Shopping Rue St-Honoré

You're just as likely to bump into a Saudi princess as a Japanese DJ on what is unarguably one of the world's great shopping streets. All the big names in luxury rub elbows here, along with scores of independents with loads of attitude and fashion cachet.

What really makes this street special, though, is the plenitude of its attractions. Turn the corner and there's the sweeping Place Vendôme, an ex-palace and haven for world-class jewelers. Enter the breathtaking Palais Royal gardens, whose noble mien has been invigorated by the arrival of American bad-boy designers Marc Jacobs and Rick Owens, eco-chic diva Stella McCartney, and other gems. With Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries flanking its borders, you'll know you're strolling Paris's most splendid shopping promenade.

Best Time To Go

Weekends can get crowded, especially at the major draws, like Colette. But maybe that's the point: The fabulous seek to mull with their own kind, and aspirants can catch a few of their rays.

Best Find for the Babysitter

If you can't drop a cool thousand at the oh-so-fabulous Colette, head straight for the checkout counter for the adorable tongue-in-chic items in every price range. Cartoon-character key chains and delicate silk-string bracelets (some with tiny diamonds) elate fashionistas—and it's all wrapped up in a Colette bag. Sigh.

Refueling

A cocktail at the Hotel Costes reassures that you, too, are one of the anointed. Beware: drop-dead-gorgeous waitresses tend to fluster the faint of heart. Chanel-suited dowagers know where to go for a luscious and restorative cup of hot chocolate. Angelina, like its quintessentially Parisian clientele, may be a bit frayed at the edges, but that only adds to its charm. Go at teatime for a truly sinful experience.

What You'll Want

Glamour and Glitz

Céline. Refined, elegant, streamlined; the go-to spot for Paris's fashion elite.

Costume Nationale. You are the rock star and his girlfriend: expensive looks, unbridled sex appeal.

Miu Miu. Shoes and accessories scream opulence; the clothes favor sleek refinement.

Paule Ka. Movie-star icons are her inspiration. Think Audrey—Hepburn and Tautou, that is.

Veronique Leroy. Bewitching colors and sexy lace and fur detailing have garnered serious clout among fashion mavens.

Fashion Forecasters

Maria Luisa. Edgy designs provide the litmus test for what's to come.

Yamamoto. This stark white boutique offsets exquisite designs for men and women.

Luxe Down Under

Alice Cadolle. Movie stars and society brides flock to Rue St-Honoré for bespoke perfection; there's ready-to-wear on Rue Cambon.

Chantal Thomass. From dominatrix to dewy ingénue—whatever your pleasure, you can find it here.