Jardin du Palais Royale

Jardin du Palais Royale

Paris's secret oasis no more—with the arrival of Marc Jacobs and Rick Owens (and Stella McCartney on the way), the old palace and gardens of the Jardin du Palais Royal officially joins the ranks of Paris's fashion hot spots. Not that it was ever lacking in allure; those in the know have flocked here for fabulous shoes, artisanal perfumes, and vintage haute couture for years. Shopping in Paris is no common experience, but shopping at the Palais Royal—under its neat rows of chestnut trees and hushed vaulted arcades—is a form of worship.

Entering the gardens from the Rue St-Honoré, you'll encounter the Colonnes de Buren, a series of sculpted columns, beloved by children, covering the first inner courtyard. Galerie de Montpensier is the long arcade to your left; Galerie de Valois flanks the the gardens to your right.

Galerie de Valois

No. 156: Pierre Hardy: head-turning heels that tantalize while they flatter, with some of Paris's best bags to match (01-42-60-59-75).

No. 149-150: Robert Normand: by turns whimsically feminine and brilliantly bold, this young designer always gets the fashionistas riled (01-58-62-20-78).

No. 142: Les Salons du Palais-Royal Shiseido: Serge Lutens, nose par excellence, offers his renowned scents in this jewel of a boutique, along with some signature perfumes (01-49-27-09-09).

No. 138-139: Jérôme l'Huillier: color-saturated silks in sexy, mod styles, with sleek new takes on the wrap dress (01-49-26-07-07).

No. 130-133: Rick Owens: over-the-top rock-star glamour with an avant-garde edge, he's making serious fashion waves worldwide (01-40-20-42-52).

No. 128-129: Maison Fabre: has made some of the most beautiful gloves in the world since 1924. Styles in python, peccary, and crocodile fit like a second skin (01-42-60-75-88).

No. 124: Acne Studio: Swedish design for men and women who demand it all: style, fit, comfort, and plenty of cool (01-42-60-16-62).

Galerie de Montpensier

No. 63-64: Maison de Vacances: quilts, pillows, and other decor items in silk, marabou, cashmere, and washed leather, plus cheeky handbags and slippers (01-47-03-99-74).

No. 56-62: Marc Jacobs: from flapper to prom queen to motorcycle moll—iconic American style updated (01-55-35-02-60).

No. 31: Gabrielle Geppert: think Belle de Jour and Krystle Carrington—why buy a knockoff when you can have the original? Bags, jewelry, and sunglasses, too (01-42-61-53-52).

No. 26: Qeelin: the premier Chinese jeweler offers gem-encrusted styles from its signature teddy bear to the elegant lotus, designed specially for the launch of this boutique (01-49-26-96-90).

No. 20-24: Didier Ludot; this legend in vintage couture covers the greats in French fashion from the 20s to the 80s; his personal take on the little black dress can be found across the gardens at 125 Galerie de Valois (01-42-96-06-56).