Her elegance personified in a pink Christian Dior frock and delicate matching pumps, the woman continues her fluid movement along one of the most celebrated couture districts in Paris.

Spots to Shop

The majority of great Paris fashion houses reside on Avenue Montaigne and Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, in the eighth arrondissement. Christian Dior, Chanel, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Céline, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Hermes, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Gucci and Versace are all located on these two streets. These magnificent houses are sumptuous dwellings where fashionistas purvey, create, purchase and dictate the designs that ultimately form the season’s vogue.

These illustrious avenues cater to the “in fashion,” set and are an essential visit for those interested in haute couture. The exquisitely designed salons disseminate an aura of luxurious essence. The gorgeous couture, paired with handbags and accessories, are an assemblage of dreamy inspiration that captivates the imagination.

Avenue Montaigne, one block south of the Champs Élysées, is a beautiful place to stroll and shop. Upscale cafes and restaurants are neatly tucked in between boutiques and splendid hotels, such as the Hotel Plaza Athénée, the ultimate in taste and refinement. In addition, visit one of Paris’ most fabulous linen shops, D. Porthault located at the northeastern end of Montaigne. On par with Frette and Anichini, D. Porthault’s superb boudoir linens define luxury and design. The company will ship to the U.S. as well.

A bit further down the block resides the House of Chanel. Chanel’s sophisticated expression has adorned first ladies and royals, actors and divas. There isn’t a cultured woman’s closet in Paris that doesn’t boast at least one Chanel suit. The House of Prada, located on the southwest end of Montaigne, is a fabulous enclave of handbags and footwear. The sales associates are affable and welcoming and dedicated to unobtrusively helping the patron. The fresh and modern look of Prada is a favorite of women the world over.

There is a best-kept secret on Saint-Honoré, Anna Lowe. This couture shop, located on 104 Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, sells discounted designer fashions and accessories. If you want, say a Christian Dior handbag, but the price is too steep, Anna Lowe may have a last season or resale handbag at half price or less! The shop is filled to capacity with lovely designer items and is constantly receiving new wares. The staff is congenial and they will help you to try to find your couture heart’s desire.

Another classic French handbag, luggage and accessory shop is Lancel. Lancel has many locations is Paris, but if you are in the fashion district, visit the Champs Élysées shop. The workmanship and style of Lancel is beautiful and many French women embellish their outfits with these fine leather goods. The prices are much less than the haute couture houses and the quality is as fine, if not superior in some cases. Lancel caters to modern and classic tastes and they carry men’s accessories and luggage as well.

A wonderful area for small and independent fashion shops is Le Marais, in the third arrondissement by Place De La Bastille. These shops carry everything from jewelry, fashion and accessories, to artwork and they offer lovely attire, often made in Paris. The prices in Le Marais are generally much more competitive than the eighth arrondissement, but a few of the shops still approach embarrassingly expensive.

If you are looking for everyday ware, the fashionable Printemps Department Store in Paris is an excellent place to visit. Located north of Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the eighth arrondissement, this department store carries fashion, home decorations, makeup and restaurants. It is a regular department store, but then, nothing in Paris is regular.

Perfume

After finding the Parisian fashions for your wardrobe, one essential is left and that is of course, French perfume. One of the most beautiful and elegant established perfume houses is La Maison Guerlain, located on 68 Champs Élysées. The magnificent marble interior and winding grand staircase are a reflection of Versailles opulence. Even if you only step inside for a view, this palace of beauty and ethereal scents is top on the list of shopping sites in Paris. Guerlain presents numerous, lovely fragrances and beauty products in an atmosphere redolent of dreams.

Guerlain’s light and floral Champs Élysées perfume is a scent that is difficult to find in the U.S. if not impossible; take a moment to experience this particular scent.

Hotspots and Restaurants

The Buddha Bar, located on 8 Rue Boissy d' Anglais M. Concorde, in the 11th arrondissment, is a trendy bar and restaurant with a decidedly hip atmosphere. The gold-toned walls reflect candle-glow around the large Buddha dominating the center interior. The music is from the Buddha Bar line of CDs, a chill-out lounge, ambient sound. The cocktails are fantastic, but definitely expensive. The dinner menu is fair, but the club is best suited for an evening of gorgeous drinks and lively mingling.

For a South East Asian inspired cocktail bar, try Le Kong, located on 1 Rue du Pont-Neuf, in the second arrondissement. A great place for the younger crowd, Kong has grown in popularity and even with reservations, the wait for seating can be long. The cocktails are upscale, but then again you get the young and beautiful hip Parisian crowd. The décor is modern with a brash flair. The Asian menu is quite good and the view of the Seine River is stellar. Make sure to clear room on your bank card for this establishment.

For an evening of fabulous dining choices and fun cocktail establishments, try the Latin Quarter, located in the sixth arrondissement. This area has so many excellent restaurants, it’s hard to choose the best. Wander around and let your eyes and nose decide which restaurant takes your fancy. The dining prices are more reasonable in this area and the Latin Quarter reflects a bit more casual atmosphere.

Actor Gérard Depardieu owns La Fontaine Gaillon, 1 Place Gaillon, located in the second arrondissement. The restaurant offers modern and traditional cuisine, such as rabbit terrine en gelee, duck terrine in aspic and sea bass tartare with anchovies and herbs. The cuisine and wine selection is superb and it frequently garners rave reviews. This chic environment takes up residence in an old, stylish hotel, yet the space for dining tables isn’t crowded. Expect upscale prices.

For a causal environment, try the Victoria, located on 64, Pierre Charron, in the eighth arrondissement. This is an excellent restaurant for a late lunch or dinner. The inside is a bit snug between tables, so consider outside seating. The exterior seating (heated in winter) is walled off from the street with a glass partition. It is a wonderful location to relax and people watch. The food is excellent with substantial portions. The chicken dishes are succulent and melt in your mouth and the café au lait and tea menu are better than many of the area patisseries. The menu features classic cuisine and price is mid-scale.

In Paris, excellent dining is around every corner, yet there is the occasional horror. If you can’t decide on a dining option, ask your concierge for a few recommendations.

Paris is the jewel of Europe and offers the visitor a glimpse of a magnificent life that Parisians extol to themselves everyday. Once you have visited this enchanting city, it is in your heart forever!

For more information read Patrice Raplee's Paris Landmarks, Monuments, Neighborhoods and more and Museums of Paris

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