If you’re thinking of spending a long weekend in Paris, make it fashionable. Spring and early summer bring the city to life — from world-class exhibitions to elegant hotel lobbies, quiet perfume shops to celebrated restaurants. Whether you’re here to browse, to be seen, or simply to enjoy a slower pace in style, Paris offers all the right ingredients. Here’s a suggested itinerary and inspiration, drawn from recent visits and personal favourites.
Fashion Exhibitions in Paris: Spring & Summer 2025 Highlights
Paris is always in fashion — but visit in spring or early summer, and the city offers something even more special. This season’s exhibitions shine a light on couture legends, archival jewellery designs, and the artistry that defines French elegance. If you’re looking to add a cultural edge to your long weekend, these five exhibitions are well worth considering. We saw some, missed others — and plan to go back. Here’s what caught our eye:
1. Louvre Couture
Musée du Louvre | Until September 2025 This one alone is worth the trip. Louvre Couture places exquisite garments alongside the masterpieces that inspired them — a dialogue between drape and detail, sculpture and style. We spent over five hours inside and might go again before it closes. You can read our full review here.
2. Jewellery Designs: Secrets of the Creation
Petit Palais | 1 April – 20 July 2025 A quietly dazzling exhibition drawn from the Petit Palais’ own collection of jewellery design drawings. From delicate gouaches to finished Art Deco pieces, it’s a rare look into how beauty is built — sketch by sketch, stone by stone. . More info
3. WORTH: Inventing Haute Couture
Petit Palais | 7 May – 7 September 2025 Charles Frederick Worth didn’t just invent haute couture — he built the system. This retrospective covers over 400 pieces: dresses, perfumes, portraits, and archive material. Presented in the grand galleries of the Petit Palais, it’s a masterclass in glamour, craft, and Parisian prestige. Exhibition details
4. Azzedine Alaïa & Thierry Mugler
Alaïa Foundation | Until August 2025 A dual tribute to two visionaries who sculpted the female form with technical precision and theatrical flair. This exhibition explores their friendship, collaborations, and shared aesthetic: strong shoulders, cinched waists, and a return to glamour. Intimate and deeply respectful.
5. The Flowers of Yves Saint Laurent
Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris | Until 4 May 2025 An ode to YSL’s lifelong fascination with flowers — from lilies of the valley to the silk gazar blooms worn by Laetitia Casta. Paired with quotes from Proust, the exhibition blurs the line between poetry and couture. Sadly, we missed it this time — but it’s top of our list for a return trip. Exhibition link
Bonus: L’Art et la Matière at Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg
If you’re in the Madeleine district, pop into Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg for L’Art et la Matière — a quiet, luxurious installation celebrating the métiers d’art. Glasswork, sculpture, and couture textiles come together in a refined and unexpected way. Free entry, on show until 27 June 2025. Read more on the background and the designers here.
If You’re Seeking a Pop of Colour…
…that isn’t strictly fashion, then head to the Musée du Luxembourg for Tous les jours — a vibrant exhibition of Niki de Saint Phalle’s work. Bursting with life and bold forms, it’s a refreshing contrast to the tailoring and technique elsewhere. Read our full article here.
Where to Stay
If you’re in Paris for a fashionable long weekend, your base should reflect the mood. We recommend staying close to Madeleine, Place Vendôme, or Faubourg Saint-Honoré — neighbourhoods where breakfast blends into boutique visits, and culture is always close.
Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg (15 Rue Boissy d’Anglas) — Refined, discreet, and ideally located. The lobby often hosts curated exhibitions like L’Art et la Matière, and the rooms are designed with couture in mind. If you’re booking a suite, try the Opera Suite. Read our full review.
Hôtel Madeleine Plaza (33 Place de la Madeleine) — A classic address we’ve yet to try, but it’s high on our list. https://www.hotel-madeleine-paris.fr/en/
Hôtel Lumen Paris Louvre (15 Rue des Pyramides) — Stylish and more budget-friendly, compact and close to the action. It’s been a while since we last stayed but the fond memories remain, and the reviews look good. https://hotel-lumenparis.com/en/
For something grand… Hôtel de Crillon at Place de la Concorde offers old-world grandeur. Or stay among the boutiques at the Mandarin Oriental on Rue Saint-Honoré for contemporary calm and five-star discretion.
Where to Eat
While Paris is littered with good restaurants, we’ve curated this list to suit the tone of the weekend — elegant, stylish, and centred around the Madeleine and Faubourg Saint-Honoré districts.
La Maison de la Truffe (19 Place de la Madeleine) — Earthy luxury, perfect for a first-night dinner. Read more. (www.maison-de-la-truffe.com/)
Café Ruc (159 Rue Saint-Honoré) — Classic, casual, and perfect for people-watching. (https://caferuc.com)
Le Train Bleu — Belle Époque grandeur at Gare de Lyon. A beautiful restaurant with great food and service to match. Read our review. (letrainbleu.com)
Le Cinq (31 Avenue George V) — Michelin-starred dining just off the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Read our review. (fourseasons.fr)
Two more we have our eye on for the next long weekend…
Francette — Dining beneath the Eiffel Tower (1 Port de Suffren). (website)
Perruche (2 Rue du Havre) — A rooftop escape with bright decor and views across the city. (website)
Making your Long Weekend in Paris – Unforgettable
We loved our recent long weekend, exploring a city that we know so well, yet finding ever more fashion and culture right in front of us.
After what felt like a long winter, the rhythm of the city changes in spring, with soft light, new exhibitions, and the quiet elegance of everyday style. So whether you’re stepping into a boutique, sitting down to breakfast, or simply wandering between gallery and garden, there’s beauty to be found in the detail. We hope you have enjoyed our guide and your next weekend in Paris.
