You have never tasted anything like the unpasteurized bliss available in special Paris shops- check "points de vente" on pascalbeillevaire.com

Butter is not even mentioned on the website (merely their cheese) so go to the shop best suited to your whereabouts and buy a package or two of beurre cru croquant. Bliss bliss bliss.

Choose the shop that best suits your own Paris address via www.pascalbeillevaire.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

It's a short metro ride away from the glamour of high street shopping so was it worth it? While my Parisian friends told me they don't shop there, as the area is not very 'chic', I actually found some very good discounts and, surprisingly, some new season items, slightly discounted albeit with tiny flaws.

I found two great bargains at Cacharel that made the metro ride worthwhile. A cropped wollen jacket, rabbit-fur trimmed lapel €660 reduced to €120 and a frilly high-neck silk blouse reduced from €320 to €90.

There's also a great selection of clothes for children of all ages: girls’ embroidered cardigans at a ridiculous €30, boys' suits from €100 as well as lots of cashmere twin sets around €80-120. The ground floor is dedicated to monsieur.

Also impressive are the two Sonia Rykiel stores which had some wonderful knitted suits at very reasonable prices. As France’s 'queen of knits' you can be assured of quality and pick up tops in bright colours for under €100; her two stores had last season’s stock greatly reduced. You won’t believe the incredibly cute young girls and baby SR range. You’ll also find bags and shoes in those bright trademark colours. If you like these two brands, then ‘bon route’.

A few other stores promised Armani and Dolce & Gabbanna but disappointed. Others had a great selection of French brand names, Gerard Darel, Naf Naf but at the same price as the 5th! I did find some American Retro ‘timeless’ T-shirts for around €30. It is fun bargain hunting and, if I had more time, I would have done more shopping.

Shops are generally open Monday after 2pm then Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 7pm. I found most opened during the lunch hour (however the smaller ones may close).

Cacharel – 114 rue d'Alésia, Métro: Alésia, t: 01 45 42 53 04 or more details at www.myweekin.net

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Abbesses is best described as a little 'village' on the edge of central Paris, easily accessible by the metro and possibly my favorite place in the world.
When I first visited Paris I was so disappointed by what seemed to my untrained eye as just another grey city - too busy, too full and too confusing. The moment I stepped off the metro at Abbesses, I saw the Paris I had dreamed of - cobbled streets, little parks, beautiful buildings and most of all a calm yet creative and highly inspirational (to the artist in me) atmosphere.

I don't need to list off the best places to shop and eat here because it is all so compact, you can wander round for hours, without feeling exhausted, and discover the endless hidden gems of vintage stores and cafes that not only have the friendliest staff in the whole of Paris but one of which serves their coffee (or herbal tea if you prefer) in bowls! It's just the nicest, coolest place I've ever been to. Great for the young, and the young at heart.

Central Paris (Eurostar recommended, it just saves so much hassle!) Metro stop: Abbesses

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Here you can find whatever you want to cook exactly like in China, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam or India.

A whole supermarket with fresh products imported from the whole Asian continent at bargain prices. Located in the Paris Chinatown which is also worth a visit.

44 Avenue d'IVRY
+33 1 44 06 88 18
Métro Olympiades

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Forget those designer boutiques and get on the metro to head to the Place d'Aligre for a fascinating market full of clothes, antiques and world goods (particularly great for African crafts).

There really is something more enjoyable about grabbing a bargain at the market than flashing the credit card down the Champs Elysees!

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If, like me, you want on occasion to feel like a true Parisian and don't have an aversion to early mornings then why not try the Bastille open market on a Sunday morning.

The range of fresh fish, bread, vegetables, cheeses and wine is truly mouth watering and all at very reasonable prices. Your euro here goes a long way towards sampling the very best of French food.

The market is huge and the atmosphere intoxicating in terms of a real Parisian experience and can't be recommended highly enough to the discerning visitor.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Lavinia wine bar on Boulevard de la Madeleine is a must for anyone who fancies themselves as a wine buff. You can browse three storeys of wine from around the world (but mostly French, of course) including an incredible selection of champagne magnums and a temperature-controlled fine wine cellar. But the best part is the top floor wine bar where you can choose from a decent selection of wines by the glass or pick any bottle of wine from the store and drink at shop price! And with bottles ranging from under 10 euro to 22,000 there’s something for all budgets.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Get lost in the cobbled streets of the Marais district, and stumble upon Oliviers & Co, purveyors of the finest quality produce, sourced from artisan crafters of olive oil and other Mediterranean foodstuffs.

The multi-lingual staff will even give you advice on how to integrate your truffle-infused olive oil into your next dinner party menu! Emerge laden with natural olive oil beauty products, speciality breads to wow your guests back home and return on the Eurostar with your own Oliviers & Co olive tree!

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Formerly near metro Filles de Calvaire, Ground Zero records, at 23 rue Ste Marthe, in the 10th, is an excellent shop, specialising in indie, post-rock and leftfield.

It stocks lots of vinyl and carries fliers for gigs. It's a million miles away from the megastores.

en.groundzero.fr

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Want to spend a hip afternoon and night in Paris? First you need a cool outfit, so go to Citadium, the Printemps branch for cool kids.

Then head to l'Hôtel Amour where you will have apéritif and dinner in the lovely courtyard. You can also sleep there in one of their stylish rooms.

After that, head over to the restaurant Georges on the top of Centre Pompidou to have coffee while enjoying an awesome view of Paris.

Finally, join the fashionistas for a trendy night at the small but hip Paris-Paris Club, if the bouncer lets you inside bien sûr.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

For discounted Chloe, go to a little un-named shop on the south side of Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud between Rue Amelot and Blvd Voltaire in the Marais. Great selection at prices more than 50% off retail.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The downside of a weekend in Paris, people say, is that it closes on a Sunday. Not around the Rue des Martyrs it doesn’t.

Just by St Georges Metro, fifteen minutes from the Gare du Nord and Eurostar, lies this wonderful untouristy very French part of Paris with a Sunday morning market to buy your pastries, cheese, charcuterie, fish, wine, chocolate and second hand books.

Stay in the Trois Poussins hotel for discreet affordable luxury, and who could resist the No Stress Café across the road which does exactly what it says on the tin?

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

For an authentic Parisian experience, visit the market on Rue Mouffetard (Latin Quarter) on a Sunday morning. Start at the top end, enjoy a coffee in Cafe Delmas in pretty Place Contrescarpe, then work your way down the narrow cobbled street, fresh fruit, veg, meat and cheese either side, then turn left onto Rue Monge before finishing off your shopping at the market in Place Monge.
If you've got time, nip across the road to see Paris' very own Roman amphitheatre (reconstructed).

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Traveling with kids to Paris? Need a place to let them burn off steam between the bateau-mouches and the Louvre? Then hit the trampolines and carousel in the Tuiliieres gardens.

After they get thirsty head to Angelina's (Angélina 226, rue de Rivoli) for chocolat chaud. Do this before the crowds arrive here and at the Louvre.

Another tip for children is to head to Sacre Coeur for the farmers' market on top of the hill on weekends, jugglers on the church steps and the carousel at the bottom.

Need a new children's shirt to replace the one covered in hot chocolate? There are some good bargain department stores on your way back to the Metro station.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Even if you only have one day, you can see Paris in two completely different eras.

First, stop by Collette, a concept store for clothing, technology and food that is truly ahead of the times. Not planning to buy anything? You’re still sure to enjoy looking at the most stylish goods and people Paris has to offer.

Afterwards, visit Mariage Freres, the oldest French tea house which dates back to the 1600s. With over 500 different varieties to choose from, taste what’s commonly referred to as the best tea in the world or bring it back as the perfect souvenir.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Juilen Aujeau and his wife Claire Barbier run the best wine shop I've ever visited in my life. They don't really have a 'passion' for wine, it is more like a joy which they feel compelled to share!

My wife and I spent over two hours there during our honeymoon (and my wife is only mildly interested in wine). Julien even gave us a bottle as a wedding present! Incredible people.

You can find "Julien Caviste" at 50 rue Charlot.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If, like me, you know that going to Paris means going clothes shopping then here is a treat: mens’ and ladies’ wear shop Comptoir du Marais.

It has two floors packed with stylish but wearable designs by young French designers and is unbelievably cheap! The shop has a tea room and small gallery where you can relax with your bags - inevitably full of clothes you have just bought. Tucked away at the end of Rue des Mauvais Garcons (street of the naughty boys) in the heart of gay Paris – this boutique is well-behaved wallet-pleasing fun.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Looking for some cheap and cheerful shopping? Fairly near the Gare du Nord is a wonderful shop called 'Taties'. It occopies a whole block and is a perfect Aladdin's cave full of bargains.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The baccarat glass museum near metro Chateau d'eau is a gem. Wonderful exhibits and, if you can't afford the original baccarat paperweights (they're expensive!), you can buy fine glassware at discount prices in the shops in the quartier.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Take a packed lunch bought in the fine food department on to the rooftop of Le Printemps for the most luxurious/cheapest/freshest lunch with the best views over the city.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends