Several of my friends are planning trips to Paris and have asked me for a list of my favorite spots. That's hard. How do you limit Paris to a short list? I have accumulated a huge stack of books, maps, business cards and brochures over the years and since we too are planning a trip early this summer I thought I would sort through it all and list some of my favorite spots here for easy reference for us all. My list consists mostly of restaurant's, quaint sewing, cooking and hand made shops and favorite places to buy bread, cheese, chocolate and other goodies for a picnic in the park, pre dinner cocktail parties or to enjoy on the train. Keep in mind that even in a city with a history as old as Paris, things can change. I have included websites whenever possible so you may want to check with the establishments before venturing out. But even if you're lost or the shop is gone you won't be disappointed. Paris hosts fabulous finds on every street. So put on your most comfortable walking shoes, grab a map, buy a Metro ticket and let's go shopping!
dozens of sizes of tart pans and eiffel tower cookie cutters in this charming old warehouse of a store. The sales staff are helpful and friendly and speak good english.
Mora caters to professional bakers and pastry chefs and has been doing it since 1814. They stock all the accoutrement's for baking and the staff are especially helpful.
Since 1948 this is the place where chefs go to buy whole lobes of foie gras. A fun shop to visit.
We always stop here for French onion soup and a glass of wine. It's just down the street from E. Dehillerin. They specialize in all things pork like pigs feet and tails, but we just stick to the soup.
Just around the corner from Au Pied de Couchon is
You may remember when I showed you LaDroguerie in this post (or tried too since they don't allow photographs in the store. I found this to be the case in many of the shops in Paris. It's always a good idea to ask first or do what I do and just snap a few photos really fast and act dumb when you get caught).
They have a good selection of wonderful yarns,
Liberty of London bias ribbon
that they make interesting jewelry from and lots of kits,
beads and embellishments.
I try and go here every time we go to Paris. The staff is friendly, speak english and I love the energy! There are lots of samples and inspiration. I know that there must be a La Droguerie in heaven!
Just a block up the street from La Droguerie is
Mokuba Ribbon - Metro: Les Halles - 18 rue Montmartre. Open Monday-Friday 9:30-6:30
Mokuba can be a bit frustrating for me though since there is so much to see and no samples or inspiration. I find it best to shop with a list of what you need or just buy what speaks to you. The quality is top notch and the prices reflect that.
They seem to sell mostly to the trade so take a business card or resale number for a 30% discount. It helps!
After all that shopping you're probably ready for a latte
Torrefacteur Verlet- Metro: Palais Royal - 256 rue Saint Honore. Open 9:30-7:00
This is a wonderful coffee place that brews the finest carefully selected coffees from around the world and offers coffee beans for sale in its boutique. You probably will want to sit and enjoy your coffee before moving on since the French consider it rude to drink and eat while walking about.
Across the street is
Astier de Villatte- Metro: Palais Royal - 173 Saint Honore . Open Monday Saturday11:00-7:30
This mercerie or sewing store has been in the business of selling buttons, silks, hats and fabric since 1890.
You can peruse trims from the 1940's and silks from the '30's. A must see for anyone who sews or loves unusual embellishments!
Before heading back to the hotel stop at
Legrand Fille et Fils - Merto: Bourse - rue de la Banque
Take a bottle home
from this quintessential old Paris wine shop with its dark wood and well stocked shelves. Go through to the back to a glass enclosed courtyard and across to a shop filled with wine paraphernalia or have a bite to eat at the cafe.
Or grab a light bite to eat and a glass at
Le Rubis - Metro: Pyramides - 10 rue du Marche Sainte Honore.
This famous wine bar sports a unique zinc bar and specializes in Beaujolais. They serve light meals. It's a great place to make new friends and people watch.
That's it for day one. I hope you find it helpful!
Encourage one another,
