Paris: Galeries Lafayette, Pigalle, and Saint Germain
// SMUDGE - Paris Part 3: Galeries Lafayette, Pigalle, Berthillion, and More Saint Germain //
- Filled to order cream puffs at La Maison du Chou
Tucked in a little court yard in Saint Germain is La Maison du Chou, an adorable little bakery that specializes in cream puffs that are pipped with a fresh cream of your choice ( vanilla, chocolate, or coffee ) when you order them. I got three in vanilla and walked along the river to enjoy my cream puffs in the Tuileries Garden. These babies ended up being divine! Not too sweet, super creamy, a bit of salt, and just the right amount of chewiness, I can’t wait to go back and try the other flavors.
- Latest Airbnb
My Airbnb for this week was located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris directly between metro stations St. Georges and Pigalle. The area is very interesting as it is about a 7 min. walk from Moulin Rouge which is essentially the red light district of Paris but also has tons of very cool hipster esque clothing shops and restaurants. This leads to every street being a new adventure from seeing a bar called Dirty Dick to the next street having a line around the block for made-to-order trendy flavored waffles. The apartment was across from a picturesque cobble stone square with 5 different themed cafes in a row. The flat itself was just the right size for two people and decorated with perfect Parisian hipster flare, so I totally felt like a local living in the area.
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- Frenchie ToGo aka the best place for lunch in Paris.
Nantes born chef Gregory Marchand acquired his nickname “frenchie “ while working under Jamie Oliver in London and at Gramercy Tavern in New York. His restaurant Frenchie is now one of the best modern bistros in Paris but I have to wait until my mid July reservation to fill you in on my dinning experience there. Luckily though two doors down Chef Marchand opened Frenchie ToGo, a lunch spot of street food imagined with a sense of homemade and attention to detail that characterizes that of the chef. I cannot get enough of this place! I have already been three times and I am sure I'll be going back for even more. I have gotten the lobster roll every single time because it is absolute perfection. The roast beef, reuben, and meatball sandwiches are all fantastic as well.
- The department store of all department stores le Galeries Lafayette.
I had to pinch myself numerous times while walking around the department store of my ultimate shopping fantasies. Galeries Lafayette has every single designer I love from high end to fast fashion all under one absolutely gorgeous roof. I lusted after ridiculously priced items from Chloe, Celine, and Missoni, browsed through more realistic splurges from Phillip Lim, Helmut Lang, and Acne Studios, was happy to see some of my newly acquired favorite french brands such as Sandro, APC, Zadig & Voltare, and 11 Paris, and couldn't believe Zara, Anthropologie, and Top Shop were all in the same mix as well! Basically, I found my dream home. Also every Friday afternoon they have a fashion show on the top floor that was an extra added fun experience. Click here to reserve your seats.
- Ice cream from Berthillion is totally worth looking like a silly tourist.
So as I have mentioned before anything Anthony Bourdain eats is something I want to eat. He is infamous for documenting true locals food from where he visits and usually stays away from gimmicky places. So when Tony suggests to go to a touristy spot you know it’s gotta be damn good. This is truly the case for Berthillion ice cream. I waited in a line of tourists for a good 30 mins before getting up to the counter of pretty french women scooping this ultra flavorful ice cream. I got the salted butter caramel and the speculoos (cookie butter as we call it in the states) flavors. The speculoos was super yum but the salted caramel was mind blowing. Apparently the amount of cream they use makes the ice cream melt super fast but of course also makes it tastes sooo creamy and the depth of flavor was unlike any other. If you are ever in Paris, Berthillion should be added to your can’t miss list.
- Diptyque flagship store visit on 34 Saint Germain.
One of my many guilty pleasures is collecting expensive fancy candles and Diptyque candles are my absolute favorite. Diptyque’s flagship store’s address 34 Saint Germain is printed on every candle’s label so I’ve always wanted to go. The decor of the shop was reminiscent of an old library mixed with a mossy meadow you would imagine seeing a fairy in. The whole vibe was something truly magical and the scent of the shop was so unique it is no wonder why they made Candle 34 based on the smell of the legendary boutique.
Stayed tuned for more details of my living in France adventure!