City Guide

P A R I S

Paris is the city of love that stole my heart in 2013- 2014. It is filled with stunning 19th-century architecture designed by Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann between 1853 to 1870. Haussmann's Paris features wide boulevards, new parks, and a rather clever design that made the center of Paris lively, spacious, and safe. The design was created in order for Paris to withstand being invaded and to create a new feeling of urbanization into the city. Paris was once filled with medieval streets and convoluted passageways, which are still found in the Marais district today, which is one of the few parts of Paris that was largely untouched by Haussmann’s plans. But Paris, with its modernization at the top of the 19th-century, is a city that has maintained its authentic charm throughout the years through art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. 

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Overview

Tips

The currency in France is the euro (€). Visa is commonly referred to as "Carte Bleue" and Mastercard is considered "Eurocard". The major banks in Paris are BNP Paribas, Societe Generale or Crédit Agricole, which have ATM machines all around the city to get cash. Orange is the main carrier for telecommunications, so if you are staying there a long time and don't have a. sufficient data plan on your phone, I would suggest getting a sim card at the airport upon arrival for your stay. The International Dialing Code for Paris is. +33 1, and all local calls are made with 01 and mobiles with 06. For Emergency, dial 112. To order at a cafe- cafe is espresso, allonge is long espresso, and cafe creme is coffee with milk.

Transportation

The main airport is Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which is about 45-minutes away from Paris by car. It will cost you about 50€ for Uber/ 35€ for Uber Pool, 45€ by Taxi. Roissy and Orly are also two other airports, but Roissy and CDG remain the two major ones. You can take the REF train for €8,70 to Roissy, or the Roissybus for €9,40. I prefer using City Mapper for understanding my route on the Le Metro, which is. organized by different numbers and colors. Individual tickets cost €1,70 or you can buy a one-week 'Carte Orange' pass or a 'carnet' of ten tickets for €13,30. There are a ton of bike rental stations around town for €1/Day, €5/Week that you can pay for with credit card or download apps Bird/ Lime and pay by credit card to ride an electronic scooter. If you plan on leaving Paris, book the SNCF or EuroStar trains for longer distance destinations from one of. the many train stations in Paris (Gare de Nord, Gare de Lyon, etc.)

Need to Know

On Sundays, most shops and restaurants are closed since most people use it as a day of rest and to spend time with family or go to mass. The Marais (3ème and 4ème) is one of the few areas in Paris that is open, so it gets rather crowded on Sundays, but it's a nice place to stroll around if you want to get out of the house. You can also utilize Sunday to do sports (running in the park... I prefer Le Jardin de Tuileries or Jardin d'Acclimatation, Bikram yoga, pilates), see a film at the cinema, check out an exhibition at the Grand or Petite Palais, head to the local farmers market to get fresh produce for the week, or take a stroll along The Seine River and explore Paris' main attractions (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, Opera Garnier, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame, Jardin de Luxembourg, Musee d'Orsay, Palais Royale, and the Sacre-Coeur.

Neighborhoods

Paris is divided into twenty districts known as "arrondissements" (commonly abbreviated to something like 8ème or 8e), which originate out of the central 1st. The Seine River divides the city into two major parts- the "Right Bank (Rive Droite)" being north and the "Left Bank (Rive Gauche)" being south. But Paris, with its modernization at the top of the 19th-century, is a city that has maintained its authentic charm throughout the years through art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. To know which arrondissement an address is located in, you can see by looking at the last two numbers of the postal code. For instance, with a postal code of 75002, it would be in the 2nd arrondissement. 

Etiquette

Service is always included for waiters and bartenders, but it's nice to leave a small tip with some coins. For very nice bookings, I would suggest 10% of the bill. Hotel Bellhop is €1-2 per bag, Barista is 5-10%,Taxi Driver is 10-15% and any services like a hair stylist, masseuse, nail technician would be 10-15%. It's important to always address someone with "Madame" or "Monsieur", whether it be a shop person or your friends parents as a form of respect. So generally speaking, it is usually, "Bonjour Madame" or "Au revoir, Monsieur". It is also common to say, "Au revoir, Merci!"

Style

First and foremost, in France and even more so in Paris, style is about quality. The true Parisien buys with confidence and chooses staple pieces that are classic and timeless. Almost all Parisens spend money on luxury leather goods from designers such as: Chanel, Hermes, Dior, Goyard, Louis Vuitton and have a beautiful cashmere or silk scarf on at all times. When I think of Paris, I think of sophistication, black lace, and tweed. I love simple silk blouses with skinny trousers and a trench coat just as much as I love an oversized sweater, vintage high-waisted jeans, and messy French hair. 


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FOUR SEASONS HÔTEL GEORGE V (8ème) 🛏

Built in 1928, this luxurious landmark hotel off the Champs-Élysees lies 1 km from the Arc de Triomphe and 2 km from the Eiffel Tower. I used to go here all the time for cocktails. They have the most beautiful flower arrangements in the hotel lobby. 31 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris.  € € € €

HÔTEL PLAZA ATHENEE (6ème) 🛏

Have you ever seen the Sex in The City episode American Girl in Paris and Carrie is hanging out her balcony having just arrived in Paris to spend time with her lover?  This is it! It's a dream in the Springtime when all the flowers bloom with perfect views of the Eiffel Tower. This legendary landmark hotel is a 7-minute walk from the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. 25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France. € € € €

HÔTEL BACHAUMONT (2ème) 🛏

Any design fanatic is going to love this recently renovated modern art deco-inspired 4-star boutique hotel. It's pretty hipster for Paris, but I quite enjoy coming here since it's close to a ton of shops and restaurants and remains relatively central. They have clean lines and will provide you with a very easy stay. 18 Rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris, France. € € € 

LE PIGALLE (9ème) 🛏

Set in a townhouse 100 meters from Pigalle metro station, this new and rather trendy 4-star hotel is a 12-minute walk from Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a 10-minute metro ride from the Arc de Triomphe and 6 km from the Eiffel Tower. 9 Rue Frochot, 75009 Paris, France. € € 

 

HÔTEL DE CRILLON (8ème) 🛏

In a landmark neoclassical palace dating from 1758, it was originally designed by the architect of the Palace of Versailles and recently finished a $200mm renovation in 2017 and is currently owned by Rosewood Hotels. They have a famous suite designed by Karl Lagerfeld that costs around $38,000 a night called the, "Les Grands Appartements" with an original marble sink from the Palace of Versailles and a super modern bookcase that opens with a push of a button to a secret dressing room. Downstairs in the bar, you can sip on 213 different kinds of Champagne or play out your old school French fantasies. They also serve coffee from Coutume, use Buly 1803 products in their rooms, and serve beer from local breweries in Paris. 10 Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France. € € € €

PARK HYATT PARIS-VENDOME (2ème) 🛏

Situated next to Place Vendôme square, this luxe hotel sits among luxury jewelry and fashion shops in the 2nd arrondissement. It's also a 7-minute walk from Palais Garnier opera house. I really like this hotel for business travel, since it's central and in a great neighborhood with a lot of attractions nearby but isn't as romantic as some of the others in this vicinity. 5 Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris, France. € € € €

SHANGRI-LA PARIS (16ème) 🛏

The Shangri-La Hotel in Paris is possibly one of my favorite hotels ever. It is housed in a 110-year old royal palace in the 16th, once home to Prince Roland Bonaparte. From the hotel, you have striking views of the Eiffel Tower, which also happens to just be an 11-minute walk away. I used to enjoy coming here quite often for evening tea, whereby the rooms downstairs light up with neon lights and play an assortment of electronic music. 10 Avenue d'Iéna, 75116 Paris, France. € € € €

 LE MEURICE (1ème) 🛏

Part of the Dorchester Collection Hotels, Le Meurice is an iconic, sophisticated hotel in the 1st arrondisement in Paris. It is set in a 19th-century palace with Louis XVI style rooms and beautiful Italian marble bathrooms. Enjoy views of the Tuileries gardens, and a short 10-minute walk to the Louvre and the Champs-Elysées. It's literally in the center of everything and has some of the best afternoon tea's in the city. 28 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France.€ € € €

THE HOXTON (2ème) 🛏

English-based boutique hotel company recently expanded to Paris with their stylish and cool retro vibes. Located in a great area in the 2nd surrounded by tons of shops and restaurants, The Hoxton took over a 18th-century rowhouse and is just a quick 4-minutes away from the Bonne Nouvelle metro station. They have really comfortable rooms and a quite lovely indoor common area surrounded by plants, but just be warned that they close down the lobby and bar area after midnight. 30-32 Rue du Sentier, 75002 Paris, France. € € 

HÔTEL RITZ (1ème) 🛏

Overlooking Place Vendôme, this iconic 1898 hotel is 1 km from both the Louvre and the shops along Champs-Élysées and surrounding my luxury jewelry and fashion shops right and left. It was under a multi-year renovation by architect and designer Thierry Despont, which wrapped in June 2016 and still remains one of the most iconic hotels in Paris with a classic Louis XIV look and feel. It has an absolutely stunning pool and a ginormous spa, which is quite the treat. 15 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France. € € € €

HÔTEL COSTES (1ème) 🛏

The 1st arrondissement has no shortage of hotels, but this uber cool hotel is known for its atmosphere, its music, its scents, its roses and its parties on Rue Saint-Honoré. Started by Jean-Louis Costes and his brother, Gilbert, in 1983, its vibes are sultry, sexy, and moody. Their vision was an homage to Napoleon-era design with a modern twist. The famous French designer Jacques Garcia wanted to show that decor from the 1600s and 1700s was not just for your grandmother such as red velvet furniture and flea market-sourced decor. Ahead of their time, they hired Philippe Starck to design his first restaurant, Café Costes, in Les Halles. It's a 5-minute walk from the Tuileries metro station and the Jardin des Tuileries, and an 11-minute walk from the Musée du Louvre. 239-241 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris, France. € € € €


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Food in Paris has definitely evolved over the past few years. Even though it is known for being a food capital, you can still absolutely have a bad meal here. I've tried to outline my top spots for restaurants/ cafes/ boulangeries (fancy, casual, vegetatian, vegan, healthy, business, lunch with girlfriends, cheap and quick, stylish, hotspot brunch, bistronomy, brasseries, new chefs, etc.) to help you understand my go-to spots when I'm in Paris.

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BUVETTE (9éme)🍴

Started in 2012 in South Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement, Buvette now has cafes in Paris, New York, and Tokyo. Offering everything for breakfast and brunch options to late night dinner with candlelight, it’s a great spot to enjoy conversation with someone you care about while eating all the fresh local offerings from the markets around town. If you’re in New York, check out their West Village outpost for some serious Croque Madam. Relaxed/ Brunch/ Lunch/ Dinner. 28 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009 Paris. € 

LE MARY CELESTE (3éme)🍴

Great little spot for dinner and drinks in The Marais. The owners also have Hero, Glass, and Canderlaria and serve tapas-style small dishes with wine. I really love the atmosphere here, but sometimes their dishes are hit and miss and can be a little on the funky side. Order conservatively to be safe! Relaxed/ Dinner. 1 Rue Commines, 75003 Paris. € €

PINK MAMMA (9éme)🍴🍕

Pink Mamma is part of the Big Mamma Group and is the Instagramable blogger hot spot for locals and internationals elite. They actually have good food, but you go for the atmosphere and scene with friends. It’s really gorgeous inside and multi-leveled. Order the burrata, Margherita Pizza, and truffle pasta. There is always a queue and gets quite busy even at 18h45, but the line moves relatively quickly. Hotspot/ Dinner. 20bis Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris. € €

ROSE BAKERY (7éme)🍴

It’s nice to pop in here if you’re looking to get a bite before, during, or after a shopping adventure at my favorite department store in Paris, Le Bon Marché. They had excellent juices, little cakes, and salads and it’s just an easy option that is available for you. Chic/ Healthy/ Casual/ Lunch/ Afternoon Tea. Le Bon Marché, 24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris – 46 Rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris. € €

SHISO BURGER (5éme) 🍴🍔

This is one of my favorite burgers in Paris! They have Asian-inspired burgers and are cooked to perfection. It’s a really interesting mix and they have developed quite the reputation in town. Casual/ Burger/ Lunch/ Dinner. 21 Quai Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris.

WILD AND THE MOON (3éme/ 11éme)🍴🥦

The only option (IMO) for vegan/ vegetarian. They have amazing drinks that have interesting ingredients in them that you would normally find in Venice Beach and it’s a cool vibe to sit and work from with your laptop one day. I like their Avo’ Toast, Granola Bowl, Nori Quinoa Bowl, and their La Vie en Rose Juice and their Vanilla Mylk Juice. Vegetarian/ Vegan/ Healthy/ Laptop friendly. 55 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris & 138 rue Amelot, 75011 Paris.

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COFFEE & TEA

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Illustration by Mathilde Aubier

Illustration by Mathilde Aubier

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Ever wanted to know what the French do to exercise? Or where to get the best blow-out in Paris? Or a gel manicure that will last through your holiday? Or a luxurious french spa day that you read about in American Vogue that you've never been experienced until now? Here are my favorite spots for pampering yourself in the beauty & health world with what I like to refer to as care... sport, spa, hair, nails, and grooming. *If you're looking to hire a private children's yoga teacher, contact my dear friend Marie-Caroline at @yoga4kidsparis.

SPORT

Over the past few years, sports have become more common in Paris. Once a city that promoted walking the Seine to the latest fashion show, Paris has finally embraced the healthy lifestyle as a choice versus a hobby. When I lived in Paris, you were not allowed to leave your flat wearing workout clothes. Today, while this rule somewhat still remains, working out has become more of a lifestyle trend and gyms and boutique workouts have popped up all over town. Below are a few of my favorite spots for training, pilates, yoga, bootcamp, cycling, and boxing. *If you're looking to hire a private children's yoga teacher, contact my dear friend Marie-Caroline at @yoga4kidsparis.

L’USINE CLUB DE SPORT (2éme)

One of the few gyms in Paris, this club is extremely upscale and central so it’s easy to hop in and out if you want to get a quick workout in. They offer group classes for cycling, yoga, as well as individual training with a coach. Any chic fashion socialite has worked out here at some point in time. L’Usine offers a day pass if you are visiting town, so don’t fret about not being able to get in. Membership required. 8 Rue de la Michodière, 75002 Paris, France. €149/ month membership.

LE TIGRE YOGA CLUB (16éme)

Right by my old flat is this very chic club with gorgeous wooden interiors and magnolia trees. Inside you will find a yoga studio, pilates studio, and meditation studio that is zen and super posh. It’s great place to pop into if you live on this side of own, but there are also a few other locations in the 3rd, 7th, and Neuilly. Monday afternoons and Thursday mornings, stop in to get some time with naturopath Delphine Farjat. 19 Rue de Chaillot, 75116 Paris, France. €280/ 10 sessions or €2150/ 12 month

LE KLAY (2éme)

Huge designer gym with over 20,000 sq feet and five stories high with everything from a hamman to a swimming pool, you will feel chic and happy training here. It’s in a gorgeous Eiffel-era steel structure and surrounded by plants and trees with top of the line equipment like Kinesis by Technogym equipment. 4 Bis Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris, France. €149/ month membership.

THE YOGA FACTORY (3éme)

Boutique studio in The Marais which features hot vinyasa flow classes at 89*F. Karine Vanot and Thibaut Tran Van Tuat, the studios two founders, have created classes for all levels (relaxing and gentle and challenging and core building). 21 Rue des Filles du Calvaire RDC, cour de droite, 75003 Paris, France. €13

DYNAMO CYCLING (2éme)

Basically the SoulCycle of Paris, located at Opéra it makes this the most central cycle in town. Playlists are by Kitsuné, Tee-shirts were by Colette, and they have live DJ acts during their 20h00 class. 14 Rue Saint Augustin, 75002 Paris, France. €27

REFORMATION PILATES (3éme)

Located in the Upper Marais, in a bright, wide open space filled with plants, this pilates studio features simple reformer beds with 5 different levels and types of classes. I prefer their intense class with fast transitions and heavier weights. 175 Rue du Temple, 75003 Paris, France. €30 Group Class/ €85 Private Class

TEMPLE NOBLE ART (1er)

Near Palais Royale, this gym offers English, Thai and French boxing classes as well as shadow boxing courses (where you don't hit anyone else). 11, rue Molière
75001 Paris, France.
 €200/ month 

MIDTOWN STUDIO (16éme/1er )

Barry's might not have expanded to Paris yet, but in its place is Midtown Studio- the first gym in Paris dedicated exclusively to indoor bootcamps. Included is your standard 50% cardio and 50% muscle strength. 21 rue de Bassano75016 Paris, France and 21 rue Hérold, 75001 Paris, France. €30

STUDIO KINETIQUE (2éme)

Kinetic Studio offers personalized Pilates classes, Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis, as well as massages, consultations of naturopathy, manual medicine, Etna Care, Anma Ampuku, and Shiatsu. 15 rue du Sentier  75002 Paris, France. €85/ Session


SPA

No Place in the world does beauty like Paris. In Paris, you have luxury palaces and five-star hotels that have institutes and top of the line brands nested inside as their signature outpost. These institutes and shops pay particular homage to the face and body and are some of the best in the world. It’s worth investing in one of these incredible experiences.

L'INSTITUTE DARPHIN (1er)

Located in a beautiful floral courtyard in a manor-style house off Place Vendôme is this third-generation institution. With a relatively recent upgrade, the institution hosts handwoven Elitis wallpaper with bespoke drawings of Paris by calligrapher Nicolas Ouchenir and they serve Mariage Frères tea in Bernardaud porcelain! This niche brand has built up quite the following with their 8-Flower Nectar essential oil elixir, which is personally my favorite product the brand has. The first step to any treatment at Daphin Vendôme starts with a pressure point massage, which restores energy and balance to the body and increases penetration of the serum ingredients. They are known for their holistic L’Institut Divine Signature facial. 350 Rue Saint Honoré, 75001 Paris, France. €€€

 

 

CHANTAL LEHMANN (1er)

All the “It Girls” in Paris know about Chantal’s face-muscle massages known as “holifitness”-- a mix of Thai, shiasu, lomi lomi, etc. She learned these techniques through her travels, yoga, and other Indian sciences that she discovered  from her studies. Ninety minutes of work on the face and you will look refreshed and like you just had a wonderful 12-hour sleep! One hour and a half will cost you €270, but if you’re under 30, you can get an hour for €145. 6 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris, France. €€€

 

SPA NUXE MONTORGUEIL (1er)

One of my favorite products ever is the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Riche Oil. It’s my go to product every time I pass through Duty Free at CDG and I never leave France without a few bottles that will hold me over. The Nuxe Spa HQ is vaulted in a stone 17th century wine cellar in the 8th arrondissement. An 85-minute deep tissue massage goes for €135 and you’re in luck, because they use all the fantastic oils that I am obsessed with. There are also locations in the 1st, 9th, and 16th. 43 Rue des Mathurins 75008 Paris, France. €€

HAMMAN PACHA (6éme)

Women-only. Luxurious Left Bank Hamman that is light, airy, and clean. It is open seven-days a week and offers four-hand massages, hamman, gommage, lunch, beauty maximization and mint tea in a relaxation room. This is a great spot if you are visiting Paris on a girls weekend and would like to do a something relaxing, but inclusive. One of the more authentic hammans in Paris that will make you think you are Istanbul. 17 rue Mayet, 75006 Paris, France. €€

CHANEL AU RITZ (1er)

There are spas, then there are spas. Chanel is my absolute favorite brand and their first day spa in the world recently opened in the Ritz Paris. After a €450m, multi-year renovation, the gorgeous French hotel reopened its doors. When you walk into The Ritz, veer right and go up the stairs and you’ll see the Chinoiserie style spa with black and white lacquer throughout. The space is modern with a neoclassical swimming pool and was designed to resemble Coco Chanel’s apartment. Each treatment there is tailor-made to each client and included in every treatment is a fresh juice. The Aestheticians use sound and light to put you into relaxation. The Grand Soin facial is a smoothing, firming, and glow-boosting treatment that lasts two to three hours. The Le Sportif or the Le Rituel massages are my favorites (I prefer hard and firm with an emphasis on reflexology). Every treatment on the menu is then followed up with a makeup application. 17 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France. €€€

JANE DE BUSSET (8éme)

An old-school institute for high-quality facials that are well-priced, they are a rather coveted address for fashion insiders that have been going since 1958. With a range of treatment offerings such as: skin cleansing, anti-aging, peels, firming and smoothing treatments, my favorite treatment here is the simple skin cleansing treatment (€162) that does a great deep cleaning on your pores and will leave you refreshed, radiating, and firm. 30 Rue Pasquier, 75008 Paris, France. €€

 

SPA LE BRISTOL BY LA PRAIRIE (8éme)

Le Bristol is the only Parisian hotel allowed to perform facial treatments using La Prairie products. The spa itself is very clean and modern with light beige throughout. If you’re familiar with La Prairie, you know they are known for their skin caviar line and the driving force between the treatments at the spa is rejuvenation. The Caviar Lifting and Firming Facial and the Swiss Cellular Anti-Aging Facial are my two favorite treatments at the spa. 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré 75008 Paris, France.  €€€

O’KARI (2éme)

Women-only. Uber luxe, authentic, hamman housed in an 18th-century mansion in central Paris. Plan on blocking out two-three hours to enjoy the entire process. The experience has steam room, exfoliation with black soap, and gommage, followed by cleaning with special Algerian olive-oil soaps, and a massage with essential oils from Algiers. 22 rue Dussoubs, 75002 Paris, France. €€

DIOR INSTITUT AU PLAZA ATHENEE (8éme)

The Dior Spa is known for focusing on bringing back youthfulness and injecting radiance back into your skin. When you walk through the CD inscribed doors, the Institute itself is bright and keeps in tune with the signature Dior coloring. You feel as if you are in a futuristic utopia where robots will walk around and get you anything you need. Dior focuses on made-to-measure makeovers and now offer tissue massage techniques with ingredients such as the Granville rose from the gardens of Normandy (Dior's hometown) and exotic raw materials like Madagcar longoza. The institute has gained a reputation for for their two-hour, skin-transforming L’Or de Vie Miracle, a premium holistic scalp-to-shoulders facial combining exfoliation, shiatsu, and sculpting techniques. 25 Avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France. €€€€

 

JOELLE CIOCCO (8éme)

Possibly one of Paris’ most coveted facialist, she has a pretty extensive waitlist, but it’s worth it. She has trained her associates in her method of Epidemiology with her signature buccal massage (to stretch and tone facial muscles). Ciocco was a former Chemist (and if you couldn’t be anymore interesting) she believes in only highly customized skin-care routines and high maintenance for each person. If you can’t get Ciocco herself (beggars can’t be choosers) ask for Loubna. 8 Place de la Madeleine 75008 Paris, France. €€€€

 

LA MAISON GUERLAIN SPA (8éme)

The spa, which was established in 1939, is the epitome of opulent. My mom used to wear Guerlain perfume when I was growing up in the 90s, so it feels a bit like home to me coming to the spa. Exactly what you would think of the brand, Guerlain is luxurious, grand, and Napoleonic. It spans over four floors with a long hallway of mirrors, with lots of gold, and marble finishings. Anything you get here is straightforward and does the trick with flying colors. 68 Champs–Élysées, Paris, France. €€€€

LA SULTRANE DE SABA (16éme)

Gorgeous authentic hamman spa with international traditionals (from Southeast Asia to the Middle East) with honey-based waxing and foot care. You can enjoy different types of wraps and massages that are influed with shea butter, lulur lotus, and fragipani blossoms. Following the hamman, try out the modelage with gold-colored powder made with musk and amber. 78 rue Boissière 75116 Paris, France. €€€

 BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE’S AMBASSADE DE LA BEAUTE (8éme)

The only beauty institute in Paris to occupy its own private mansion, Biologique Recherche recently took over the townhouse adjacent to its Champs-Elysées flagship. You come for the signature pressure-point facials and the Seconde Peau facial with hyaluronic acid–infused patches that replump and revitalize skin. Stopping by Charles de Gaulle Airport? The brand has an ambassade de la beauté in the Air France Premiere lounge! Are you just leaving Charles de Gaulle? The Lift CVS facial is said to erase the effects of jet lag. Also, the P50 Lotion is a cult product and hardly anyone sells it except in France (use as an exfoliator and thank me later). 32 Av. Champs-Elysées 75008 Paris, France. €€€


HAIR

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN (1er)

Christophe is the absolute king. His name is everywhere. He’s one of the best colorist on earth, especially for blondes. He has been doing Catherine Deneuve’s blonde for years and Audrey Tatou’s brunette, His salon, located inside the Le Meurice hotel, offers plenty for the eyes. Go in for a color and get his Regenerating Mask with Rare Prickly Pear Seed Oil and Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt. 228 Rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris, France. €€€€

 

Possibly one of Paris’ most coveted facialist, she has a pretty extensive waitlist, but it’s worth it. She has trained her associates in her signature method of Epidemiology with her signature buccal massage (to stretch and tone facial muscles). Ciocco was a former Chemist (and if you couldn’t be anymore interesting) she believes in only highly customized skin-care routines and high maintenance for each person. If you can’t get Ciocco herself (beggars can’t be choosers) ask for Loubna. 8 Place de la Madeleine 75008 Paris, France. €€€€

DAVID MALLETT (2éme)

The most beautiful salon in Paris in a 17th-century hotel, David Mallett is the Australian that has built up quite the reputtation around town. All of Paris’s most well known socialites, actresses, models, and fashion designers flock to Mallett and his team. They specialize in everything from blowouts to cuts to colors, but seriously, go for the cut. He will lather your hair with DM027 serum and make you shine all the way into next week. 14 Rue Notre Dame des Victoires 75002 Paris, France. €€

 

Possibly one of Paris’ most coveted facialist, she has a pretty extensive waitlist, but it’s worth it. She has trained her associates in her signature method of Epidemiology with her signature buccal massage (to stretch and tone facial muscles). Ciocco was a former Chemist (and if you couldn’t be anymore interesting) she believes in only highly customized skin-care routines and high maintenance for each person. If you can’t get Ciocco herself (beggars can’t be choosers) ask for Loubna. 8 Place de la Madeleine 75008 Paris, France. €€€€

LEONOR GREYL INSTITUT (8éme)

One of the best spots for hair care, this Parisien Institution is known for their custom scalp massages, which rely on oil-based tonics, ginseng masks, and a finishing suction that promotes circulation. Her 1980 dry palm oil for hair is one of those stellar products that everyone raves about in Paris. She specializes in hair and color revitalization with 90-min natural treatments with plants (magnolia, orchids, palm, etc,), customizable masks and oils, and all at relatively reasonable prices for Paris. All treatments come with a lovely shoulder massage. 15 Rue Tronchet 75008 Paris, France. €€

 

Possibly one of Paris’ most coveted facialist, she has a pretty extensive waitlist, but it’s worth it. She has trained her associates in her signature method of Epidemiology with her signature buccal massage (to stretch and tone facial muscles). Ciocco was a former Chemist (and if you couldn’t be anymore interesting) she believes in only highly customized skin-care routines and high maintenance for each person. If you can’t get Ciocco herself (beggars can’t be choosers) ask for Loubna. 8 Place de la Madeleine 75008 Paris, France. €€€€


NAILS

Possibly one of Paris’ most coveted facialist, she has a pretty extensive waitlist, but it’s worth it. She has trained her associates in her signature method of Epidemiology with her signature buccal massage (to stretch and tone facial muscles). Ciocco was a former Chemist (and if you couldn’t be anymore interesting) she believes in only highly customized skin-care routines and high maintenance for each person. If you can’t get Ciocco herself (beggars can’t be choosers) ask for Loubna. 8 Place de la Madeleine 75008 Paris, France. €€€€

Possibly one of Paris’ most coveted facialist, she has a pretty extensive waitlist, but it’s worth it. She has trained her associates in her signature method of Epidemiology with her signature buccal massage (to stretch and tone facial muscles). Ciocco was a former Chemist (and if you couldn’t be anymore interesting) she believes in only highly customized skin-care routines and high maintenance for each person. If you can’t get Ciocco herself (beggars can’t be choosers) ask for Loubna. 8 Place de la Madeleine 75008 Paris, France. €€€€

Possibly one of Paris’ most coveted facialist, she has a pretty extensive waitlist, but it’s worth it. She has trained her associates in her signature method of Epidemiology with her signature buccal massage (to stretch and tone facial muscles). Ciocco was a former Chemist (and if you couldn’t be anymore interesting) she believes in only highly customized skin-care routines and high maintenance for each person. If you can’t get Ciocco herself (beggars can’t be choosers) ask for Loubna. 8 Place de la Madeleine 75008 Paris, France. €€€€


GROOMING

Eyelash care isn’t a popular trend in Paris, as it is in New York, so salons are few and far in between. Also finding a good wax is just as important since I am super sensitive. Here are a few spots that are my go-to if I need a refresh.

L’INSTITUT DARTOIS (8éme)

Hidden, no sign salon, that is a very VIP spot for French socialites, actresses, and fashion editors. Everyone comes here if you haven’t yet converted to laser, as it’s the best bikini wax in Paris without pain (and all for €35). Isabelle has run the shop for 16 years and uses wax with hot towels with scented orange blossom. They also have women that give Chinese massages aftwards as an extra treat. 38 bis rue d'Artois, 75008 Paris, France.

SEEMY BY E.R (8éme)

I have to say we have really great lash extension studios in NYC, but Elodie Raheria takes it up a notch entirely with this gorgeous apartment filled with gold, soft pillows, extra-large mirrors and a ton of vintage and designer furniture. She is the eyelash guru recommended by French Vogue’s beauty department and a trusted specialist for eyelash extensions (you can choose between three different styles: natural, volume, or glamour and the procedure takes 90-minutes total. Just be prepared to pay, because I get the glamour lashes which cost €110 for the first application and €320 following). For a brow refresh its about €45 for tweezing and shape consulting. 9 Rue de la Tremoille, 75008 Paris, France. €€€€

GOUTAL (1er)

Known for selling rare perfumes, this institute offers skin-care sessions with waxing and anti-jet lag massages in a luxurious, old-fashioned boudoir. It will feel like you are getting pampered in a very old-world way. By appointment only; book in advance. 14 Rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris, France. €€€


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Shopping in Paris isn't easy. I say this because there is an overwhelming array of shops that you really need a guide to help break it down for you. Below is an outline of my favorite Luxury Brands, Department Stores, Vintage Jewelry, Perfume Shops, Thrift/ Vintage Shops, Second Hand Designer Shops, Flea Markets, Flower Shops, Bookstores, Shoe and Handbag Cobbler, Dry Cleaning, Alterations, and Gourmet Food Shops.

LUXURY BRANDS

DEPARTMENT STORES

VINTAGE JEWELRY

PERFUME SHOPS

THRIFT/ VINTAGE SHOPS

SECOND HAND DESIGNER SHOPS

FLEA MARKETS

FLOWER SHOPS

BOOKSTORES

SHOE AND HANDBAG COBBLER

DRY CLEANING

ALTERATIONS

GOURMET FOOD SHOPS


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Helpful French Phrases:

Is everything alright? Est-ce que tout va bien?

Thanks for your help. Merci de votre aide

Don’t worry- Ne vous inquietez pas

I don’t speak much French- Je ne parle pas bien francais.

I don't understand. Je ne comprends pas

Would you say that again, please? Voulez- vous repeter, s’il vous plait?

I speak a little French. Je parle un peu le Francais

Do you understand me? Est-ce que vous (me) comprenez?

How much? Combien?

Why? Pourquoi?

How? Comment?

When? Quand?

Who? Qoi?

What do you want? Que voulez-vous?

I’m hungry/ thirsty- J’ai faim/ soif

How much do I owe you? Combien est-fe que je vous dois?

Please get me a taxi, please- Voulez-vous m’appeler un taxi, s’il vous plait

Are you free? Etes-vous libre?

Please take me to this address- Conduisez-moi, s’il vous plait, a cette adresse

Where is…? Ou est…?

Excuse me, could you tell me the way to to- Pardon Madame, pouvez-vous m’indiquer le chemin pour aller

I’ve reserved a room; my name is- J’ai reserve une chambre; je m’appelle

Is there internet connection in the room?- Y a-t-il une connexion internet dans les chambres?

Does the hotel have a spa? Y-a-t-il un spa

Could I have my luggage brought down? Pouvez-vous faire descendre mes bagages?

Thank you for the pleasant stay- Je vous remercie de votre aimable accueil

How much does this cost? C’est combien, s’il vous plait?

I’m coming down- Je descends

Where are you toilets? Ou sont les toilettes?

Here is our reservation- Voici notre reservation

I’ve reserved a table, my name is... - J’ai reserve une table; je m’appelle (your name)

We did not make a reservation.- Nous n’avons pas réservé de table.

Where are the toilets? - Ou sont les toilettes?

What do you recommend? - Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez?

Some more bread please- Un peu plus de pain, s’il vous plait.

The bill, please- L’addition, s’il vous plait

It was very good- C’etait tres bon!

We enjoyed it, thank you- Nous avons beaucoup apprecie, merci

The food was delicious- Le repas etait delicieux

I’d like tea/ chocolate, please- Du the/ chocolate, s’il vous plait

Orange/ Grapefruit/ Tomato juice- Le jus d’orange/ de pamplemousse/ de tomate

Carafe/ glass- La Carafe/ Le verre

Mineral water (with/ without gas)- L’eau minerale (gazeuse/ non gazeuse)

Tap water- L’eau du robinet

Neat- Pur

On the rocks- Avec de la glace

Ice cubes- Le glacons

I’d like another glass of water, please- Je voudrais encore un verre d’eau s’il vous plait

Glad to meet you- Enchantee de vous connaitre

Are you on holiday? Etes-vous en vacanes?

I’m on holiday/ a business trip- Je suis en vacances/ en voyage d’affaires

Yes, I’d like to come- Oui, k’aimerais bien venir

May I introduce- Permettez que de presente

Have you met…? Connaissez-vous?

How are things? Comment ca va?

Fine, thanks; and you? Tres bien, merci; et vous?

Do you travel a lot? Vous voyagez beaucoup?

It’s been nice talking to you- J’ai eu beaucoup de plaisir a vous parler

What do you do? Qu’est-ce que vous faites dans la vie?

I work for... - Je travaille chez....

I’m a consultant- Je suis consultant(e)

What do you do on your spare time? Que faites-vous pendant votre temps libre?

Would you like to have a coffee/drink? Vous prenez un cafe/ une boisson?

I’d like a… please- Je prendrai un… s’il vous plait

Would you like to have lunch tomorrow?- Voudriez-vous dejuner avec moi demain?

Can you come to dinner/ for a drink?- Pouvez-vous venir diner/ prendre un verre?

Shall we go… to the cinema/ for a walk? On va au cinema?/ On va se promener?

Do you know a good disco?- Connaissez-vous une bonne discotheque?

Where shall we meet?- Ou nous retrouverons-nous?

What time shall I/we come?- A quelle heure dois-je/devons-nous venir?

Can you meet me at…?- Pouvez-vous me rejoindre a…?

Where do you live? Ou habitez-vous?

I hope to see you again soon.- J’espere vous revoir bientot.

Are you free at the weekend?- Etes-vous libre ce week-end?

Thanks for the invitations- Merci de l’invitation

It was lovely- C’etait tres sympathique

I’ve enjoyed myself very much- Je me suis bien amuse(e)

Thanks for the drink/ evening/ ride- Merci pour le pot/ la soiree/ la promendade

Which is the best…?- Quel(le) est le meilleur/ la meilleure?

Can you recommend a…?- Pouvez-vous me recommander un/une…?

Where is the market?- Ou est la marche?

Is there a market everyday?- Est-ce qu’il y a un marche tous les jours?

Where can I buy…?- Ou puis-je acheter…?

When are the shops open? Quand est-ce que les magasins sont ouverts?

I’m just looking round- Je jette un coup d’oeil/ je regarde

Could you show me…? Pouvez-vous me montrer…?

I’ll have this- Je prendrai ca

Anything else?- Vous faut-il autre chose?

That will be all- Ce sera tout

Can I see that one?- Puis-je voir celui-la/celle-la?

What is it made of?- En quoi est-ce?

How much is this? Combien coute ceci?

Lace- la dentelle

Linen- le lin

Silk- la soie

It’s too expensive- C’est trop cher

Is that your best price? C’est votre meilleur prix?

Can you give me a discount? Pouvez-vous me faire une réduction?

How much does that come to?- Combien est-ce que cela fait?

Do you take credit cards? Acceptez-vous les cartes de credit?

I’d like a manicure/ pedicure- Je voudrais une manucure/ pedicure

I’d like my eyebrow shaped- Je voudrais qu’on m’epile les sourcils

Where can I find…? Ou pourrais-je trouver…?

I am looking for a blouse/ a bra/ a dress/ a sweater a coat/ a jacket/ a pair of trousers- Je cherche une chemisier/ un soutien-gorge/ une robe/ un chandail/ un manteau/ une veste/ un pantalon

I take size- Je prends du

May I try it on?- Puis-je l’essayer?

Is there a mirror?- Y a-t-il une glace/ un miroir?

This doesn’t fit- Ceci ne me va pas

Have you a larger/ smaller one?- Avez-vous plus grand/ plus petit?

Give me a kilo/ half of a kilo (a pound of) please- Donnez-moi un kilo/ un demi-kilo (une livre) de… s’il vous plait.

May I make an appointment for this morning/ tomorrow afternoon? Pourrais- je prendre un rendez-vous pour ce matin/ demain apres-midi?

I want my hair cut- Je voudrais me faire couper les cheveux

Just a trim, please- Simplement rafaichir, s’il vous plait

That’s fine- V’est tres bien comme ca

I want my hair washed, styled, and blow-dried- Je voudrais un shampooing, une coupe et un brushing

What time is it?- Quelle heure est-il?



"Yves Saint Laurent admired her and wanted to represent her. Half-loony, smoking in public places like Catherine Deneuve. Wearing fifteen-centimeter heels and her Chanel bag as if it were free. Wearing shouldered jackets because, indeed, everything starts with the shoulders. Eating crab in brasseries without fretting over staining her Cèline blouse. Dropping everything if her heart says so. " - Loic Prigent "The Parisian," French Vogue, August 2012