OCCUPATION: Interior designer
MY STYLE: Chic and bohemian–fashion with a “je ne sais quoi.” Could be a flared jean with K. Jacques sandals from St. Tropez and a vintage Chanel jacket from my grandmother. I find inspiration everywhere, from Vogue to seventies-era photos of the French jeunesse dorée, to my mother and her vintage super elegant dresses.
I LOVE PARIS BECAUSE: It is the most beautiful city in the world and full of history. Our children love all the parks with games–the Luxembourg Gardens, the Bois de Boulogne, the Tuileries. For older children there are the museums and scientific adventures in the Parc de la Villette and at the Aquarium at the Trocadéro. And don’t forget about climbing the Eiffel Tower and L’Arc de Triomphe!
Théâtre des Marionnettes du Luxembourg
One of the most well-known French puppet shows is Guignol, and one of the best places to see it performed is the Théâtre des Marionnettes in the Luxembourg gardens. The colorful and totally charming performace is a hit there with kids from 2-10, but witty enough to amuse their parents as well. Guignol is performed year-round on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons.
Café de Flore
Simone de Beauvoir may have preferred its neighbor and rival, Les Deaux Magots, but Café de Flore has seen its share of intellectual and artistic heavyweights over the years: Picasso, Truman Capote, Yves Saint Laurent, and others. Little has changed, to the extent that the city’s most fashionable still flock to the famed red-leather banquettes for staples like quiche du jour, onion soup au gratin, and croque monsieurs. Adam Gopnick has written that while the main dining room and terrace may provide the most objectively lovely setting, the crème de la crème vie for a table upstairs.
Bonpoint
Since its start as a single children’s shop in Paris, Bonpoint has expanded to become a global standard-bearer for kiddie couture, with outposts in fashionable cities across the world. From a hand-stiched party dress to a pair of jeans, Bonpoint’s classic pieces don’t disappoint. The store spaces themselves, white-walled and brightly lit, are as chic as their contents, so don’t be surprised if you spot some high-profile customers while shopping for your own little one!
Georges Le Manach
As if the goods didn’t speak for themselves, founder Georges Le Manach has been hand-looming luxe jacquards and textiles for five generations. A favorite with textile historians and high-end interior designers, the collection features 4,000 archival prints and 150 patterns based on 17th and 18th century designs. We can’t get enough of the Nacrés de Tours fabrics—traditional toiles in a range of textures and hues, all with a contemporary twist.
Les Deux Abeilles
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood, Les Deux Abeilles—which translates to “the two bees”—is a charming spot for ladies who lunch. The sunny dining room boasts a skylight and an indoor tree, not to mention delicious fare. We love to sip the signature drink, citronnade au gingembre (lemon juice with ginger), alongside salad and dessert!