When seeking the best of the best in Paris, it means only one thing: ‘Vive la difference!’ Whether furnishing your ‘pied a terre’ or chasing a down a little ‘joie de vivre’ for yourself, here’s the breakdown on how to do it with that certain flair -- or as they say, élan.
- Best Hotel- The Ritz located on Place Vendome. More info at www.ritzparis.com/en-GB.
- Best Restaurants- Check www.zagat.com for the latest details on France’s 3-star restaurants.
Ledoyen on the Champs-Elysees- opened two years after the French Revolution, it has a favorite spot of Parisian society serving great impressionist painters like Monet and Cezanne, great writers like Zola and Gide, and as the legend holds is where Napolean met Josephine. (Carre des Champs-Elysees, 1, Avenue Dutuit, 75008 Paris, France; +33-1-53-05-10-00) - Best Pastry Shop (Salon de The)- Laduree. Founded in 1862, it features a sumptuous décor (make sure you go upstairs) and is considered one of the world’s finest confectionaries (75, avenue des Champs-Elysees, 75008 Paris, France; website www.laduree.fr)
- Best Place for cheese, produce, or jams- The food market on rue Mouffetard in the 5th Arrondissement
- Best Antiques- The rue Jacob in the 6th Arrondissement. Also check out the flea markets all around the city. More information at www.fleamarketinsiders.com/best-flea-markets-in-france/.
- Best China and glassware- The rue de Paradis in the 10th Arrondissement
- Best Silver- Souche Lapparra in the fashionable Marais district is one of the few places for unparalleled handmade French silver. Case in point, an all new custom table setting can cost up to $60,000 and take up to 18 months to complete. (157, Rue du Temple, 75003 Paris, France; +33-1-42-72-16-20).
- Best Fabrics- The covered market of Marche Saint-Pierre in the 18th Arrondissement.
- Best Linens- The rue du Bac in the 7th Arrondissement
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