'Do as the locals do': The Paris hotel that will have you feeling like you live there

Usually when you rock up somewhere, and there is a line out the door, you know you're on the money - but I've never had this happen to me when arriving at a hotel before.

And I'm not talking a line at the check-in counter. Rather, it was a queue of mostly locals, and probably some visitors.

Turns out they were all keen to head to the building's rooftop. Something that had become a major draw card in the neighbourhood, it seemed, since La Fondation hotel in Paris opened its doors earlier this year in April.

Where to stay in Paris

Indeed, if you want a slice of real Parisian life, and to feel like you're one of the locals, this is the place to stay when you're visiting the French capital.

What was once an open-air parking lot and a 1960s building has been transformed into a hybrid space with offerings for residents and tourists alike.

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Revamped hotel opens in the heart of Parramatta

La Fondation is nestled in the heart of the 17th arrondissement, between Parc Monceau and the Batignolles village, to the north-west of the city centre.

The 10,000sqm property by the Galia Group looks relatively unassuming from the outside - designed to feel like part of the neighbourhood.

But it houses a five-star hotel, two restaurants, the aforementioned rooftop, office spaces with an auditorium, and a suspended garden. Plus, there is a sports club complete with a climbing wall and a semi-Olympic pool.

When you step outside, you're swept up in the hustle and bustle of actual residents of the area going about their day.

Cross the road for a convenience store, or the post office. There are patisseries aplenty. Take a seat out the front of any of the cafes along the street.

Or, if you head just one block further, you’ll find a shopping strip along the Rue de Lévis with market stalls and fashion retailers.

There are storefronts selling fruit and vegetables, butchers with all the cuts of meat you can imagine, and a fromage shop you can smell before you see.

And at the end of the street is the Villiers metro station, the closest to the hotel, which can take you anywhere else in the city you want to go.

The room

Back at the hotel, La Fondation has 58 rooms, including three suites, spread over seven floors.

Don't be fooled by the near-silent locking mechanism. You won't hear a click when you swipe your room card, just push the door open and you're in.

As soon as you step inside, you feel wrapped up in a sort of "arty cocoon". Nature also plays a big role in providing the vibes throughout the property, thanks to green walls, terraces, patios, and the suspended garden.

The king-size beds are incredibly comfortable thanks to extra soft and monogrammed French linen, featuring the embroidered initials of the hotel. You'll find the same on all the towels and Garnier Thiebaut waffle bathrobes.

There is a coffee machine and well-stocked mini bar, large TV, and a small sitting area with a petite couch.

But the standout features for me were the incredible wood panelling throughout, the electronic block out blinds that worked a treat, and the small Juliette balcony to take in the sounds of the neighbourhood.

The bathroom was also striking thanks to the olive green mosaic tiles, gold brass tap wear, large standing shower, and Typology toiletries.

The rooftop

Perched atop the building, the rooftop offers a breathtaking 360° view of Paris, and once we got up there ourselves, it was no wonder the locals were queuing up to get in.

From the Sacré-Cœur to the Eiffel Tower, the views of the capital are a definite highlight. But beyond that, visitors can gather over wine or cocktails, and share a menu inspired by world cuisine.

The food

For more substantial food options, head back downstairs to the ground floor where you'll find "La Base" brasserie, which is where you'll also find breakfast each morning (just not before 7:30am).

The venue celebrates simple, fresh, and delicious cuisine (including French culinary classics) made with seasonal, organic, and locally sourced ingredients.

Enjoy options such as Roscoff onion tart tatin with thyme, Bottarga pappardelle, and for dessert, a fresh and sweet strawberry sundae.

For a more elevated experience, guests will soon be able to venture to the 8th floor to discover La Fondation's signature restaurant, serving modern, seasonal French cuisine in an inviting setting with more incredible views.

Sport and spa

La Fondation offers a sports facility open to all equipped with the latest fitness technology, including state-of-the-art machines, a climbing wall, and a variety of group and private classes.

Guests can also make use of the 25-metre indoor pool, unwind in the sauna and hammam, or indulge in custom treatments by skilled professionals in the Spa.

Things to do in Paris (to keep feeling like a local)

Eat at Restaurant Margaux

Located in the 16th arrondissement, at 10 Avenue de New York, Margaux dishes up timeless French classics in a setting that feels like home. Bursting with old-school charm, you can also enjoy a view of the Eiffel Tower from every table.

But the food is what will stay with me for a long time to come.

To name just a few things on the menu to consider (we gave it our best shot to try as much as possible): Œufs Mayonnaise À La Truffe (Eggs), Pâté en croûte, Cordon Bleu Au Poulet Fermier (with chicken), and the eggplant gratin.

But I will never forget the dessert; specifically, the Mousse Au Chocolat À La Cuillère, which literally means "with the spoon" because staff come to your plate and scoop as much (or as little) as you want out of a giant bowl. I have never tasted anything so heavenly in my life.

If you're not a fan of chocolate, the fraises et framboises (strawberries and raspberries) come with unlimited whipped cream.

Sip a cocktail on the Galeries Lafayette rooftop

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has been the beating heart of Paris since its creation in 1894. The 100-year-old department store and its famous Art Nouveau Dome, houses over 3,500 brands from all over the world and is already a major tourist draw.

But you'll find something equally impressive on top of the historic building.

The legendary terrace is 800sqm panoramic space open to all that offers unimpeded views of the Paris rooftops, including the Sacré-Coeur, the Eiffel Tower, and the Opera Palais Garnier.

Pull up a chair at Créatures (bookings recommended) and choose from a huge list of cocktails and mocktails. If you don't need a drink you can also just wander the space, take some photos and head back into the shops.

Bike it to the big sites

If you've ever been to Europe you'll know riding a bike is a convenient and relatively stress-free way to get around.

Personally, I hadn't done it before as I'm not a super confident bike rider. But after sitting in an hour-plus traffic from the airport to the hotel, and then another 30 minutes just to get a few kilometres across the city I thought I'd give it a go.

Renting an e-bike is more expensive than using the Metro system, which costs only about €2.50 for a two-hour period or €5 for the day. But riding a bike definitely gives you the opportunity to see more things along the way.

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We ticked off the Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, and the Notre Dame (including a visit inside without a reservation after waiting just 15 minutes in line outside!)

Riding along the River Seine was also a highlight of an afternoon as the sun was setting and locals were just hanging out - plenty with baguettes in hand for dinner. We also stumbled on a spontaneous marching band.

There's definitely something to be said for doing things a little less like a tourist. Will be trying it again on my next trip for sure.

The writer travelled as a guest of Virgin Australia and Atout France.