges. Plan ahead if you're going to visit, no credit cards.

Scoring a table at Joel Robuchon is reason to celebrate—hey, it’s not every day you get to eat food from the “Chef of the Century.” If you can swing it, opt for the Menu Degustation. The price tag is nothing to sneeze at, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

This place could serve the best fillet de boeuf in the country, and that's saying a lot.

Alain Ducasse is indisputably one the best French chefs and to pass this restaurant up would be a crime.

It's soufflés galore here. Sample savory mushroom to sweet salted caramel and everything in between.

If you're looking for an authentic French crepe, stop by the Breizh Café.

One of my favorite French bistros. Make sure you stay for dessert.

During the winter, Chez Michel features fresh game with their "hunters specials."

Amazing Indian food. If you're looking for something lighter, this place is completely vegetarian and completely delicious.

I've got to admit when it comes to hotels I'm a bit of a snob. I love a luxury hotel and the Five Seasons Hotel George V in Paris far exceeds my expectations. The rooms are beautiful and decorated in Parisian style.

Add the pressed duck from Restaurant Michel Rostang to your bucket list. It's a seriously indulgent experience, and where else can you have a 5th-generation Parisian chef prepare this house specialty for you?

France is famous for its mustard, and for mustard lovers like me, it’s all about Maille. The basically have the stuff on draught. From classic brown mustards to new mustard flavors, including dry white mustard, every time I'm here I want to swim in the stuff.

Call ahead to get a table at Spring. This always bustling restaurant serves various French dishes with the freshest ingredients.

Open only during the week, this fun restaurant features fixed menus including a cheese course.

This is the oldest restaurant in Paris (founded in 1680). They've got everything down to an art from the service to the food.

A great location for easy access to Parisian attractions. The hotel is in the heart of Paris near the Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre and the Café de Flore.

Da Rosa serves up some of the tastiest treats from France, Italy and Spain. I would stop by just for the olives.

If I was going to bring my wife to Paris tomorrow, I would book a room here. Each room in Hôtel Meurice is as romantic and unique as the next. Perfect in the city of love.

Every item in every room in this hotel is unique. There will be so much to look at in your room, you'll forget you've got other sightseeing to do.