ELLE Escapes: Paris

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“There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris,” Ernest Hemingway once wrote in his acclaimed memoir, A Moveable Feast. Very wise words. Call it whatever you like: The City of Light, The City of Love, The Fashion Capital of the World, Paris is steeped in history and utterly charming at every turn.Whether you’re people-watching at a café, scoring designer pieces at a discount, or touring Emily in Paris filming locations (no judgment here), there’s simply so much happening in Paris that you’ll never, ever want to leave. Without further ado, here’s our roundup of editor-approved picks that you won’t want to miss. Bon voyage!What to See“Virgil Abloh: The Codes” at the Grand PalaisCourtesy of Le Grand PalaisThe legendary venue that has hosted many Chanel shows will soon welcome a new must-see exhibition. “Virgil Abloh: The Codes,” opening September 30, marks the first major European showcase of the late designer’s work. The retrospective will feature more than 20,000 archival pieces from his personal collections and collaborations—plus, of course, plenty of coveted merch.Galeries Lafayette Champs-ElyséesKarl HabGaleries Lafayette Champs-Elysées has added over 30 brands to its offering, including Insta-viral labels like Rixo, By Far, and Staud, none of which are French, but all of which are inherently stylish. With interactive displays and a curated selection of sustainable pieces, it’s a far cry from your average department store.La Vallée VillageCourtesy of The Bicester CollectionTurns out, the best shopping in Paris is just 40 minutes outside of the city at La Vallée Village. The high-end outdoor shopping center boasts over 100 luxury stores, including Bottega Veneta, Gucci, and Prada, plus live music, restaurants and coffee shops (including Ralph’s Coffee), and a bespoke shopping service where someone will carry your bags around so you don’t have to.Hermès Lift Profile Scarf 90Credit: CourtesyCeline Cat Eye SunglassesCredit: CourtesyRouje Kiki WalletCredit: CourtesyWhere to EatRestaurant de SersADRIEN OZOUFTucked inside the newly restored Hôtel de Sers in the Triangle d’Or, this discreet dining gem—once the private mansion of Henri-Léopold Charles—is a well-kept secret among those in the know. A serene escape from the buzz of the city, its hidden garden oozes with French charm, offering that rare mix of elegance and intimacy that feels unmistakably, irresistibly Paris.Bontemps PâtisserieCourtesy of Bontemps PâtisserieBright Lights Paris author and self-described Francophile Angie Niles swears by Bontemps Pâtisserie for its bite-size desserts and quiet, uncrowded tea salon in the back, appropriately dubbed “Le Jardin Secret” (a.k.a. The Secret Garden).LoulouMichel TréhetLocated in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs overlooking the Louvre, Loulou is a see-and-be-seen spot, not to mention a favorite among the fashion crowd. Fortunately, the food is just as good as the views and the hype. On its menu of French-Mediterranean fare, you’ll find grilled calamari, homemade veal, and chouquettes, a.k.a. French puff pastries filled with vanilla cream. And in case you weren’t aware, Loulou de la Falaise was a muse of Yves Saint Laurent.Balmain Frayed Tweed BlazerCredit: CourtesyChanel Crystal Ribbon BarretteNow 32% OffCredit: CourtesySee by Chloé Emily Flared Denim TrousersCredit: CourtesyWhere to DrinkBar HemingwayBernhard WinkelmannPay tribute to the legendary writer by enjoying a drink at his namesake haunt inside the Ritz Hotel. Plastered with photos of notable visitors and staffed with servers in white suits, the cozy bar is a piece of history—Hemingway’s typewriter is in full view.Le Perchoir MaraisSebastien RandeOn the rooftop of department store BHV Marais, Le Perchoir Marais is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and mingle against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, and the Hôtel de Ville. Emily would be proud.Bar 228 at Le MeuriceCourtesy of Le MeuriceJay-Z name-checked Le Meurice for good reason: The five-star hotel on the iconic Rue de Rivoli was historically referred to as “Hotel des Rois” (translation: Hotel of Kings) as a result of its frequent royal guests. Bar 228 is the perfect spot to cozy up with a cocktail and listen to nightly live jazz.& Other Stories Turtleneck Mini Knit DressNow 34% OffCredit: CourtesyAlmasika Sagesse Universum Petite StudsCredit: CourtesyMaje Knee-High BootsCredit: CourtesyWhere to StayThe Hoxton ParisCourtesy of Hoxton ParisNestled in the 2nd arrondissement, just steps from both the Opéra Garnier and the charming streets of Le Marais, the Hoxton Paris is ideally situated for exploring the heart of the city. Discover some of Paris’s best offerings just beyond its doors, from vintage boutiques to the Tuileries. Inside, modern rooms bring an updated touch to the hotel’s unqiuely preserved 18th-century exterior. Guests can unwind at the all-day brasserie Rivié or sip natural wines in the picturesque courtyard at Planche.Hôtel Plaza AthénéeCourtesy of the Hôtel Plaza AthénéeRemember that iconic scene in the Sex and the City finale when Carrie is swept off her feet at a reception desk after breaking her necklace? It was filmed at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, along with many other major moments in cinematic history. The property has long been and continues to be the go-to place for A-listers, and it houses two restaurants by French chef and former Top Chef winner Jean Imbert: Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée and Le Relais Plaza. What’s more, the property also just completed a massive renovation, which included a refresh of its iconic Royal Suite. With four bedrooms, a sauna, and views of the Eiffel Tower, the space allows its guests to bathe in true Parisian luxury.Le Grand Hôtel CayréJames McDonaldParis is full of incredible hotels, and Le Grand Hôtel Cayré is the latest one to know. Situated in the center of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, steps away from Café de Flore, the newly opened property from lifestyle hotel group Miiro was designed by Michaelis Boyd and features effortlessly cool, ’20s-inspired furnishings, an all-day brasserie, and 123 rooms (including two spacious suites with Eiffel Tower views).Da Capo Press I Put A Spell On You: The Autobiography of Nina SimoneNow 38% OffCredit: CourtesyAraks Waverly Underwire Bra HoneyLongchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag XLCredit: CourtesyBeauty PicksLa Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50Now 25% OffInstead of grabbing a heavy foundation, let your skin breathe with a French-based tinted moisturizer that is SPF 50. Even, hydrated, and protected skin? Oui, oui.Violette FR Frange Puff Dry Shampoo BrushIn case you didn’t already know, the ultimate French girl, Violette, has an eponymous line. If you want an easy, tousled look, grab this dry shampoo. You’ll have more time to explore the sights and less time to worry about your hair.Chanel Eau de Parfum SprayWhy mess with a classic? A spritz of Chanel Number 5 is always a good idea.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below