Quotes of the Day

1. Alix Le Bobinnec, circulation and events manager, Where magazine
A leisurely jaunt around the Marais district is a nice start. It's romantic and has a little bit of everything: magnificent architecture, trendy boutiques and cute little streets. Then have dinner at La Maison Blanche (15 Avenue Montaigne): it's got a chic atmosphere and a fabulous view. Afterward, pop over to the Hotel Plaza Athénée down the street (25 Avenue Montaigne, pictured) for a drink—its decor is an attractive mix of modern glass and traditional woodwork.

2. Leslie Caron, actress in An American in Paris, Gigi and Le Divorce Walk through the garden of the Palais Royal, where Louis XIV played as a boy. Some shopping at the surrounding stores and boutiques is essential, followed by dinner at Le Grand Véfour (17 Rue Beaujolais), located at the northern entrance of the garden. Be sure to ask for the booth where [the French novelist] Colette sat. Then why not catch the show at Le Moulin Rouge (82 Boulevard de Clichy)? Everyone should, at least once.

3. James Graff, Paris bureau chief, TIME Stroll around the hip Canal St. Martin, pictured, and drop in at Le Verre Volé (67 Rue de Lancry) for artisanal wine and whatever simple, wondrous dish is on the blackboard. To sample Paris' jazz scene, walk to La Fontaine (20 Rue de la Grange aux Belles), where the music is free. For a safer bet, there are the Rue des Lombards clubs near Chatelet, where one can catch Paris originals like Emmanuel Bex, who takes the Hammond organ to unknown registers.

• You have one evening to spend in the City of Light. Three people in the know tell you how to do it right.