Paris is home to many things: culture, fine cuisine, fashion and of course, love. It never ceases to inspire with its charming blend of history, artistry and elegance. I have a number of projects due for completion in Paris this year, and I can’t wait for my next visit. It has been a joy to spend more time in this extraordinary city, where every stroll unveils something magical.
With St. Valentine’s Day approaching, herein lies the perfect opportunity to write about La Ville de l’Amour.
Here are my top ten things I love in Paris.
When you step into this unassuming restaurant, you are instantly greeted by a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower. While the terrace is the main attraction, the interiors exude timeless 1930s charm, with elegant curved banquettes, striking marble tables, and natural textures adorning the pilasters. Though I don’t typically gravitate toward seafood, the Lobster Linguine here is truly exceptional—one of the best dishes I have ever had.
La Closerie de Lilas has been a haunt for creatives since 1847. Nestled near the Luxembourg Gardens it exudes old-world charm of Belle Epoque period with its mahogany bars, soft lighting and grand piano inside the front door. It is the location F. Scott Fitzgerald supposedly finished the manuscript for The Great Gatsby and is fondly mentioned in Hemingway’s A Moveable Feast as a quiet location he could write undisturbed.
There is infinite shopping across the city with the absolute best in antiques and markets being Paul Bert-Serpette. It specialises in museum-quality antiques and 20th-century design, making it one of my go-to places to source unique pieces for our clients. Put your negotiation skills to the test and spend hours browsing the market which was originally formed by the merging of two historical markets back in 1885.
A reconstruction of the original studio of Constantin Brancusi, ‘Atelier Brancusi’ serves as a museum and homage to the artist’s work. He created what he called a ‘total work of art’ by meticulously considering the location of the pieces in the space, giving weight to the spatial relationships and lighting created by their positioning. There are over 130 sculptures, 80 pedestals, 40 drawings and 1600 photo prints in the environment, where form, space and light interact seamlessly. A must visit for modern art enthusiasts.
The Luxembourg Garden was commissioned in 1612 by widowed Marie de’ Medici after her husband, King Henry IV passed. She envisioned a Florentine-style retreat, inspired by the Boboli Gardens of her homeland. The location embodies the timeless charm of Paris, with fountains, manicured gardens and sculptures dotted throughout. My favourite is the historic orchard with rare apples. There is also a beekeeping school producing honey that you can actually purchase within the grounds.
Needing little in the way of introduction, Le Bon Marche is an icon of the Parisian shopping scene. I have been visiting this legendary department store since my boutique opened 21 years ago, and it remains a highlight of every trip. Considered the first modern department store in the world, it changed the global landscape with its fixed prices and home delivery options. The architecture was transformed with the help of Gustave Eiffel in the late 1800s, adding the recognisable iron structures, sweeping staircases and skylights we recognise today.
Yes the Louvre is wonderful, but my absolute favourite gallery in Paris is the Musée d’Orsay. Not only does it house some of the best impressionist art from the last century, I adore the origins of the building, which was originally a train station. The sympathetic transformation of the disused Victor Laloux designed structure into a cultural landmark is to be appreciated as much as Monet’s Water Lilies or Cezanne’s Still Life with Apples – the grand central nave with its arched glass ceiling and ornate clock are welcomed remnants of the past and make the space a breathtaking setting for one of the most inspired museums in France.
Looking back at over 75 years of haute couture history, the Gallery of Dior is an incredible collection of history contained within their somewhat recently renovated flagship store in the 8th Arrondissement. Browse their archive which contains a range of original sketches, couture gowns and photography. It is wonderful to be able to view signature pieces including Princess Diana’s gown for the 1996 Met Gala.
The Hôtel de la Marine was originally built as a royal furniture repository before it became the headquarters of the French Navy for over 200 years. With its rich and illustrious history, the Neoclassic space has only recently opened its doors to the public. On the exterior corinthian columns, classical pediments and sculptural reliefs adorn the facade, celebrating themes of enlightenment, while inside gilded woodwork and stucco mouldings pair with silk wall coverings and rich tapestries to create a grand masterpiece of French design. At the moment, it is housing the Al Thani collection, which is a must see for historic enthusiasts.
La Tuile à Loup was founded by Eric Goujou, a fellow individual who started his career in Finance and made the leap to interiors and art when the original owners were retiring in 2006. The ceramics shop has a strong focus on authentic and traditional crafts, with every piece being made by hand and featuring a blend of regional influences from across the country whether it be Provençal pottery or hand-painted faience of the north west. I love to browse the boutique, blending my love of cooking and design, and adore their eye for folk art pieces.
Wherever this season of love takes you, may it be filled with beauty, inspiration, and a touch of Parisian charm.
With love,
Katharine
