Postcard from Paris, France
There is a version of Paris everyone visits, and a version you find on foot, possibly lost, usually because you took a wrong turn looking for a bakery. That’s my favorite kind of Paris.
Below is a round up of a few of my favorite places to shop, eat and be inspired by. A few I always return to when I visit, and a few I stumbled on and saved immediately, knowing I’d be back again and again.
Shopping
Preclothed
When you make your way to Preclothed, walk right past the line outside Officine Universelle Buly and go across the street to find the best vintage store in Paris, full stop. The edit is tight and so beautifully curated, the kind of shop where everything is worth trying on. Some of the best vintage Celine and Hermès you will find anywhere, the kind of shop you can't leave empty handed.
Taking Notes on Styling
Dessert Vintage
A favorite of mine in New York too, and just as good here. Strong designer pieces, the kind no one else will be wearing. Loved how they styled it with the most charming Victorian silk house shoes
Rue de Turenne, Le Marais
This street alone could take up an entire afternoon. Boutique after boutique, vintage shop after vintage shop, so many designer gems here.
Petite Ile
A small boulangerie in the Marais that does not look like much from the outside and somehow turns out some of the best pastries we had the entire trip. It was opened by a couple originally from Taiwan. French technique mixed with a Taiwanese hand with flavors like black sesame and matcha worked in. It works.
Boulangerie Nicolas Flamel, then Trinci for coffee
Get the pain au chocolat here first. Then cross the street to Trinci for a café and thank me later.
Le Grand Véfour, Palais Royal
For an Aperol and a few minutes to cool off, this is the spot. A front row seat to the Palais Royal, and the drink is just as good as the view.
Caractère de Cochon
A tiny shop in Le Marais devoted entirely to ham, cheese and bread, and it is perfection. The jambon-beurre here is the kind that ruins every other one you have had. Baguette, butter, ham. Nothing else needed.
Quite possibly the best sandwich I've ever had.
Chez Fernand, Saint Germain des Prés
For classic French cooking, this is where I would send anyone. One of the best beef bourguignons in the city.
A Picnic by the Seine
We happened to be in Paris for the hottest week ever recorded, but that didn't stop us from dining outside almost every night. Some of the best meals are the simplest ones. French ham, a good cheese, a baguette from the local market, and a spot along the Seine as the sun finally goes down around 10:30. Watching the boats. A perfect evening.
Furniture Shopping & Design Inspiration
Marché aux Puces de Saint Ouen and Paul Bert Serpette
If you are lucky enough to be in Paris on a Saturday, spend it here. This is the best antique and furniture hunting in the city, stall after stall of pieces sourced from around the world. Find something you love? The vendors here are more than happy to help secure shipping. You will probably find enough here to fill a crate. Paul Bert Serpette is the section I gravitate toward most. Go early, go slow, and bring comfortable shoes.
A very successful sourcing trip for a few current projects
Pierre Augustin Rose
One of my favorite furniture showrooms. Every piece screams Parisian chic. I always find so much inspiration here.
Fortuny
This art deco shop from Venice has that old world Paris glamour. They have a bit of everything, I am personally in love with the silk pendants and the silk evening pouches.
This dress was the best thing I packed, a bit romantic and light as air. Can’t recommend enough. Paired with my 90s row bag, sandals, and these earrings.
There are truly never enough days in Paris. That’s all for now!