Branché

(Adj: plugged in, “trendy). All right, let’s talk shopping. Synonymous with style and fashion, Paris has it all. It is hard to give specifics in short order, but the following is a brief description of some of our favorite shopping districts and destinations.

Tuilleries Quarter: put Louis XIV to shame with jewelry from the likes of Cartier and Boucheron, and clothing and accessories from the expansive boutiques along Rue de Rivoli and Rue St-Honoré. Wildly fabulous and incredibly expensive (want a 600 dollar t-shirt?) these store are frostily staffed by a poker-faced crew that would even make Paris Hilton nervous. Check out Colette (213 rue St-Honoré) for the latest hipster cool. Too hot, join the “in” crowd for refreshment at the basement water bar.
Kind of past its prime the Hotel Costes (239, Rue St-Honoré) is still the darling of the rich and famous. Have lunch in the courtyard with the other gawkers. Astier de Villatte (173, Rue St-Honoré), don’t skip the basement, if you can’t go in person, check out their cool website.

The Marais: Probably the coolest collection of stores along the narrow passageways. Too many places to list, but don’t skip the peripheral streets. We found the most fabulous store – sorry our secret for the next year.

Latin Quarter: Filled with students from the neighboring Sorbonne, lycée Henri IV and Louis le Grand (the future French prodigy and elite) the streets are filled with bookshops. Lose yourself in Shakespeare and Company (37, Rue de la Bucherie), and leave with a specially stamped literary treasure.

St-Germain des Prés: See our previous blog for hints through this left bank exclusive quarter. Also check out Taschen (2, Rue de Buci), and Assouline (visit Prosper Assouline’s flagship store 35, Rue Bonaparte).

Stay tuned, more to come tomorrow.