Their rules for inclusion on the list, devised specifically for antiques
shoppers in Paris, were simple though strict. They demanded hospitality
and gracious service, especially regarding hotels and restaurants. Second,
no source would be excluded simply because it appeared in guidebooks,
or was crowded, or was well-known. Finally, every source had to be, by
consensus, the best in its category. And while there may be no incontrovertible
list of the very best to be found in Paris, the sources that follow--forged
of the hard mettle of the everyday Parisian experience and fired with
fierce Gallic pride--are nearly impossible to beat.
ANTIQUES DEALERS: LEFT BANK
Philippe Vichot
37 rue de Lille
011-33-1-40-15-00-81
Alb Antiquités
3 rue de Lille
011-33-1-47-03-45-58
Captier-Barnes
13 rue de Lille
011-33-1-42-61-16-00
Chastel-Aline
5 rue Bonaparte
011-33-1-40-46-82-61
Chollet Vuaillat
44 rue de Lille
011-33-1-42-61-28-08
Galerie Yves Gastou
12 rue Bonaparte
011-33-1-53-73-00-10
Maroun
Salloum
17B quai Voltaire
011-33-1-40-15-95-01
Olivier Watelet
11 rue Bonaparte
011-33-1-43-26-07-87
ANTIQUES DEALERS: RIGHT BANK
Bernard Steinitz
16 av. Matignon
011-33-1-42-89-40-50
Didier
Aaron et Cie
118 rue Faubourg St.-Honor
011-33-1-47-42-47-34 Galerie
du Passage
20 Galerie Vro-Dodat
011-33-1-42-36-01-13 Galerie
Eric Philippe
25 Galerie Vro-Dodat
011-33-1-42-33-28-26 Michel
Meyer
24 av. Matignon
011-33-1-42-66-62-95. BEST GARDEN
Jardin du Palais-Royal, place du Palais-Royal, a splendid formal
garden with an 18th-century arcade on three sides that houses several
of the best shops and one of the best restaurants in Paris, Le Grand
Véfour, 17 rue de Beaujolais, 011-33-1-42-96-56-27. The small,
very Parisian bar outside the northwest corner of the garden is
a favorite of Prince Albert de Broglie, whose shop, Le Prince Jardinier, 37 rue Valois, 011-33-1-42-60-37-13, is in the garden arcade.
BEST SHOP FOR MEN'S AND WOMEN'S CLASSIC CLOTHES
Unanimous agreement on the very smart, all-French company, Old England,
12 bd. des Capucines, 011-33-1-47-42-81-99, which begins with English
classic styles and gives them a distinctly French, classic twist.
BEST FRENCH KITCHEN SUPPLIES
La Bovida
36 rue Montmartre
011-33-1-42-36-09-99
BEST BAKERY
Moulin de la Vierge
The French are highly opinionated about the proper
qualities of their baguettes, pains de campagne, and other breads. The
crust must be medium crisp and well-browned;
the interior should be soft, fully cooked, and flaky. The Moulin de la
Vierge bakery lives up to the standards of the Parisian connoisseur.
BEST HOTEL
Hôtel Meurice
228 rue de Rivoli
011-33-1-44-58-10-10
Hôtel Meurice offers a perfect location,
spectacular renovation, and gracious staff.
BEST ROOFED SHOPPING ARCADE
Galerie Vivienne
is at the edge of the place des Victoires. It houses many designer and
avant garde shops:
Nathalie Garçon
15 Galerie Vivienne
011-33-1-40-20-14-00
home accessories
Jean Paul Gaultier Boutique (at end of the gallery)
6 rue Vivienne
011-33-1-42-86-05-05: ladies' and men's clothing
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