T he birthplace of Claude Monet, Serge Gainsbourg, and Edith Piaf, and the chosen city for hundreds of intellectuals and creative luminaries (Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Pablo Picasso, Paris has always been a beacon for exquisite talent. Widely considered the world’s fashion capital, the city teems with stylish boutiques and luxury brand flagships, compelling galleries and museums, and gorgeous restaurants, cafes, and bars—it’s a hedonist’s playground. To wit: in his 1891 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde wrote: "They say that when good Americans die they go to Paris."
Digital luxury concierge and elite community Velocity Black has teamed up with Sotheby’s and celebrity stylist Erin Walsh—Velocity Black’s Luxury Goods Ambassador—on a curated City Guide uncovering some of Paris’ most glamorous spots. This guide is a natural outgrowth of Sotheby’s partnership with Velocity Black, which provides its members with access to exclusive events, such as our Spring 2026 handbag masterclass that included a surprise guest appearance from Walsh, who worked with our handbag department on a special selection of Hermès Birkins and Kellys.
“I first started coming to Paris early in my career,” says Walsh. “Over the years, it’s become one of the cities I return to most often.” That should come as no surprise. Paris is, after all, home to some of the biggest names in fashion and jewelry—Cartier, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Van Cleef & Arpels all have major headquarters in the city.
“What began as a work destination has evolved into a place that feels deeply familiar and energizing,” says Walsh. “As a fashion stylist, it's impossible not to be inspired by the city's influence on design culture. The appreciation for detail and personal style feels timeless. As a creative at heart, I find this place endlessly inspiring—the architecture, the clothing, the energy of the streets all inform the way I see and approach my work. As a traveler, it's a city I never tire of!”
While she shares her go-to spots here, she also encourages travelers to keep an open mind. “My biggest advice is to embrace the pace of the city,” she says. “Don't feel pressured to see everything at once. Leave room to wander and get lost. Visit the iconic landmarks, of course, but spend just as much time exploring neighborhoods, sitting at cafés, and observing how people live and dress with intention.”
Sotheby’s Paris
Did you know Sotheby’s exhibitions are open to the public? And the Salon—which sells luxury handbags, watches, design, and accessories—is open five days a week. Stop in to see things you can’t find anywhere else.
The Bulgari Hotel
“The whole energy and ambiance of the hotel is such a ‘Welcome to Paris’! I love the consistency [of the brand] across the cities; it just feels like home.”
Spa at Le Bristol
“They give the best facials. After a long flight I love to relax and their facials instantly make me feel better.”
Caviar Kaspia
“Needs no explanation. Always such a great ambiance and I love running into friends from Paris and New York all convening there during Fashion Week.”
Thanx God I’m a VIP
This vintage haven located in the hip Porte-Saint-Martin might have a head-scratcher of a name, but that’s what makes it so incredibly cool—that and the archival Givenchy.
Fondation Louis Vuitton at Bois de Boulogne
The Fondation, which opened in 2014, is a haven for arts, culture, and music. Their event schedule includes everything from concerts to gallery shows—all open to the public
