Deborah’s Best of the Best ...❤️ Paris →

Join me in rooting for the USA Crew team!  A friend of mine from Philadelphia’s grandfather,Jack Kelly, is being honored this year during the Olympics - 100 years after winning the gold in the Paris 1924 Olympics.  He also won gold in both singles and doubles in the 1920 Antwerp Olympics and never lost an Olympic race!  What a feat!

 Although many think traveling to Europe for the shows is glamorous, it’s a lot of hard work and long days, so I try my best to break it up with a bit of fun!

I was lucky enough to have a tremendous guide, Stephanie Roux (1) recommended to me.  As my free time is limited when I’m there working, I’ve found it helpful to have Stephanie take me around to discover all the hidden gems of Paris.

Over my years of traveling for the fashion shows, I’ve compiled quite a list of my favorites- so here you go….

Making a resurgence after having fallen into a state of disrepair after the French Revolution, Le Marais is now full of history and charm- art galleries, museums, fabulous restaurants and- lucky me - some of the fashion houses I need to shop!  Originally an aristocratic area, it is home to many important historic and architectural buildings located between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements on the Right Bank of the Seine. Truly a fun place to explore!

I love to take a break from the shows and enjoy lunch at one of my favorites when I’m in the Marais.
For a real treat, enjoy lunch at Chez Janou (2) and indulge in their unlimited Chocolate Mousse for dessert!

Not a chocolate fan but still need a sweet?  You can’t go wrong with Le Petit Marche (3)  and their Pomme Puree!

It’s time to kick back and relax!

Check out some fabulous Jazz at La Chope des Puces (6)

then head for cocktails at the Little Red Door (7)

For an unbeatable splurge, Michelin rated Shabour (8) is my pick. Expensive but fabulously cool - a true evening to remember!

When in Paris, you have to check out Le Bon Marche, the world’s first department store which opened in 1852.  The Parisians have always been a leader in fashion!

After taking a peak, stop into Le Cherche Midi  (9)- great Italian food for lunch or dinner and a fun fashion hangout!

A 15 minute walk from Bon Marche, be sure to visit the Luxembourg Gardens. Created in 1625 for Marie de Medici, the widow of King Henry IV, as her new residence to replicate her childhood home in Florence.

If you happen to be there around lunch time and are ready for a break, enjoy the cool and dimly lit Le Bar des Pres (10) as you imbibe in a  creative cocktail and enjoy the refined menu of sushi and sashimi.

For classic bistro fare (although with a hefty price tag) head to a perennial favorite, Josephine Chez Dumonet (11) and its stunning dining room that dates back well over a century.  A great place to go with friends as their portions are generous (I know, not the norm in Paris).  Don’t miss the show stopping Grand Marnier souffle!

No matter how many times you’re in Paris, making a stop at the Louvre is a must.  Although it is now a museum, did you know it was originally built in 1190 as a fortress? It became a royal residence and in the 16th century was demolished and rebuilt in the Renaissance style.  It wasn’t until the French Revolution in 1791 that it was decreed that it would become an art museum and in 1793 the Museum Central des Arts was opened.

For a delicious lunch and just a quick walk from the Louvre, check out Racines (12). 

For a beautiful walk, head along the Seine from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower - always a majestic site!

 If you happen to be there towards the evening, Jais (13) is a wonderful classic French bistro - near the Seine and not far from the Eiffel Tower.

When time permits, I love to explore everything the area has to offer.  One of my latest finds was a fabulous bed and breakfast in the town of Gye sur Seine with an amazing restaurant, Le Guard Campetre (14).  If you need a driver while in Paris, Ludo (15) was a tremendous find -  a great communicator and reliable! 

  After a week of walking the city for my appointments and the shows, I love to treat myself to a foot massage at Ban Thai Spa (16).  A well deserved treat for anyone taking 15,000 steps a day before heading back home!

If you happen to take any of my suggestions, I’d love to hear your thoughts - and I’d love to hear any of your favorites I should check out for my next trip!

Au revoir !

1. Stephanie Roux Cell: 06 63 603686 Email: Stephanie.Rouxl@bbox.fr
2. Chez Janou, 2 Rue Roger Verlomme, 75003 Paris, France; Phone: +33 1 42 72 28 41
3. Le Petit Marche, 9 Rue de Béarn, 75003 Paris, France; Phone: +33 1 42 72 06 67
4. Flea Market, Porte de Clignancourt, 75018 Paris, France
5. Le 6 Paul Bert, 6 Rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris, France;  Phone: +33 1 43 79 14 32
6. La Chope des Puces,122 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France,  Phone: +33 1 40 11 28 80
7.  Little Red Door, 60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris, France,  Phone: +33 1 42 71 19 32
   
8. Shabour, 19 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris,France, Phone: +33 6 95 16 32 87
9. Le Cherche Midi  22 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France,  Phone: +33 1 45 48 27 44
10. Le Bar des Pres, 25 Rue du Dragon, 75006 Paris, France,  Phone: +33 1 43 25 87 67
11. Josephine Chez Dumonet, 117 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France,  Phone: +33 1 45 48 52 40
12. Racines, 8 Pass. des Panoramas, 75002 Paris, France,  Phone: +33 1 40 13 06 41
13. Jais, 3 Rue Surcouf, 75007 Paris, France,  Phone: +33 1 45 51 98 16
14. Le Garde Champetre,  Rte des Riceys, 10250 Gyé-sur-Seine, France,  Phone: +33 3 52 96 00 06
15. Ludo - Taxi  
16. Ban Thai Spa,  20 Rue Dauphine, 75006 Paris, France,  Phone: +33 1 43 59 39 39