want an excuse to go to Paris?

How many scenes in this video do you recognize? Watch this 5 minute hyperlapse video of scenes of Paris, and you'll definitely want to go back. It's no secret that Paris is my favorite city in the world, a place I've been over a dozen times.

Paris is home to some of the world's greatest museums, and I've barely scratched the surface of the Louvre. If you're a fan of French Impressionism, the Musee d'Orsay is a must — but don't forget the Jeu de Paume (which used to house the greatest collection), the Orangerie, the Marmottan, and the Petit Palais. Visit the Cluny, a great museum of the Middle Ages. Paris has museums to Picasso, Rodin, modern art (Pompidou), anthropology (Quai Branly), as well as a lesser-known gem set in a 19th century mansion (Jacqumart-André).

Want to dine in a different three star Michelin restaurant every night? Enjoy a simple meal at a bistro? Pig out on macaroons? Or sit at a sidewalk table outside a café for a few hours, watching the world stroll by? That's more than enough reason for your next visit.

Spend your nights in a legendary hotel with the incredibly valuable amenities that only a Virtuoso travel consultant can provide (starting with free breakfast for two every day of your stay at every hotel on the list... and guaranteed upgrades at some). Explore the link to discover all the perks you're passing up if you book yourself online. Here are some of my favorite Parisian hotels:

Four Seasons George V — in the Golden Triangle, Le George is at the top of many lists of the world's best hotels. 

Ritz Paris — the legendary hotel on the Place Vendôme that is just completing a total renovation that preserves the original character of the rooms but brings everything up to date. 

Le Meurice — enjoying the perfect location for walking around Paris. 

Le Bristol — set on the finest shopping street in Paris. 

Shangri-La Paris — the closest hotel to the Eiffel Tower with half of its rooms directly facing this iconic landmark. 

Peninsula Paris — a brant new hotel in a magnificently restored building that once hosted the Paris Peace Talks. 

De Crillon — right on the Place de la Concorde and about to reopen as a Rosewood after a total renovation.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.