Perfect Paris :: A Few Wonderful Days in the City of Light
The Eiffel Tower... and shopping!
You’ll never run out of things to do in Paris. Whether your desires lean towards culture, shopping, food or history, you could spend years here and never run out of interesting things to do. The diversity of offerings in this metropolitan mecca is one of the reasons why millions of people go to Paris each year, making it the most-visited city on the planet.
Obviously you’re going to want to see the major attractions- the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, etc. I recommend that you do as much of this as you can on foot, and also that you plan on doing some sightseeing at night, when Paris comes alive in an entirely different way. The direct "line" from the Louvre, through the Tuilleries gardens, past Place de la Concord, and all the way down the Champs Elys�es to the Arc is a wonderful walk both day and night- just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes. Don’t be afraid to leave for dinner, the museum, or shopping a bit early and get off the Metro one or two stops shy of your destination- the neighborhood maps in the Metro are fantastic and easy to follow so you shouldn’t get lost, and you’ll see much more of the city this way.
Shopping
Shopping in Paris is a sport, and- in my opinion- better than any other city in the world. For those who love to shop, Paris is perfection. There are more shops in Paris than you could ever visit in a month, so I won’t even begin to tell you everywhere to go- there are entire books on that subject, and if you’re a hardcore shopper, I recommend getting one- and studying it- before you leave. They’ll not only give you the run-down of neighborhoods, shopping centers, etc., but also hours, phone numbers, websites and more.
For die-hard fans, there are a few things to keep in mind that will make shopping much easier. Unlike U.S. malls, if you’re interested in getting better service (i.e. to avoid the "snobbery" that Americans so often misinterpret as rudeness) and to be taken seriously, you need to look the part. If you think you can stroll into the Gucci boutique on rue Montaigne in cargo shorts, a tee shirt and six-year-old Reeboks, think again (unless you’re Marc Jacobs, then you’re fine...). In Paris, it’s always Fashion Week, and the boutiques are the runways.
Something for Everyone
I recommend starting your journey at The Grands Magasins. The mother-of-all-department-stores, Galeries Lafayette will blow you away. Taking up more than 15 floors spread over five blocks in three separate stores (men’s, women’s and home), you could literally spend days shopping at this store alone. Just next door, Printemps is nearly as large and just as luxurious. Inside both you’ll find everything from designer boutiques and brand name fashion to fabulous home goods, gourmet markets, and everything in between. Plan on stopping back at your hotel after your shopping spree, and definitely set aside plenty of time.
Luxury
If you’re looking for high-end, you’ll want to hit both the Champs Elys�es and neighboring rue Montaigne. This is where Patsy and Edina would be found, lost among Gucci, YSL, Chanel, Prada, Dior, and the most fabulous boutique in Paris, the Louis Vuitton flagship. No matter if you can afford a bag or not, you’ll want to stop by this store for the architecture, design, and retail insanity alone. Packed with people from the moment they open their doors until closing time, the LV "boutique" is the ultimate luxury experience. Pick out the latest must-have handbag, design a traveling case to be custom made (bring the Amex Black), or convince a salesperson to show you the gallery on the top floor- just make sure you don’t miss this store.
Shoppers at the Louis Vuitton on the Champs Elys�es will find a few items exclusive to the flagship boutique as well as a slew of looky-loo tourists, glamorous French divas, old-money wives, and plenty of security. If you’re planning on actually buying and you go late in the day, be prepared to wait; lines can sometimes be more than an hour long. (Although if you find the right person and flirt a bit, you may be able to cut in front of the Japanese girls buying 16 handbags. Bitches.)
The Marais- Paris’ gayborhood- offers plenty of trendy clothing and home stores, alongside an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars. Don’t miss my new favorite store, Fleux (48 rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie) for the hottest in European d�cor and design. After the Marais, head over to another fabulous street- Fauberg St. Honor� (which becomes St. Honor�) to hit-up the ever trendy and super-fab Colette (213 rue St. Honor�), then continue down to the designer boutiques including Gucci, YSL, Prada, etc.
Left Bank, we love you...
If you’re a fan of fragrance, furniture, home d�cor and uber-chic style, plan to spend an afternoon on the Left Bank as well. Long known as the home of intellectuals, old money, and more-fabulous-than-thou style, the shopping here is quieter, more refined, and a bit more exclusive than it’s Right Bank brethren. I had the delightful honor of spending an afternoon with sweetheart society gal Sally Perrin. Fabulous fashionista, glamorous shopper, and hostess extraordinaire, Sally has become something of a legend on the Left Bank- a rarity being that she’s an American.
We started out at Chahan, where the owner, Richard Makin-Poole, showed us some simply divine d�cor and artwork destined for the most beautiful and chic Parisian apartments next season. Of course we had to stop by the Karry’O and Moss boutiques, run by two wonderful sisters who’ve set up shop next to each other (60 and 62 rue des Saints-Peres)! One does shoes, the other fabulous jewelry- costume and luxe, antique and new...
For the most incredible modern dishes, table linens, jewelry and leather shopping bags (I know, it sounds crazy, but trust me- you’ll die...), stop in at Muriel Grateau (37 rue de Beaune) before heading over to rue de Grenelle for a bite to eat at A La Petite Chaise, the oldest restaurant in Paris (26). Next, pop into Frederic Malle (37) for some of the most incredible- and exclusive- perfumes in the world. A quick jaunt down to number 6 (same street) and you’ll discover Karma, by Rykiel. If you haven’t heard about it, I’m going to let you find out on your own... Finally, no Left Bank shopping trip would be complete without a stop at Le Prince Jardinier; for gardening attire, d�cor and tchotchkes, this store simply can’t be beat.
Round your trip out with a stop at the Left Bank’s big department store, Le Bon March�. Full of high-end clothing, home d�cor and more, you’ll also want to make sure you save room in your arms to carry the fabulous food on offer at La Grand Epicerie de Paris on the ground floor.
The Markets
There are four flea markets in and around Paris. Saint Ouen is the most renowned, and home to the biggest antiques market in the world with 2,500 stands and 12 different sections, spread over 17 acres. Vernaison has become the most popular with bargain hunters- unusual objects, jewels, dolls, fabrics and furniture are all sold as they are. The nearby Antica gallery plays host to a dozen high-end antique dealers that specialize in the 19th and 20th centuries. Like specialized museums, small boutiques, etc., it’s best to ask your concierge about the best flea markets for your specific goals, as well as opening days and hours.
Still to come :: Museums, restaurants, and nightlife.
