As we prepare for Paris fashion week, we are happy to share with you Maria Luisa's favorite spots in the city of lights and l'amour. Maria Luisa is the iconic retailer behind the eponymous shop, that recently closed so she could focus on other projects, such as her incredible clothing line that is available at OC shops and online. The lovely photos are by Ami Sioux. Merci, Maria!

EAT

Ferdi (Maria's sister Alicia's restaurant)
32, rue du Mont Thabor
75001 Paris
t/ 01 42 60 82 52
"I don't really have to advertise for it -  I never did actually - and it's always packed, always booked! Unfortunately, they are closed for lunch except for Saturday brunch, but they're open every night. They have the best cheeseburger in town and a mix of family comfort food (mac and cheese) and latin dishes (ceviche...) Jacques, Alicia's husband, also prepares the best margaritas and cocktails - watch out, the third one might be lethal!"

Bob's Kitchen
74, rue des Gravilliers
75003 Paris
t/ 09 52 55 11 66
"After he opened his famous juice bar in the 10th, Bob set up in the Marais with his great fruit and vegetable juices and organic stews. I love their perfect, healthy and yummy pancakes and especially their delicious brunch on the weekend! They are only open for lunch, though sometimes for dinner on Thursdays with a piano playing situation too!"

Usagi
58, rue de Saintonge
75003 Paris
t/ 0148 87 28 85
"Meaning 'rabbit' in Japanese, this is a special place for new Japanese cuisine with a twist. The portions are small, but everything is a delight for the senses! All in a very amusing decor."

Breizh Café
109, rue Vieille du Temple
75003 Paris
t/ 01 42 72 13 77
"Simply the best crêpes, not only in town, but probably in France - never tasted anything better. Good price, large selection - impeccable!"

Chez Georges
1, rue du Mail
75002 Paris
t/ 01 42 60 07 11
"Authentic, legendary bistrot/brasserie. Very unpretentious, no chichi, great food - a true Parisian experience."

PLAY

"My favorite summer hang out is Buttes Chaumont, where you can picnic, play around, have a siesta in the park... Then have fun, drink and dance at Rosa Bonheur, which is very bobo-family at lunch and dinner on the weekend."

Parc des Buttes Chaumont: 19th arrondissement.


SHOP

Maria Luisa at Printemps of course!
Printemps
64, bvd Haussmann
75009 Paris
"I have never been that fond of department stores but since Printemps's refurbishment i am spending more and more time there... they have a great selection, the space is modern and welcoming, and it's close to my house!"

Galignani 
224 rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
"The most chic interntaional bookstore in Paris."

Librairie Parallèles
47, rue Saint Honoré
75001 Paris
"Music, books, essays, from Krautrock to Noam Chomsky, from Situationism to Franck Zappa, culture and counter-culture, all in one store."

Blaq Out
52, rue Charlot
75003 Paris
"They are DVD publishers with their own store full of movie rarities, classics... Very inspirational and exciting."

Editions de Parfums - Frédéric Malle.
21, rue du Mont Thabor 75001 Paris
"Not a brand in particular, but a tribute to the 'nez', each perfume comes freely from its own creator. They also have a very unique and new home perfuming device, 'Fleur mécanique', a red cube that you charge like a mobile."


DRINK

"Of course the usual André hang outs... my favorite is next to Café de Flore ( another favorite, no wonder when you are a Parisian , sometimes clichés are good, plus the service is always perfect and the Welsh Rarebit exceptional):
Le Montana
28, rue Saint Benoît
75006 Paris
"Designed with the help of genius Vincent Darré ( who incidentally had his own boutique, Maison Darré, on our street, 32, rue du Mont Thabor with furniture and limited edition objects that you can't find anywhere else...)

Le Progrès
1 rue de Bretagne
75003 Paris
"The hotspot to see and to be seen in Marais, always fun and great meeting place. Perfect for apéros."


STAY

"I am not to familiar with the boutique hotel concept in Paris ( even though André's Hotel Amour is charming and very new, 8 rue de Navarin 75009 Paris t/01 48 78 31 80), and I think the full Parisian experience comes with the very grand and classical hotels : Ritz for right bank, Lutetia for left bank."

WALK

"Paris is such a delight for the eyes. Walking around Tuileries Gardens, or on the left bank, around rue de seine and by the river until Conciergerie and the flower market in Ile de la Cité, crossing the river and admiring the view is a very soothing, peaceful moment. Paris is a city that is enjoyed mostly by walking."





FILED UNDER: maria luisa , paris , usa vs. france , travel , shopping , ferdi , printemps