by George Read
Shopping in Paris
Writer and inveterate world traveler George Read called up some of his old friends--a mix of natives of Paris and well-traveled expatriates--and asked them to contribute to an elite list: a Parisian's best of the best
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

Where the locals shop in Paris
Senior contributing editor George Read, once a resident, tells us when in Paris, do as the savvy Parisians do
READ MORE

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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