Built in 1823, the Galerie Vivienne is an outstanding example of Paris’ 19th-century arcades, or covered passageways. Situated in close reach of the Palais-Royal and […]
Exploring the Galerie Vivienne, One of Paris’ Emblematic Covered Passageways
Shopping in Paris
Some of the Best Chocolate Shops in Paris: Our Picks
Paris’ love affair with chocolate began when cacao arrived from Spain in the 17th century—introduced by Anne of Austria, the Spanish-born princess who married Louis […]
La Mouette Rieuse, a Marais Bookshop Ideal for Gifts & Souvenirs
On a recent visit to Paris, we met up with friends visiting from New York, and made a little discovery I thought I’d share with […]
Paris’ South Pigalle District: Exploring Rue des Martyrs & Beyond
While many people are familiar with the Pigalle of the Moulin Rouge and its surrounding red-light district, the southern stretch of the area has an entirely […]
Best Food Markets in Paris: Produce, People-Watching & More
There’s little I love doing more, especially on a spring or autumn morning in Paris, than strolling through a good marché alimentaire (food market or […]
Vintage & Secondhand Shopping in Paris: Best Shops by Neighborhood
The past few years have witnessed remarkable growth in the secondhand clothing market, driven by the rising cost of living and increased environmental awareness. “Fast […]
Inside Chocolat Chapon, a Coveted Chocolate- Maker in Paris
When I recently discovered Chocolat Chapon on a quiet street in Paris’ Saint-Germain district, I was immediately struck by how quaint and traditional it felt. […]
Where to Buy Authentic Gifts & Souvenirs in Paris?
If you’ve ever wandered along the banks of the Seine or around major Parisian attractions like Notre-Dame Cathedral, you’ll know that it’s not exactly hard […]
French Candy & Confectionary Shops: History & The Best in Paris
Crispy millefeuille, rich opera cake, zesty tarte au citron — we’re all familiar with the charms of French pâtisserie. But what of its equally delightful […]
Browsing the Bouquinistes of Paris: Traditional Booksellers on the Seine
Timeless landmarks. Cultural treasures. Precious vestiges of a less harried, pre-digital way of life. All of these descriptions can, and have been, applied to the […]
La Samaritaine, an Iconic Parisian Department Store, is Reborn
When news hit in 2005 that one of Paris’ historic department stores was closing down, locals reacted with understandable sadness and dismay. After all, since […]
Exploring Paris’ Saint-Germain-des-Prés: What to Do?
Many tourists stumble on Saint-Germain-des-Prés, an upscale Parisian neighborhood with centuries-old literary, revolutionary and artistic roots, while thinking they’re still in the adjoining Latin Quarter. […]
L’Officine Universelle Buly, a 19th-Century-Style Paris Apothecary
I’ve always been a bit skeptical of the apothecary trend. It’s generally struck me as a marketing ploy to raise the perceived value or originality […]
In Review: Fou de Pâtisserie, a Parisian Pastry Shop for the Indecisive
Strolling down Rue des Martyrs, a stretch of Paris’ South Pigalle that packs more gourmet power in a single street than most entire neighborhoods do, […]
The Palais Royal in Paris: A Haven From the Crowds
It may be just a few hundred feet away from the Louvre, the buzzing epicenter of tourism in the French capital. It may house a […]
Inside the 104 (Cent-Quatre), a Vibrant Art Hub in Paris
The 104 (Le Cent Quatre), a vast communal art center in Paris’ 19th arrondissement, isn’t really a place most tourists know about– which is one […]
Paris Loves Vinyl: The Coveted Collectors’ Event Returns in January
Do you routinely lament the poor sound quality of MP3s and other digital music formats, as your spouse or friends groan at your predictable rant? […]
