4 Cs-Champagne, Cartier, Chanel & Christmas in Paris 2013 were fantastic!
Jan 14th, 2014, 11:58 PM
#161
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Denise-worst part of the trip is packing and flying home...everytime...but then you get to sleep in your own bed and see your 4 legged babies.
Your last night with your friends sounds like a good ending to a another fabulous time in Paris.
Thanks for the great read.
oh-I'm always up for a little shopping talk-so yes-we're interested.
Your last night with your friends sounds like a good ending to a another fabulous time in Paris.
Thanks for the great read.
oh-I'm always up for a little shopping talk-so yes-we're interested.
Jan 15th, 2014, 09:40 AM
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This has been such a pleasure to read, Denise! It has been lovely to follow your lovely descriptions of sights, purchases, dining and special meetings. Thanks for taking the time to share it all!
And there's a promise of a bit more to come ... a shopping summary! Can't wait!
And there's a promise of a bit more to come ... a shopping summary! Can't wait!
Jan 15th, 2014, 12:03 PM
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I think the food going from Europe to the US is always better. You did luck out on Delta ground crew getting your problem solved. They will ground those planes for a light bulb.
We have two dogs and that is always the highlight of coming home.
We have two dogs and that is always the highlight of coming home.
Jan 15th, 2014, 12:45 PM
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Waiting for the shopping summary. I love to shop in Paris....we stopped counting after 20 trips and still always find a new museum or exhibit to visit but also have shopping, drinking and dining time! I have 3 weeks in Sept/October so that may be my Christmas shopping time.
Jan 15th, 2014, 06:21 PM
#166
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I will get the shopping summary up as soon as I can. It is on my laptop at home and I have had to make an unexpected trip.
Thanks to you all for reading along and I guess I shouldn't be surprised by the "demand" for the shopping summary, but I am. I don't regret a single dime in spending!
Thanks to you all for reading along and I guess I shouldn't be surprised by the "demand" for the shopping summary, but I am. I don't regret a single dime in spending!
Jan 16th, 2014, 04:37 PM
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Hi Denise
I also have been following your fantastic report, love Paris, love eating and love drinking.
Shopping, well I'm still trying to learn to love it..... one day I'll get there, but it is always more fun when away rather than at home.
Thanks for your considerable effort in writing the story.
I also have been following your fantastic report, love Paris, love eating and love drinking.
Shopping, well I'm still trying to learn to love it..... one day I'll get there, but it is always more fun when away rather than at home.
Thanks for your considerable effort in writing the story.
Jan 18th, 2014, 06:13 AM
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Sigh, it's over. Denise, I have enjoyed your trip report and photos very much. DH and I have begun paying for premium economy if we don't have miles to upgrade because the flight (from the west coast) is so miserable. DH is tall and I feel so sorry for him wedged in the small seats with someone's seat back in his lap.
Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you for sharing with us!
Jan 18th, 2014, 09:01 AM
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sartoric, I hate shopping at home and do most of my shopping on-line. Paris is totally different for me. I LOVE shopping in Paris and usually have one trip a year with my daughters and girlfriends so I don't have to feel like my husband is bored. He'll always say he's not but then comes the sigh.
Denisea, thanks for a great report. Getting lots of ideas for my 3 weeks in the fall.
Denisea, thanks for a great report. Getting lots of ideas for my 3 weeks in the fall.
Jan 18th, 2014, 05:15 PM
#172
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I am lucky that my husband enjoys the shopping. I think he enjoys when I finally do buy something and that's nice. Scootoir, my husband struggles in coach...he is not that tall but in great shape and somehow his shoulders don't fit in the seats. We were glad to have the miles to fly business!! We should be back home tomorrow sometime so I hope to get the shopping summary up then. I am way behind and there I are lots of reports that I need to read, as well. Judy-will look forward to your report in the Fall.
Jan 19th, 2014, 01:23 PM
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OK...sorry for the delay here. The shopping summary for those who are interested:
Maison de Famille
10 Place de la Madeleine
Paris, 75008
What we bought: Set of 6 Champagne flutes
This shop has several locations around Paris. Our sales person was very helpful and attentive and spoke terrific English. Tableware, décor, lounge wear. They will ship also but our set of flutes came in a box set so they just wrapped that up in bubble wrap. There is also a location near St. Sulpice where I first spotted the flutes in the window.
I am so glad to finally have purchased some Champagne flutes in Paris to enjoy at home. They also have a beautiful champagne cooler, I kinda wish we had purchased.
Durance
224 rue de Vignon
www.durance.fr
What we bought: Orange Cinnamon candle…very Holiday!
They also have bath products in addition to candles. Durance has locations all around Paris, including Isle St. Louis. One sales lady spoke English, the other did not.
Burberry
Boulevard Malesherbes
75008 Paris, France
+33 1 40 07 77 99
burberry.com
What we bought: Herringbone Overcoat as Chaz’ Christmas gift. Gorgeous! English spoken here. Also a great location on Faubourg St Honore among others.
Chanel
31 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris, France
http://www.chanel.com/
What we bought: The necklace and the dragon scarf. I am so attracted to this original, historic location. It’s a large store and the staff is very attentive and English is widely spoken. They carry sunglasses, purses and small leather goods, accessories, shoes, bijoux, cosmetics, perfume and clothes. There is a fine jewelry boutique around the corner. Also a great location on Faubourg St Honore, as well as others.
Guerlain
http://www.guerlain.com/
2, place Vendôme - 75001 Paris
What we bought: Bronzer compact…they are famous for their natural looking bronzers
Small but beautiful boutique at Rue St Honore and Place Vendome. They are also famous for fragrances like Shalimar. English spoken here. I believe the flagship store in on the Champs Elysee (which I don’t like at all). They also sent me home with lots of perfume samples. Great service at this boutique!!
Creed
38, Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75008 Paris, France
www.creedboutique.com/
What we bought: Love in White (hers) and Green Irish Tweed (his)
The boutique is small but the service there is always excellent. They are very open to customers trying multiple scents and they are knowledgeable about their products. They has also always been great about providing multiple samples for us both, which is very nice and certainly the way to sell more. This is located off Avenue Georges V, down from Hediard.
Hediard
Butter Cookies and Cheese straws
21 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France
+33 1 43 12 88 99
www.hediard.fr/
What we bought: Cheese biscuits/straws (great with Champagne; light and crispy) and butter biscuits (addictive buttery cookies with just the right amount of salt-we once ate an entire package of these on the flight home). They have a bit of all things “gourmet” here. The teas are also good. There is also a location on Avenue Georges V. Their items make good gifts.
Maille
6 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France
+33 1 40 15 06 00
http://www.maille.com/home.dept
What we bought: Mustard with Sauternes White Wine, Wholegrain Mustard with Chardonnay Wine
They have all things mustard and I love that the mustard is fresh from “the tap”. I can never remember to take them, but you can take the crocks back and they will refill it. We are stingy with this at home to make it last as long as possible.
Diwali
52, rue St Louis en l’Île
75004 Paris
(Notre-Dame de Paris)
Tél. : 01 46 34 83 95
http://www.diwali-paris.com/
What we bought: scarves for gifts
This shop also has multiple locations but we always go to the one on Isle St. Louis. English is also spoken here and they have all types of scarves. Many types, all kinds of fabrics. The colors are beautiful! They also carry bracelets and earrings…many with an Indian feel.
Oliviers and Company
Boutique Oliviers&Co
81 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Isle75004 Paris 04
http://www.oliviers-co.com
What we bought: dish towels, lavender sachets for us and for gifts
They have all kinds of olive oils, vinegars, salts that are “scented” soaps, beautiful mortar and pestles. It’s also great for gifts and a great shop to browse in. Locations all over Paris. Our sales woman spoke English.
de Neuville
63 rue St Louis en l'ile
75004 Paris
What we bought: Chocolate covered Almonds (we went for these little chocolate discs that are studded with pistachios, a bit of orange peel and maybe candied ginger – but they were sold out).
Locations all over Paris, all things chocolate
Diptyque
34, boulevard saint Germaine, Paris 5ième
http://www.diptyqueparis.com/
What we bought: Cyprus and Pomander candles (We went for a pine scented and an orange spice candle that we found a few years ago that were Holiday editions).
This is the original location and these candles are wonderful. Home fragrance and personal fragrances are also available here. I believe there are other locations and also sold at Le Bon Marche. Tiny shop, clerks speak English.
Lipault:
3, Avenue Mozart - 75016 PARIS
http://www.lipault.com/
What we bought: Small roller board suitcase
This luggage is very light. English was spoken at the Passy location and we were allowed to roll the luggage around and really “inspect” it before buying. The luggage also comes in all kinds of colors, if you are trying to make your bag easier to spot in a sea of black bags. I bought teal.
Monoprix:
35 Boulevard Saint Michel 75005
http://www.monoprix.fr/
What we bought: Mascara, lighters, mouthwash
They have everything you would get at Target or Walgreens in the US and they are everywhere.
Carrefour Express:
Corner Boulevard St Germain and rue de Bernardin
Great neighborhood market for apartment necessities: all over Paris
Maison de Famille
10 Place de la Madeleine
Paris, 75008
What we bought: Set of 6 Champagne flutes
This shop has several locations around Paris. Our sales person was very helpful and attentive and spoke terrific English. Tableware, décor, lounge wear. They will ship also but our set of flutes came in a box set so they just wrapped that up in bubble wrap. There is also a location near St. Sulpice where I first spotted the flutes in the window.
I am so glad to finally have purchased some Champagne flutes in Paris to enjoy at home. They also have a beautiful champagne cooler, I kinda wish we had purchased.
Durance
224 rue de Vignon
www.durance.fr
What we bought: Orange Cinnamon candle…very Holiday!
They also have bath products in addition to candles. Durance has locations all around Paris, including Isle St. Louis. One sales lady spoke English, the other did not.
Burberry
Boulevard Malesherbes
75008 Paris, France
+33 1 40 07 77 99
burberry.com
What we bought: Herringbone Overcoat as Chaz’ Christmas gift. Gorgeous! English spoken here. Also a great location on Faubourg St Honore among others.
Chanel
31 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris, France
http://www.chanel.com/
What we bought: The necklace and the dragon scarf. I am so attracted to this original, historic location. It’s a large store and the staff is very attentive and English is widely spoken. They carry sunglasses, purses and small leather goods, accessories, shoes, bijoux, cosmetics, perfume and clothes. There is a fine jewelry boutique around the corner. Also a great location on Faubourg St Honore, as well as others.
Guerlain
http://www.guerlain.com/
2, place Vendôme - 75001 Paris
What we bought: Bronzer compact…they are famous for their natural looking bronzers
Small but beautiful boutique at Rue St Honore and Place Vendome. They are also famous for fragrances like Shalimar. English spoken here. I believe the flagship store in on the Champs Elysee (which I don’t like at all). They also sent me home with lots of perfume samples. Great service at this boutique!!
Creed
38, Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75008 Paris, France
www.creedboutique.com/
What we bought: Love in White (hers) and Green Irish Tweed (his)
The boutique is small but the service there is always excellent. They are very open to customers trying multiple scents and they are knowledgeable about their products. They has also always been great about providing multiple samples for us both, which is very nice and certainly the way to sell more. This is located off Avenue Georges V, down from Hediard.
Hediard
Butter Cookies and Cheese straws
21 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France
+33 1 43 12 88 99
www.hediard.fr/
What we bought: Cheese biscuits/straws (great with Champagne; light and crispy) and butter biscuits (addictive buttery cookies with just the right amount of salt-we once ate an entire package of these on the flight home). They have a bit of all things “gourmet” here. The teas are also good. There is also a location on Avenue Georges V. Their items make good gifts.
Maille
6 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France
+33 1 40 15 06 00
http://www.maille.com/home.dept
What we bought: Mustard with Sauternes White Wine, Wholegrain Mustard with Chardonnay Wine
They have all things mustard and I love that the mustard is fresh from “the tap”. I can never remember to take them, but you can take the crocks back and they will refill it. We are stingy with this at home to make it last as long as possible.
Diwali
52, rue St Louis en l’Île
75004 Paris
(Notre-Dame de Paris)
Tél. : 01 46 34 83 95
http://www.diwali-paris.com/
What we bought: scarves for gifts
This shop also has multiple locations but we always go to the one on Isle St. Louis. English is also spoken here and they have all types of scarves. Many types, all kinds of fabrics. The colors are beautiful! They also carry bracelets and earrings…many with an Indian feel.
Oliviers and Company
Boutique Oliviers&Co
81 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Isle75004 Paris 04
http://www.oliviers-co.com
What we bought: dish towels, lavender sachets for us and for gifts
They have all kinds of olive oils, vinegars, salts that are “scented” soaps, beautiful mortar and pestles. It’s also great for gifts and a great shop to browse in. Locations all over Paris. Our sales woman spoke English.
de Neuville
63 rue St Louis en l'ile
75004 Paris
What we bought: Chocolate covered Almonds (we went for these little chocolate discs that are studded with pistachios, a bit of orange peel and maybe candied ginger – but they were sold out).
Locations all over Paris, all things chocolate
Diptyque
34, boulevard saint Germaine, Paris 5ième
http://www.diptyqueparis.com/
What we bought: Cyprus and Pomander candles (We went for a pine scented and an orange spice candle that we found a few years ago that were Holiday editions).
This is the original location and these candles are wonderful. Home fragrance and personal fragrances are also available here. I believe there are other locations and also sold at Le Bon Marche. Tiny shop, clerks speak English.
Lipault:
3, Avenue Mozart - 75016 PARIS
http://www.lipault.com/
What we bought: Small roller board suitcase
This luggage is very light. English was spoken at the Passy location and we were allowed to roll the luggage around and really “inspect” it before buying. The luggage also comes in all kinds of colors, if you are trying to make your bag easier to spot in a sea of black bags. I bought teal.
Monoprix:
35 Boulevard Saint Michel 75005
http://www.monoprix.fr/
What we bought: Mascara, lighters, mouthwash
They have everything you would get at Target or Walgreens in the US and they are everywhere.
Carrefour Express:
Corner Boulevard St Germain and rue de Bernardin
Great neighborhood market for apartment necessities: all over Paris
Jan 19th, 2014, 01:31 PM
#174
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Thanks, love the list....have shopped in many of them.
Add Crea Concept to your C's next trip. They have a store in St Germain and one in the Marais....interesting clothing which looks nothing like it does on the hangar once you put it on. I can only afford a few pieces each trip but love it!
Add Crea Concept to your C's next trip. They have a store in St Germain and one in the Marais....interesting clothing which looks nothing like it does on the hangar once you put it on. I can only afford a few pieces each trip but love it!
Jan 19th, 2014, 04:46 PM
#175
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Thanks for finishing this Denise, a great report and a fun time was had I'm sure.
Judy, yes I also shop online at home, why is it so different when away. There's no way I could get my husband to a shopping centre here, but anywhere else is okay for at least a few hours.
One of life's mysteries.....
Judy, yes I also shop online at home, why is it so different when away. There's no way I could get my husband to a shopping centre here, but anywhere else is okay for at least a few hours.
One of life's mysteries.....
Jan 20th, 2014, 04:12 AM
#176
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To finish it all, our list of favorites and some restaurant comments:
Favorite single dish: The “carbonara” at Joel Robuchon
Favorite dessert: The passion fruit soufflé at Joel Robuchon
Favorite meal: Christmas Eve lunch at Joel Robuchon
Favorite new (at least to us) restaurant: Verjus
Favorite restaurant décor: Les 110 Taillevent
Favorite “surprise” meal: Cheese and Champs at Fauchon
Favorite “new” food find: Chouquettes
Favorite Champagne experience: Le Bar at Georges V
Favorite thing we saw: The Cartier exhibit at the Grand Palais
Favorite thing we did: Dinner at Bistro Belhara with Florent, Michael and Maman
Favorite “extra”: The Bonaparte Sisters exhibit at Musee Marmottan
Favorite purchase: The Precious!
Favorite thing I said no to: A very mod clutch at Tom Ford that I just couldn’t pull the trigger on
I have to say that we didn’t have a bad meal at all on this trip. We didn’t plan out our lunches at all this trip, as we didn’t want to have any real schedule every day. It’s freeing to do this and the one time I thought it was about to go South, turned out to be a favorite. (our impromptu cheese lunch at Fauchon).
I would go back to every single restaurant we went to for dinner in Paris. We are splitting hairs to find anything wrong with our meals. The least favorite was Le Comptoir and the meal was good but the expectations were high. is was favorite in the past. Obviously, we loved L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and it remains our favorite in a city loaded with great restaurants. Marco Polo is still an old sentimental favorite and it is still solid. Albano is just so cordial that it adds to the attraction of this lovely little spot. The new spots for us were ALL outstanding and we were very happy with our meals:
Verjus – inventive, creative and such a great value, plus the wine bar is a great pre-dinner spot (favorite dish: the pumpkin and ricotta ravioli)
Les 110 Taillevent – great wine selection, great menu and wonderful food (favorite dish: squid a la plancha over salad); loved the childhood memories dessert combination and the ambience here
Bistro Belhara – small, comforting spot with those wonderful gougeres (the ultimate comfort food and our favorite dish: pot au feu); the rice pudding was also excellent; a really fun night
We so enjoyed the concert at Sainte Chapelle. I am so glad to have finally gotten to Musee Marmottan! Terrific, uncrowded museum. We still have a lot to do and see in Paris and I don’t think I could ever tire of it. We had lots of cheese this time and that’s one reason to love France. That Roquefort is the stuff dreams are made of and the tete de moine was also noteworthy. Clearly, we had a lot of Champagne (something else I never tire of). I can’t believe we didn’t get to Un Dimanche a Paris this trip. I really would like to make a concentrated effort to focus on chocolate on a future trip. Would loveto do a tour with Paris by Mouth! Still gotta get to Giverny, Vaux le Vicomte, the Museum of Decorative Arts…we have only scratched the surface of Paris!
Favorite single dish: The “carbonara” at Joel Robuchon
Favorite dessert: The passion fruit soufflé at Joel Robuchon
Favorite meal: Christmas Eve lunch at Joel Robuchon
Favorite new (at least to us) restaurant: Verjus
Favorite restaurant décor: Les 110 Taillevent
Favorite “surprise” meal: Cheese and Champs at Fauchon
Favorite “new” food find: Chouquettes
Favorite Champagne experience: Le Bar at Georges V
Favorite thing we saw: The Cartier exhibit at the Grand Palais
Favorite thing we did: Dinner at Bistro Belhara with Florent, Michael and Maman
Favorite “extra”: The Bonaparte Sisters exhibit at Musee Marmottan
Favorite purchase: The Precious!
Favorite thing I said no to: A very mod clutch at Tom Ford that I just couldn’t pull the trigger on
I have to say that we didn’t have a bad meal at all on this trip. We didn’t plan out our lunches at all this trip, as we didn’t want to have any real schedule every day. It’s freeing to do this and the one time I thought it was about to go South, turned out to be a favorite. (our impromptu cheese lunch at Fauchon).
I would go back to every single restaurant we went to for dinner in Paris. We are splitting hairs to find anything wrong with our meals. The least favorite was Le Comptoir and the meal was good but the expectations were high. is was favorite in the past. Obviously, we loved L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and it remains our favorite in a city loaded with great restaurants. Marco Polo is still an old sentimental favorite and it is still solid. Albano is just so cordial that it adds to the attraction of this lovely little spot. The new spots for us were ALL outstanding and we were very happy with our meals:
Verjus – inventive, creative and such a great value, plus the wine bar is a great pre-dinner spot (favorite dish: the pumpkin and ricotta ravioli)
Les 110 Taillevent – great wine selection, great menu and wonderful food (favorite dish: squid a la plancha over salad); loved the childhood memories dessert combination and the ambience here
Bistro Belhara – small, comforting spot with those wonderful gougeres (the ultimate comfort food and our favorite dish: pot au feu); the rice pudding was also excellent; a really fun night
We so enjoyed the concert at Sainte Chapelle. I am so glad to have finally gotten to Musee Marmottan! Terrific, uncrowded museum. We still have a lot to do and see in Paris and I don’t think I could ever tire of it. We had lots of cheese this time and that’s one reason to love France. That Roquefort is the stuff dreams are made of and the tete de moine was also noteworthy. Clearly, we had a lot of Champagne (something else I never tire of). I can’t believe we didn’t get to Un Dimanche a Paris this trip. I really would like to make a concentrated effort to focus on chocolate on a future trip. Would loveto do a tour with Paris by Mouth! Still gotta get to Giverny, Vaux le Vicomte, the Museum of Decorative Arts…we have only scratched the surface of Paris!
Jan 20th, 2014, 08:54 AM
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Thanks for ending with your fantastic lists which summarize your shopping & dining experiences in Paris! Not only has your trip report been entertaining to read, the detailed information you've shared has been most helpful! I will be adding to my ever-expanding list (including Un Dimanche) for our trip in September.
