Everyone visiting Paris heads to the Ile de la Cité, the large island in the middle of the river Seine, to visit Notre Dame Cathedral. However, the smaller of the two islands, Ile Saint-Louis, can easily be overlooked.
It has retained its 17th century charm, most of its magnificent historic buildings, and its medieval streets.
I’m often asked for shopping tips by those off to Paris, especially since many people know I spent about 35 years in the fashion industry. Where I like to explore isn’t the usual suspects such as St Germain des Pres or the big department stores (although I don’t ignore those). Instead, one of the first neighourhoods I head to for some fashion retail therapy is the 3rd arrondissement, the Haut (Upper) Marais.
If you’re heading to Paris this year, you’ll make the most of your stay by checking out well in advance what exhibitions will be on. The French are great exhibition goers, and if there’s something important at one of the many venues in the city, you can bet your life the locals will be there in droves. Add large numbers of visitors and it’s easy to see why whole weeks, if not an entire season, can be sold out before you even hit town.
The numerous outdoor markets of Paris are one of the many reasons why we love coming to Paris! If great food and the freshest produce are passions of yours too, next time you’re in Paris, make sure to get to Place Monge on a market day.
Advertisement for Louis Vuitton on the facade of the Louvre.
Paris, as a modern city with an historic heart, is above all, a work of art. As such, it must be continually refreshed to present its wonderful collection of public monuments and private buildings in the best possible light.
This requires a major commitment of funds for conservation, funding that can be difficult to allocate or generate given the many calls on the public purse.
