Île Saint-Louis

"There's a spot in Paris where I like to share my macarons, on the Île Saint-Louis. Pulling the ribbon on the tiny box, gilded with tradition and a flair for good living, and sharing them here is the perfect start for a romantic afternoon with my favorite travel partner—my girlfriend—and my favorite city."

"Île Saint-Louis is known for the elegance and grandeur of its hôtel particuliers, developed by builder Christophe Marie and designed by Louis Vau (the architect of Versailles). Built over a 30 year period in the 17th century, the houses on the island diverged from the typical wealthy homes of the time by focusing on the views outward over the Seine, rather than into an interior courtyard. The island, which was originally two natural islands that were combined in a feat of engineering, remain pristine examples of architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. Architecture and design buffs will love the island for its historical importance, but also for the quality of the buildings like the famed Hotel Lambert. And of course, the views are unparalleled." - Melissa Liebling-Goldberg