The Paris Traveler

This guest post is by Mary Jo Manzanares, Travel & Culture Channel Editor and travel blogger at Flyaway Cafe.
If the thought of a fine bag, a decadent pair of heels, or the feel of the fabric of a finely crafted suit makes you swoon, then an afternoon on the Champs-Élysées in Paris may be your definition of heaven.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées is not only one of the most recognized street names in Paris, but in the entire world, and is lined with luxury and specialty shops, theaters, cafes and restaurants.  Its name translates to "Elysian Fields" a reference to the …read more

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  Now that the holidays are behind us, it is time to look forward perhaps to resolutions made that may or may not still be in effect three weeks from now.   If you are like me and have thought about going into your closet and applying the one year rule (if I haven’t worn it in a year I never will) then being in Paris during the next five weeks is just what you need. 
 

  Starting January 9th it is “Soldes” time.  Unlike in the States where sales go on all the time,  France allows its retailers to put things on …read more

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I think I should be writing this post in February just in time for Valentine’s Day instead of in the middle of summer, but then again, what better time to parade around in beautiful lingerie bought at Sabbia Rosa than when the weather is warm.
What makes this lingerie shop different from so many others? For one, the owner known to everyone as Sabbia Rosa, is quite the quintessential Parisian woman who helps you understand that up until now you have been living in a world of frumpy under garments irregardless of what you’re actually wearing.  Unless, of course, it comes from her shop! (For shame! …read more

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Are you looking for a place where you can have a drink, listen to music, or perhaps just strike up a conversation with an interesting person? No, I’m not suggesting a trendy bar this time around, but you can drop into the Virgin Megastore on the Champs-Elysées where you’ll be able to do all three.
It’s one of those places where you can just hang out; put on headphones, listen to some great cds, all the while looking out the window, and watching the people strolling down the avenue. (Hundreds of thousands of people walk up and down the Champs-Elysées everyday!) …read more

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As everyone knows, Paris is the center of the gastronomic world, but not just for its wonderful restaurants, top culinary schools, or open air markets, but also for some of the best food emporiums you can find. Many of these places cannot be categorized simply as a grocery store or a bakery; food museums come to mind as a more accurate term for what can only be described as a gourmet’s paradise!
Here’s a list, in no particular order, of some of the best places to shop for groceries or desserts while in Paris. It’s a feast for the eyes as …read more

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The French have a great expression for window shopping, it’s called “le leche vitrine” which literally means, “to lick the window”. Well that’s exactly what I did when I use to go to work everyday for a group of international lawyers who have their offices on this avenue right off the Champs-Elysées. My philosophy was and still is, if your going to lick windows, then why not pick some of the best and most expensive windows to lick?!
The Avenue Montaigne is just the place. It is filled from one end of the street to …read more

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I found some great bargains at the shops in Bercy Village. This is a walking area full of boutiques, restaurants, pubs and a multi-plex movie theater not far from the Palais Omnisport and across from the Parc de Bercy. At one time this was the largest wine market in the world and the destination for wine coming in from the south of France.
The warehouses that were converted into specialty stores has something for just about everyone. It was fun going from shop to shop, tasting the Mediterranean olive oils and other goodies at Oliviers …read more

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Antiques lovers put on your walking shoes and get ready to spend the day at the biggest flea market in the world! The Marché aux Puces is any bargain-hunter’s dream, and if you love to barter, then you’ve come to the right place. The more knowledgeable you are, the better the deals you’ll make. Vendors love to talk about what they’re selling, but what they love even more, is a customer who knows and appreciates what they have to offer. (Most shopkeepers do speak some English in case your French isn’t up to par.)
Beware, however, it doesn’t mean that everything …read more

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This is one of my favorite boutiques in Paris for children’s clothes.  Style, quality, comfort, fun ideas, and vivid colors are all part of their trademark. They carry everything from hats, bags, footwear, backpacks, and accessories for every part of your child’s life.
The Miki House family consist of five distinct labels. Miki House First takes care of all your newborn and infant’s needs. Hot Biscuits are the fun everyday outfits that toddlers to young kids love, featuring cutsy type characters. Double B. is their American casual denim wear, while Miki House Collection is designed for more formal wear and special …read more

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