Paris

[Diem]

Hi SF

So I am going to Paris for long weekend in the beginning of December but I have no idea what stores to visit apart from the obvious ones like Lanvin, CdG etc.

Also food recommendations would be nice, I think I first heard about the Spotted Pig here and I loved that place when I was in NY some months ago.

Maybe the enlighten SF elite have any ideas?

Cheers

 

[Get Smart]

an obvious rec', but you should check out Galleries Lafayette and Printemps, near the Opera House on Blvd Haussmann. You can't miss em, as they are huge dept stores right next to each other. Both carry some really good brands and the shoe dept at both are really good

Collette is worth a look, tho I think it's overrated but it's "famous" and is a nice store overall

I know there are some really ITK stores (I saw a featurette on one shop in Paris that looked awesome, all guyswear, and there was no sign and no indication a store even existed there. but you ring the bell, they let you in and there's this badass store inside, for example) but a local would have to tell you about it. Isnt that fella GuyLaVroche that posts in WAYWT from Paris? you might wanna PM him as I have never seen him post outside of WAYWT

 

[Orpheus]

I was in Paris back in April. The best food will be found - there will be plenty of cafes about so you can get along fine at pretty much any place - most restaurants are pretty delicious by American standards. You can find pretty much any range of prices, too. Dishes and prices are usually on a menu outside the restaurant. Cafes will be cheaper, usually under 10 or 15 euros for one person, and it only goes up. However a cursory knowledge of french is most useful if you're just a walk-in.

As for fashion, I couldn't really tell you anything, I wasn't looking. But the Champs-Elysee is a good place to start - there are alot of expensive stores there. Also, don't try and find any stores in the 14th district (arrondissement) - me and a couple of friends walked forever down one large street without finding a menswear boutique. Definitely stay near the river if you want to find anything.

 

[whodini]

+1 for Galleries Lafayette. The place is pretty amazing, moreso than Harrod's I thought.

 

[Maharlika]

Paris is a shopper's paradise! It really depends what you want to buy. For shoes, there's the Berluti flagship store at the Rue Marbeuf and the staff there are always helpful. Note that if you buy a pair of shoes from that store, it will have to be 'custom' colored for your taste and will be shipped to your address in the US within the month. For fragrances, you may want to visit the Editions de Parfum Frederic Malle at the Rue Grenelle designed by Andre Putman. Claire is the manager and she'll have you fill in a questionaire so you can both decide the right 'scent' for you. If you've never been, I'd book a lunch at the Jules Verne Restaurant which is actually on top of the Eiffel Tower and the experience is always worth it. If you like couscous, I highly recommend Cafe Omar--- they have the best assortment of baklavas in the city! Other department stores has been mentioned like the Galerie Lafayette at the Avenue Hausmann, the fifth floor has designer labels like Dior Homme, Thierry Mugler, etc. Of course, you don't want to miss their stained glass ceiling! Bon Marche is also good department store and you can try their Delicabar for a light lunch or tea, while your are there, go downstairs at the grand epicerie and feast your eyes on their delis and array of cheeses and French wines. Check out Rue St. Honore where Colette is located and if are feeling like a tourist, visit the flagship store of Luis Vuitton in Champs Elysee, it's really a LV mecca. Not too far from Colette is Rue Castiglione at the Place Vendome where you can visit Charvet. Have a fun time in Paris!!

 

[Diem]

Thanks for the input guys. Great tips.

I found the superfuture map to be very usefull too.

And Maharlika, I live in Sweden. Sounds like you really know your Paris tho

Cheers guys