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Here are some treasures from our strolls around Paris. There may be similar spots, just as good (what Paris does, it does well) - but these are our favorite hangs. Enjoy.
Department Store · Chaussée-d'Antin · 842 tips and reviews
Anders Sjöstedt: Start in the main building and take in the amazing dome. Then head across to the Homme building (skyway on 1st floor) and go one floor up to the Gourmet department. Bliss.
10 rue Saint-Florentin (Rue Saint Honoré), Paris, Île-de-France
Tea Room · Place Vendôme · 40 tips and reviews
Anders Sjöstedt: Classy Japanese tea room that both serves lunch/dinner and tea menus. Good for an afternoon boost after some shopping along rue Faubourg Saint Honore.
Chocolate Store · Place Vendôme · 57 tips and reviews
Anders Sjöstedt: Downstairs is the chocolate shop, upstairs the salon serving tea or hot chocolate - accompanied with the delicacies from downstairs, of course.
Anders Sjöstedt: Galerie Vivienne is probably one of the most serenely beautiful indoor spots in Paris. There's a tea salon, but we usually opt for the bistro by the entrance. Eat, drink, read a book, watch people.
Anders Sjöstedt: Jan Machenhauer designs amazing cashmere scarfs, hand-made in India. The shop (map is slightly off, you enter from the Palais garden) shows a few items, the rest is pulled out from boxes piled high.
Anders Sjöstedt: No matter where we stay, we tend to schlepp across town for breakfast, lunch or a snack. The look is more Paris than Paris itself, but the quality is excellent and the neighborhood vibe is real.
Anders Sjöstedt: The name may give off a touristy vibe, but it's the real deal. Galettes (the savoury crepes) are a perfect lunch meal, and there's still room for a crepe suzette. And for Paris, it's a bargain.
Anders Sjöstedt: Always a good spot for photo/design exhibitions (check www.paris.si.se for programming) and a very cute Swedish cafe with fresh cinnamon rolls. Tue-Sun 12-18.
24-26 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris, Île-de-France
Leather Goods Store · Madeleine · 52 tips and reviews
Anders Sjöstedt: The flagship store on rue Faubourg Saint-Honore, not just for scarf lovers. The menswear line (designed by Veronique Nichanian) is probably the sharpest of all the Paris houses right now.
53 bis rue des Francs Bourgeois, Paris, Île-de-France
French Restaurant · Hôtel-de-Ville · 24 tips and reviews
Anders Sjöstedt: The restaurant under the domed roof is a bit naff, but the tea salon by the entrance is very cozy. Bird themed illustrations on the wall are cool.
Parc du Château de Versailles (Allée des Deux Trianons), Versailles, Île-de-France
Palace · Château · 15 tips and reviews
Anders Sjöstedt: Take the RER from just south of Notre Dame straight to Versailles. See the main palace if you must, but don't miss Marie Antoinette's little getaway. Our reaction: "We could totally live here."
Anders Sjöstedt: They have several sites across town and they're all good. Amazing charcuteries and a solid wine list (try the Pessac-Léognan they have on glass, it's superb).
Anders Sjöstedt: Amazing little restaurant for lunch or dinner, hidden on a quiet little alley next to the bustle of Centre Pompidou. Book if you want to sit outside on the terrace. Cash only, closed Mondays.