Chic Weekend In Paris

Regardless of which side of the Seine you're on, Area Daily's friends and Paris locals share what they like best in Paris during the winter months. Slumber in style, duck into a quaint bistro or sexy brasserie for a quintessential meal, and check out an alternative way to enjoy the city.

Sleep: On the Right Bank near the Champs-Elysees, cozy up at Hotel Daniel, a townhouse setting reminiscent of the Silk Road. The view from the top floor deluxe rooms? Straight out of Rene Clair's Under the Roofs of Paris. This is a great locale for shopping and business appointments and the Restaurant Daniel serves lunch and dinner.

On the Left Bank, for those in need of more buzz, why not try Oscar Wilde's last home? At L'Hotel, on the Rue des Beaux Arts, you will experience the beat of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the heart of the Latin Quarter. This is where Paris started and is the best place for you to begin.

Rather live like a real Parisian? Roomorama will help you find the perfect flat in the arrondissement of your choice.

Eat & Drink: Located on a small street in the northern Marais, Pramil (9 Rue du Vertbois, Tel: 01 42 72 03 60) is a gem. Chef Alain Pramil, formerly a physics professor, is a self-taught chef who uses only market fresh, seasonal ingredients. A table here doesn't come easy, so make sure to call in advance.

Another relative newcomer, Rino (46 Rue Trousseau, Tel: 01 48 06 95 85), keeps locals coming back for more with a laid-back atmosphere, creative combinations, and reasonable prices. Or, for more of a scene, check out Thoumieux. This updated 1920s brasserie by the infamous Thierry Costes and Jean-Francois Piege was touted as the hottest restaurant in Paris by W magazine.

If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss Pain de Sucre. Offering traditional French pastries, chocolates, and breads with an irresistible modern twist, they're almost too pretty to eat! Craving

For a glamorous Parisian moment, sip a seasonal cocktail at the bar of Plaza Athenee (pictured) or Le Meurice. (Photo courtesy of Flickr/philos from Athens)

Play: Bring out your inner creative self and learn to make your own perfume. Anne-Sophie of Cinquieme Sens is a professional "nose" and will help you create a unique and personal scent. If you're a modern architecture buff, take a walk through Le Corbusier's Villa La Roche. Designed for a Swiss Banker and art collector, the house has been restored and is open to viewers and includes drawings, plans, and artwork.

Wind down, and warm up, with a visit to the hammam. For a more cultural experience, transport yourself to the Hammam de la Mosquée de Paris, inside the Paris Mosque. If you prefer something more spa-like, visit Les Bains du Marais. Be sure to check for days open to women, men, and co-ed.

For more insiders tips on the best in modern travel, head to Area Daily.