The cult Acne jeans from Sweden, accessories and clothing have come to Paris in this modern boutique in Jardins du Palais Royale.

A unique brand of make-up created by Terry de Gunzberg, formerly creative director at Yves St. Laurent. The in-store specialists can also create very expensive personalized make-up.

Charvet is noted for expensive classic men’s clothing, especially the regular and custom-made shirts. Custom shirts, made from a large selection of fabrics, require only one fitting and four to six weeks to complete. The ready-made shirts, which are about half the price, can be altered for a slimmer fit. The basic shirt model, however, is slimmer than the usual American or English cut. The shirts can be shipped anywhere. The staff is engaging and very helpful.

This famous hip and trendy department store that encompasses “styledesignartfood” is known for cutting edge style. In addition to the “now” clothing by both well known and up-and-coming designers, there are objects for the home, high tech gadgets, beauty products, fashion and design magazines, an art exhibition space, small restaurant, and the water-bar.

Though technically not a museum, this site-specific installation by Daniel Buren transforms the courtyard of the original palace of Cardinal Richelieu and can be touched, walked through and climbed on.

Vincent Lefebvre, a gifted hair stylist, generally works here on Saturday. Olivier Limbourg is the gracious owner of this charming shop.

The place to go for nylon bags, backpacks, and briefcases for men and women in a glorious array of sizes and colors.

Expensive handmade bags crafted with beads and embroidery distinguish this brand founded by Isabelle Puech and Benoît Jamin.

A great place to know for reasonably priced to inexpensive costume jewelry.  This shop was opened by Denise Rousselet the daughter of famed Parisian jeweler, Louis Rousselet.

One of a group of stylish and chic boutiques carrying edgy and elegant clothing and accessories; well-known names like Chloe, Balenciaga and Marni mix with cutting edge designers. Each store carries slightly different clothing and has a different design based on the ambiance of the neighborhood. This shop has no sign outside; you ring a bell, and the door swings open to reveal a stunning contemporary loft space. Staff is friendly and quite helpful.

Gift Shop in Musee des Arts Decoratifs. An exciting assemblage of contemporary design including accessories, china and porcelain, objects for the home, toys and gifts.

In this informal corner spot with large windows facing the street, the ambiance is welcoming and tranquil.  The delicious simply prepared food comes from a wide range of locally sourced ingredients from the finest producers, and the wine list offers several organic choices.  To end the meal, there is the appealing Le Cafe Gourmand – coffee is served on a tray with small portions of creme brûlée, pound cake and a pot of rich chocolate ganache.  Les Fines Gueules is a good choice when you want a quiet tasty meal and aren’t seeking gastronomic adventure, and it’s open seven days a week.

Girbaud is known for high style clothing designed for sophisticated women of all ages. The innovative high-tech fabrics yield clothing that is a breeze to pack and can often be thrown in the washing machine. Hip men’s clothing is also part of the line. The staff is particularly helpful and charming.

The incomparable Monet Water Lilies are on display again after a lengthy renovation as well as the fascinating private collection of Walter-Guillaume which includes works by Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani.

Decorative arts are the stars here, including furniture, ceramics, porcelain, paintings, and objects d’art, ranging from late Middle Ages to the 21st century. The Museum has recently re-opened after a ten year renovation. The gift shop has a wonderful collection of contemporary design objects, including housewares, jewelry, purses and toys. The Museum restaurant, Le Saut de Loup, is an upbeat and lively lunch spot: www.lesautduloup.com

Another exquisite shop by the master of pastries and chocolates, Pierre Herme, and this time focusing specifically on his irresistible macarons and chocolates.

The charming rue Montorgueil is bursting with restaurants and tempting food shops selling fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread, pastries, fish, and meat.  On Sundays, the restaurants are open and even the food shops open until 1:30 bringing a lively and festive crowd to the street.

Sexy, comfortable, chic clothes from one of Paris’s top designers. The styles are geared to younger women, but there’s something for everyone. In addition to the clothing, we love her bags and shoes. The versatile canvas tote with sequins, the must-have bag for stylish Parisian women a few years ago, has become a classic and comes in canvas and leather and a variety of sizes. All the bags aren’t on display, but if you ask, the sales staff will reveal a treasure trove stored in the cabinets.

Vincent is an artist with an impeccable eye whose haircuts for women and men are brilliant for both straight and curly hair. He speaks English and is very thoughtful and charming. Vincent works at one of two salons, Edge or Coiffeur a Paris. The fee for a woman’s hair cut is approximately 100 Euros; check for current price.
Vincent can be reached directly at 20centcoiffeur@gmail.com.

Location, Location, Location. Superb people-watching and a table on the outside terrace facing the Louvre Pyramid and courtyard are the main reasons for recommending this expensive lunch break at the Louvre. There are also tables in the courtyard of the museum for just coffee.

A terrific choice for a quick lunch or snack near the Louvre. This sleek, high quality, fast food restaurant offers terrific healthy pre-made salads, sandwiches, soups and fresh fruit. There are other outlets located throughout Paris.

Trendy and chic, with a luxurious decor, this restaurant in the Hotel Costes is a delightful setting for lunch particularly in the summer when the courtyard is bathed in sunshine. Avoid a table in the back room which is Sibera.

In a lovely square located just off rue Saint-Honoré are several shops and cafes. Cuisine et Confidence is a convenient choice for a salad, omelet or sandwich. There is a lovely terrace for outdoor dining in nice weather and a simple modern stylish interior.  Parisians love it for the Saturday and Sunday brunch which is bustling.

This shop sells both prepackaged, loose chocolates and pastries; there is a small salon de thé upstairs. Le Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat in Paris awarded Hevin chocolate it’s highest rating. There are other shops in the 6e, 7e and 9e arrondissements. Favorite: dark chocolate.

This contemporary white space accented with pink lighting and black chairs and bathed in light from the courtyard is energized by a lively and upbeat crowd.  But the main virtue here is the location in the Musee des Arts Decoratifs; it’s also easily accessible to the Louvre through the courtyard doors. The menu ranges from  salads, carpacchio and burgers, to main courses of meat and fish. Favorites: shrimp salad with grapefruit, sundried tomatoes and greens; ice cream deserts; Laduree macaroons.

Airy and bright, this large room reflects the casual elegance of Maceo. The cuisine concentrates on simple preparations that emphasize the natural flavor and essence of the ingredients. Vegetables are celebrated here with a separate vegetarian menu. The results are light and flavorful, and the staff solicitous and efficient. And as this is the “sister” restaurant of Willi’s Wine Bar, it’s not surprising to find an excellent wine list with many reasonable choices. Favorites: salad with sautéed mushrooms; organic roast lamb with crispy polenta; roast bar with olives, dates, leeks and tomatoes; lentils and grains with grilled artichokes; anything chocolate.

Very chic, very stylish and very expensive women’s shoes.

A small, very informal bistro, with the same owner as Maceo, serving good bistro food.  Although the tables are tightly spaced, it’s a quiet ambiance so it’s easy to have a conversation. There is a three  course dinner for 35 euros and 26.50 euros at lunch  Favorites:  crab salad; roast lamb with carrots and white beans; terrine de chocolat