Paris Chic

Paris’s reputation as the capital of luxury is carried out by perfumers, jewellers, fashion designers of haute couture, antique dealers, fine-leather dealers and of course the world known action houses of Christie’s and Sotheby’s

To get a close look at Baccarat, Cartier, Dior, Guerlain, Hermes, Chanel, Daum, Lalique, Yves Saint Laurent, or even Vuitton, go along the Champs Elysees, avenue Montaigne, Saint German des Pres and Place Vendome.

Fashion shows

The haute couture season in Paris is January and July.  There is another ready to wear fashion show season in March and October.  However it is not easy to get a good seat unless you are invited to these fashion shows. 

On the other hand, if you want to be part of the fashion world in Paris you can always attend one of the fashion shows organized by Galeries Lafayette each Friday at 3pm; entrance is free and is open to everyone, just make sure you book your seat in advance.

Department Stores

The boulevard Haussmann and left Bank department stores on Rue de Rivoli and at the Madeleine are the best places for affordable up-market shopping. On Boulevard Haussmann you will find the mythical Galeries Lafayette and the Printemps Haussmann, both open from Monday to Saturday.

The Maxim’s museum

Located in rue Royal, Maxim’s was chic and decadent in the 1900s during the Belle Epoque. Discover here some suggestive paintings, Tiffany lamps and even a bed carved by Majorelle.

Perfume Museum

Very close to the Opera house, the Perfume museum is a place to dream among distillation jars, presentation boxes and glass from Murano and Bohemia. Rejoice your senses in this unique museum among spicy fragrances.

The Palais Royal

Richelieu built his residence here; Louis XIV inherited it and gave it to his brother.  During the 1700 the building was extended to sixty buildings supported by arcades which were built to house stores.  Now days the Palais Royal houses the Ministry of Culture and several other institutions, some very chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants and a garden. 

Bois de Boulogne: The Boulogne Woods.

A part of the forest that once surrounded ancient Paris.  A green 845 hectares park whose paths are a favourite for joggers, horse riders and cyclist.

Do not miss visiting the 33 hectare Auteuil racecourse.  It boasts 18 hectares of track, hedge and steeplechase.

If you prefer to cheer the Jockeys and thoroughbreds in flat racing, the Longchamp 57 hectares racecourse in the western part of the Boulogne woods is the place for you.

What tennis champion has not played here?  The stadium was built in 1928 to create a venue worthy of defending the Davis Cup (won on American soil).  Since then the Roland Garros has staged the International Tennis Championship every year welcoming 500 players and more than 400,000 spectators.

The TennisMuseum offers permanent and temporary exhibitions.    You can also visit changing rooms, press rooms, and share memorable anecdotes on a guided tour.

The Wine museum

The hills surrounding the Abbey of Passy were once covered with vineyards.  A former wine cellar is a delightful place to find out more about the history of wine, wine regions and utensils.  Wine tasting courses and tasting sessions are also available.

There is also a restaurant open from Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 3 pm.  A 3 course menu starts at €25.

The Baccarat Museum.

The magic of this mansion founded in 1764 and transformed into a crystal palace, operates on three levels. Everything begins with monumental rooms in the “Folie des grandeurs”. Next is “Alchimie” where some of the secrets of crystal glass are unveiled. Finally, “Au dela de la Transparence” presents some masterpieces.

Baccarat's official site.

Rue de Passy

A good place to browse for a fashionable wardrobe. If you get hungry you can stop at place de Passy to visit the covered market where you will find the most exquisite delicatessens, greengrocers and wine merchants.

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