While we’re on the subject of France, I thought it would be fun to look at a some of the purchases I made in Paris. I know a lot of you are planning trips to the City of Light this year so maybe this will help you add a few new places to your must visit list.

Clockwise from bottom left:

Buly 1803 Beauty Products – You can shop Buly 1803 online now but I still love picking up my favorite soap Miel d’Angleterre (English Honey) and other beauty products at their rue Bonaparte shop. This time I also bought Lait Nettoyant, Eau Superfine, and scented matches. The gorgeous packaging makes their products the perfect presents to bring back from Paris.

Le Labo Santal 26 – We also have Le Labo in the US but I swear it smells better when they make it for you in France. The Santal 26 is technically an interior spray but many people wear it as a perfume including me but there is also Santal 33 which is a real perfume.

Darphin Exquisage Cream – We had the pleasure of experiencing a manicure with Christian Louboutin Nail Lacquer at Darphin and took home a very chic care package of products.  I am loving them all and their spa on rue Saint-Honoré is worth checking out when you need a massage or facial in Paris.

Avene Cicalfate Cream – This tube of face cream costs more than $25 in the US but only 6,50 euros at City Pharma in Paris.  I stock up on this and lots of other French products on every trip.

Francis Bacon Exhibition Catalog from 1977 – We were walking by an art gallery on rue des Beaux-Arts and went in for a look. I’m so glad we did because they were also selling old art exhibition catalogs.  I bought this one for 20 euros and should have bought more. I can’t remember the name of the gallery but it’s a small street so I’m sure you can find it.

Artwork – The French Paint by Numbers landscape, framed print, and Sophus Theobald Levinson painting in the gilt frame all came from the Marché aux Puces de Vanves flea market.  If you are looking for a cheaper brocante style flea market full of smaller items, I suggest this one. I also bought three small hand-painted porcelain Sèvres boxes not shown.

Tensira Indigo Pillow Cover – The cover is folded in half so it’s lumbar size.  As you might remember from my blog post, Tensire offers an amazing range of traditional African fabrics, pillows, furniture, and other pieces. Definitely make an appointment on your next trip.

Byredo Candles and Vestoj Journal (blue cover) – Even though it gets a little crazy, I love shopping at Colette in Paris.  I also pick up candles and an interesting book. They also get special items not available anywhere else including the black leather and patent Celine Trapaze handbag I bought there too.

Hotel Costes Room Spray and Matches – One must visit place in Paris is Hotel Costes if for no other reason than to smell the intoxicating scent that permeates the entire place.  It’s a super sexy scent and comes in candles, room spray, lotions, and even perfume.  You can also buy it in New York at Aedes de Venustas.

Debauve & Gallais Chocolate – This is my favorite chocolate shop in Paris.  They began as the chemist to Marie-Antoinette and used to hide her medications in chocolates. I love the Coconut Praline Pistoles and also bring back their dark chocolate bars for gifts.

Vivre La France Sketchbook – I LOVE these little sketchbooks by Philippe Dumas of Hermès that are published by Actes Sud. You can only find them in the Hermès store on rue de Sèvres and occasionally the book section at Le Bon Marché.  They only cost 8,50 euros so they make a great little gift to bring back.

Picasso Postcards and Magnet – I visited the newly reopened Musée Picasso and wasn’t completely impressed to be honest.  It’s definitely worth visiting for the artwork but I never like it when they remove the charm from old buildings.

Painting in Gilt Frame – see above.

Vintage Dior Wallet – I always buy vintage Dior pieces when I see them at the flea markets and brcantes in Paris.  This wallet was only 20 euros and still looks almost new.

Aurelie Bidermann Cheyne Walk Pearl and Wire Ring – This freshwater pearl and gold ring was a bit of an impulse purchase. We just popped in the Aurelie Bidermann shop on rue des Saint-Pères and I fell in love with the interesting design.  All of her jewelry come in canvas zippered pouches like this blue one too. It is also a nice complement to my gold and pearl Chloé Darcey Ring.

Air France Travel Pouch – Even though I had a problem with them once, I still prefer to fly Air France between JFK and CDG. The food and wine and so much better than American carriers and I love the little travel pouch they give you on the flight.

Simrane Paisley Robe – It was a little chilly when we arrived in Paris so I ended up buying this blue and white robe at Simrane to wear while getting ready in the apartment we rented. Many of you have probably shopped at the store located across the street from Ladurée on rue Bonaparte. They sell everything you can imagine from napkins and tablecloths to beach pareos and pillows.  It’s another great place to buy gifts for yourself and your friends and family.

Astier de Villatte (not shown) – I forgot to include the little white dish and signature graphic journals I bought on the trip. While you can buy their pieces at John Derian in New York, it’s still wonderful to visit the shop on rue Saint-Honoré and see the entire range of products.

Bon Voyage!

Bisous,

HC