To say that I am excited to leave for a trip to Paris in a couple of days is an understatement. While I used to go four times a year when I worked at Bazaar, I haven’t recently been in a few years. I cannot wait to dress up, walk the city all day, go to the flea market, and of course, eat and shop. While I have my own list of places to go, I thought why not ask a TFI supporter, Rolla Wazni (if you don’t follow her IG, you should), who is the director of the contemporary art gallery Kamel Mennour for her recommendations. Some I know, some are new. Plus, I think it’s always good to have a Parisian’s perspective. This is just a list, mostly because I have a feeling I will post a lot on Paris once I’m back (and during trip on IG), and I don’t want you to have Paris burnout. But then, is that possible?
This is Rolla, who posts fewer pictures of herself than I do on social media. Thank you Rolla!


Restaurants
Cafe Flore (lunch); Les Deux Abeilles (lunch); Toraya (lunch); Jais (Bistro); La Belle Epoque (Brasserie); Le Bar des Pres (Japanese); Restaurant Bachaumont; Ferdi (I, Jennifer not Rolla, once sat next to Lee Radziwill here, go for the burgers); Hotel Amour; Hotel Costes (stayed here for years for shows at Bazaar, best haricot verts); Pizza Chic; Le Voltaire (and I had dinner with Lee and Glenda Bailey here, lucky me!); Chateau Voltaire; Le Petite Lutetia (Bistro); Laperouse.

Expositions/Museums
La Bourse de Commerce (Pinault Collection); Fondation Louis Vuitton (La Collection Morozov); Musee Rodin (Rodin-Picasso); Centre Pompidou (Georgia O’Keeffe).

Galleries
Kamel Mennour; David Zwirner; Kreo (design); Perrotin (Avenue Matignon); Gagosian; Marian Goodman; Karry Berreby (vintage jewelry, this is more of a shopping/wish list place.)
Extras
La Samaritaine (recently reopened after being closed for 16 years), the Cheval Blanc hotel (new hot spot).

Having just been for a week after my sons wedding in Scotland, I’m happy to report that Paris is hopping! I agree with most of these suggestions. Les Deux Abeilles was our lunch spot most days as we were living around the corner.Cheval Blanc is fun for a drink in the rooftop bar. Karry B is to be avoided… The Bourse de Commerce is fascinating architecturally.
Have fun!!!
I live in Paris and have some thoughts. La Samaritaine’s architecture and rénovation story are fascinating but for shopping Le Bon Marche will always be my department store of choice. While in the 7th, have lunch or a coffee at Cafe Varenne. It is far more of an authentic experience than Cafe Flore. You will like the clothes at Officine Générale (Rue du Dragon 6eme and Le Bon Marche); excellent quality and reasonably priced. Nearby, Poilane (Rue Cherche Midi 6eme) is known for its bread but the apple tartelettes are wonderful, too. The museum selections you listed are terrific. Palais Galliera (fashion museum 16eme near Trocadero) currently has two important exhibitions – the history of Vogue Paris and a Fashion History ranging from the 18th century to the present. Obviously, Paris is inexhaustible so enjoy whatever you see. Safe trip!
A drink at the new Cheval Blanc is a must!
Jennifer,
Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy Paris.
When you return can you please do a post here of your Paris packing list. I tried to save your Instagram story but it would be good to have it “on paper” here as well. And feel free to share and Paris purchases????
Agree! Would love to see your packing list and outfits.