Only 2 weeks till our trip to Paris, time has flown! When Heather and I were first talking about doing the trip it felt like ages off but now it's practically here! A friend sent me these pictures she took of the city from the top floor of Printemps. 
These fabulous views just echo my excitement! Best view in paris from a great store? I'm there!
I want to thank all of you who have been kind enough to send me your recommendations! They have formed the basis of our trip and I'm so touched that you all took the time to send them!
These fabulous views just echo my excitement! Best view in paris from a great store? I'm there!I want to thank all of you who have been kind enough to send me your recommendations! They have formed the basis of our trip and I'm so touched that you all took the time to send them! 
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14 comments:
Lucky you Stefan!
I wish I were going. I can't wait to read about Paris through your eyes. Take lots of pictures.
Please treat yourself to a typical french sweet,
"Il flotant" or a "Mont Blanc" -~
I know you will tell us al about your travels....how wonderful that you and Heather will be sharing such a beautiful city.
pve
Oh the architecture, swoon. While I am in carpool line I will vicariously be living through you both. Have a great trip.
Tou have to visit the following Chocolate Store!
A l'Etoile d'Or
30, rue Fontaine (9th)
Métro: Blanche
I am not going to give anything away here, but let me say it is one of the most heavenly experiences and the patroness is out of this world. Could be the most photographed woman in Paris except the for the Mona Lisa!
Enjoy!
Julio -thank you!!
Patricia -even the names are delicious!
Laura -I promise!
David - I'm intrigued, haha. I can only imagine what you mean by her!
You are going to have a grand time! Look forward to seeing your posts when you return.
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast.” ~ Ernest Hemmingway
ah paris ~ i haven't been there yet, but i have a feeling your lives will be touched in a most magnificent way after being there ...
prairiegirl
I echo David's sentiment. We rented an apartment two doors down from l'Etoile d'Or and stopped in often. You'll love Madame Acabo
With all of these ideas for French treats, I leave you with two possible (but unfortunately not trustworthy) ways to deal with weight gain: My mother, although not scientifically inclined, believed that if it didn't land on the plate, only on the lips, it couldn't find its way to her hips. Her explanation of what she liked to sneak food off our plates. Also could apply to street food, bakeries, etc. This may work in France. My own one is of acceptance: if you are going to eat fattening food, be sure to eat in doubles so that at least the result will be symmetrical. Happy snacking and sketching!
You lucky duck. I lived in Paris for a year and was back this past September. I wrote several posts about shops I visited. I am sure you now have a whole list of things to do and see, but here are a few suggestions:
Printemps - there are several stores, but just as someone to direct you to the home (maison) one! It is the one with the simple restaurant on top and deck where the photos were taken. I met the manager Jean-Christophe, so if you see a handsome guy in a suit, say hello, haha.
Right nearby is another "home" department store called Galleries Lafayette Home/Maison, just down the street from Printemps. I liked Primtemps better, but GL was a little more contemporary and affordable.
In this neighborhood is also Laduree, the exquisite must-see pastry shop famous for its macaroons, not right by but within a short walk if I recall.
In the Marais area (3rd/4th):
Another great department store that is more affordable for interiors is BHV (Bazar Hotel de Ville) near the Hotel de Ville. I got some great pillows there. More young people shopping decor here.
This is also my favorite neighborhood for people watching and fashion and antiques and neat shops. A small section called Village St-Paul has antiques. Lots of wonderful French restaurants here with styles from all over France. No particular street. Diptyque has a small store here (as well as on St-Germain), so you can buy an overpriced candle haha. Lots of neat shops and good looking men, haha. Also the Picasso museum is here, if I recall.
And a beautiful church St-Paul. Neaby is the Centre George Pompidou, the inside-out building you will want to see. Famous Stravinsky fountain is beside it. This area is a big hang out for young people.
Other side of the river:
My favorite department store is on the other side of the river, in the 6/7 arrondisement, called Le Bon Marche. It is a MUST VISIT, in my book. There is a home decor floor, mostly bedding and china, etc. and silver (Christofle) and there is a separate store that is all gourmet food and is a must see. You can buy a chicken for 75 Euros here and this is where the super-rich shop for treats.
In the same area (in fact Le Bon Marche is on this street) is rue du Bac - sorry I don't have my map, but it is in the 6th or 7th I think. It is a nice posh walking street with lots of pretty shops and unique shops. From here you can walk down Blvd St-Germain, which eventually becomes all the high fashion shops and must see cafes (Deux Magots) as it nears Blvd St-Michel.
Around metro St-Michel is where a ton of students hang out. It is also very touristic. Lots of cheap clothing stores. Avoid it, haha but affordable touristy restaurants abound.
Best view of Paris is the Eiffel tower but best view of Eiffel is from atop the Arc du Triomphe. Seems like it would be boring but really cool to go up in it. Around l'Etoile/Arc area are also the very posh shops like Chanel, just off the Champs Elysees, but cannot recall the streets.
Flea markets - you should check out the Clignancourt market (St-Ouen) which is the HUGE one, several buildings and streets. Open Friday/Sat/Sunday I think. There is also a weekend market at Vanves metro (follow th crowd) where I found lots of stuff.
Please check out my Paris posts in my archives if you have a minute. I did shop reviews, etc.
More than you asked - have a GREAT trip. And eat a "pain au chocolat" (croissant with chocolate) every day for me!
I love and sorely miss Paris. Oh, and great architecture and city planning too. Good bless Hausmann.
Can't wait to see your photos. If I could pcik one place, I would go see Le Bon Marche food shop or go to Laduree for a treat. Just uniquely Paris.
Oh, also there is a Jewish sector in the Marais where they are open on Sunday (closed Saturday sabbath) where they have great treats, poppyseed cake, etc.
xo Terri
I'm so envious of your trip
and
Very Happy for YOU!!!
BHV also recently opened BHV Homme. Four floors of everything a boy needs.
Bon Voyage!!! If you have any antiquey questions for your jaunt to Paris do let me know and I'll try to answer all them!! Most of all - enjoy Paris!!
Toma
Enjoy your trip!
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