Here we leave you with a few recommendations so that you can spend a weekend in Paris like a local.
Nightlife
Le Montana – Le Montana is the hottest and most exclusive club in Paris. Owned by Le Baron’s Andre Saravia and Purple Mag’s Oliver Zahm, Le Montana is the preferred spot for Paris’s creatives, fashionistas, and models. If you can’t crack the door, check Zahn’s blog for a look at what you are missing. 28 rue Saint-Benoît 75006
Le Baron – Along with Le Montana, Le Baron is another spot where the city’s creatives love to hang out. It’s another tough door to get past with only a capacity of around 100 people. Now with locations in Tokyo and New York, it’s clear that Le Baron is here to stay. 6 Avenue Marceau, 75008 http://www.clublebaron.com/
Club Silencio – Silencio is a private club, where only members and their guests are allowed to enter before midnight. It’s located in the basement of 142 Montmarte street, a mythical address that was once the home to the two socialist newspapers L’Humanité and L’Aurore. The space is inspired by David Lynch’s classic Mulholland Drive, with an interior designed by the director himself, which makes for a surreal experience. 142 rue Montmartre 75002 http://silencio-club.com/
Dining Out
Hôtel Costes – Hôtel Costes was designed with the maxim “all thing in excess” and its aptly reflective in the pure opulence of the space. This jewel remains a hot spot, after more than 10 years of hype, and is worth checking out for hedonistic ambience. The hotel is also known for the mixtapes that their resident DJ, Stéphane Pompougnac puts out every year, the most recent one being Hotel Costes Vol. 15. 239 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 http://www.hotelcostes.com/
Le Thoumieux – Opened since 1923, Le Thoumieux reamined unchanged until 2009 when Thierry Costes and his partner Jean-Francois Piege tastefully refurbished the place. The redesign kept the classic decor in place, while making just a few modern additions. Most importantly the food remains exceptional, and won’t break the bank. 79 rue Saint-Dominique 75007 http://www.thoumieux.fr/
Le Bigarrade – There is no set menu at La Bigarrade but Chef Christophe Pelé does not disappoint with his 8 course market-inspired creations. The tiny dining room only has 20 seats, each with a view of the open kitchen. 106 rue Nollet 75017 http://www.bigarrade.fr/
Must Have
Colette – Similar to NYC’s Opening Ceremony, Colette is a three story concept store that offers a blend of designer clothing, art, accessories, books, and collaborative designs. Also check out the basement Water Bar, which offers more than 100 types of mineral water. 213 rue Saint-Honoré 75001 http://www.colette.fr/
APC+ – APC’s surplus store offers last season’s still chic APC stock at a deep discount (around 50% off). A real gift for fans of APC, here you can find their Parisian street wear including denim, dresses, jackets, and accessories. 20 rue Andre del Sarte 75018 http://www.apc.fr/
Merci – The recently opened Merci was opened by philantropist Marie-France Cohen in an renovated factory space in the heart of Le Marais. The boutique carries clothing from Stella McCartney, Yves Saint Laurent, and Azzaro at 30% discounts along with vintage pieces, used picks, and knick-knacks. All profits from Merci are donated to charity, giving you another reason to splurge at Merci. 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais 73003 http://www.merci-merci.com/