How to see it all:
Vélib' Métropole is the easiest and chicest way to skip the traffic. There are docking stations all over the city, and it will only cost around five-euro a day. Not to mention the ‘electrique’ option - for those who are offended by incidental exercise (me).
Bookstores:
83 Quai de Valmy, 75010
This concept store is sitting along the Canal Saint-Martin. More than a bookstore, the space not only showcases hard-to-find books but this is also where you can find up-and-coming artists exhibiting their works at night. The perfect spot to mingle with the hip, young and creative Parisians.
37 Rue de la Bûcherie, 75005
While this was an obvious choice, I do think it is worth battling the tourists for the visit. Shakespeare and co is perhaps the most famous bookstore in the world; not to mention sitting on golden real estate, directly facing Paris' River Siene. You can also pep-yourself-up for the day, with an espresso at the in-house café.
35 Rue Bonaparte, 75006
Full disclosure - I might cry if I see another hardcopy of ‘Mykonos Muse’ in someones living room. However, Librairie Assouline on Rue Bonaparte piques is truely something else. Sitting in the beautiful neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Près, this store holds a page for every other beautiful neighbourhood, hotel, art house and cultural phenomenon of the world. I guess that is the magic of Assouline..
45-46-47 Gal Vivienne, 75002
Galerie Vivienne is now considered the most beautiful passageway in Paris, and when it opened in 1826 Librairie Jousseaume was the original tenant. The passageway floor is covered in mosaic and an antique cupola is guarding the light-drenched glass roof. François Jousseaume’s great-grandfather acquired the store in 1890, and the rest is history. Speaking of history, it is here, you will find rare and second-hand books, stretching across the years 1700 to present.
Museums:
During high season the galleries and museums are total tourist trap. Skip the queues and take yourself lesser-known favourites.
77 Rue de Varenne, 75007
The Musée Rodin in Paris, France, is a museum that was opened in 1919, dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Sitting just outside Paris in Rodin's old home, the Billa des Brilliants at Meudon, is where you will find some of Rodin's major works. The Thinker, The Burghers of Calais and The Gates of Hell.
2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016
Musée Marmottan is sitting in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, nestled on a corner of The Bois de Boulogne. It is here, where you will find the world's largest collection of Claude Monet's masterpieces (from Impression, Sunrise to the water lilies). The temporary exhibitions are some of the most looked forward to, during Paris's cultural season.
Florists:
30 rue Henry Monnier 75009
Pierre Banchereau is forever reimagining the classic composition. Drawing his inspiration from 17th-century paintings, fused with his own take on modern artistry. The studio is located in hedonist precinct of South Pigalle, which is reflected in his audacious design choices. His inherent knack for curation ensures every detail is considered - right down to the eclectic choice of vase.
10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010
The Bleuet Coqelicot is the kind of place you would only ever expect to find in Paris. Practically spilling out onto the sidewalk is this quaint little florist, sitting amid the bustle of Canal St. Martin. A place were you will mostly find locals, who are coming for their fresh blooms and to sip on an espresso via Ten Belles (the hole-in-the-wall coffee shop next door).
Spa:
17 Place Vendôme, 75001
The Ritz assembled the holy-grail of beauty offerings amid its August redesign. Biologique Recherche was signed across all treatments, in the beauty-chair is Serge Luten and arguably the most iconic hairdresser in Paris - David Mallet, was appointment as the in-house salon.
The club-house pool is undoubtably the crowned jewel of the Ritz, and has remained relatively untouched. The pool is encased in over six-hundred-thousand mosaics, and is sat below its iconic ‘trompe l’oeil’ sky ceiling.
Bakery:
It is v unlikely you will have any trouble finding a baguette in Paris, so let me share something a little harder to come by – really good sourdough…
39 Rue des Vinaigriers, 75010
Leading the pack of new-generation Parisians, who simply cannot bear the thought of *another* baguette, is Ten Belles Bread. Located a few blocks back from the Canal Saint-Martin, is this bakery turned café. It is here, you can take a seat in the courtyard and spend your morning sipping on a Brûlerie de Belleville espresso. Ten Belles can now also be found in the 6th and the 11th.