A Stylist's Guide to Navigating the Streets of Paris

While we often turn to stylists for, well, styling advice, there’s no denying that a chic eye goes a long way in other spheres of life. One that’s particularly important to us? Travel. While it’s easy to spend hours scouring travel websites trying to determine which advice is legit and which will lead you into a tourist trap, sometimes you just want someone to tell it to you straight.

So upon her return from Paris, we couldn’t help but ask stylist Cat Pope to do just that. As expected, she shared some amazing shopping tips—but the guide below will make it exceedingly clear that when travelling, the realm of style extends far beyond just clothing. From the best places to stay to where to spend a rainy afternoon, Pope’s advice will ensure you have the chicest Parisian holiday possible. Whether you’re about to book a flight to France or just need a mid-week daydream to pick you up, keep scrolling to read more about this stylist’s must-do list in the City of Lights.

Where to stay

"It's important to find the right neighbourhood for you and your vacation goals by doing yourself a favour and ditching the tourist traps right off. Ideal neighbourhoods (or arrondissements) for those in search of a fun and, of course, highly “grammable” stay are Le Marais or South Pigalle. On this trip, I split my time between the two.

Le Marais is a steadfast choice for those after a fruitful “Parisian” experience. It has the perfect blend of art galleries, boutiques and​ ​cafes​ ​all embodying the essence of the city. I loved meandering through the cobblestone streets, stopping in at vintage stores and also enjoyed the smaller luxury boutiques that felt more fresh and relevant than their big cohorts on Champs-Élysées.

This time I stayed at the exquisite ​Hotel Petite Moulin​. The building was formerly a boulangerie, but it's been cleverly updated into one of the best boutique hotels I've ever stayed in. I instantly fell in love with the quirky and eccentric decor which was done by Christian Lacroix. Normally such intensity isn’t my style, but the rooms are magical. Ours was decorated with serene stars and moons which, along with the freestanding bathtub, were relaxing after days spent exploring the city on foot.

In South Pigalle you will have a different experience altogether. This is undeniably the cool area of Paris. I chose to stay in an incredible Airbnb apartment that was decorated in lively and vibrant bohemian decor that had so much energy and colour! The area has great nightlife, offering everything from tiki bars to chic clubs. You must eat at ​Pink Mama​ because it's cool and delicious... and you also must visit the ​Pigalle technicolor basketball court​, just because." 

Where to hang

Main tourist attractions aside, there is still so much to do in Paris, and I loved delving in and seeing the colourful underbelly. On one particular rainy day, we chose to visit the ​European Photographic Museum​rather than one of the bigger art museums. It's a space full of exhibits and at the time included an extensive one on Marlene Dietrich. It's definitely a refreshing venue nestled amongst the cobblestone streets of Le Marais.

Just outside of the main hub of the city is the ​Fondation Louis Vuitton​. It's an incredible piece of Frank Gehry architecture, so both the building and the exhibits are the entertainment. We were lucky to visit when there was a really compelling modern art exhibition on which included many of the heavyweights you long to see from Warhol, de Koonig, Dali and Kahlo amongst many others. It’s a must do!

Of course, if you’d prefer to chill with a glass of wine or a cocktail, there are endless options here too. People-watching at Hôtel Costes​ is always an amazing experience, thanks to the moody decor. Alternatively, the cocktail bar, ​Andy Wahloo​, (which is tucked next to our favourite restaurant Derrière) ​is a great spot for music, cocktails, and dancing for those game enough to hit the tiny flashing dance floor."

Where to Shop

This is where I really had fun on this trip. Like most, I always enjoyed raiding Zara, Sandro and Galeries Lafayette; ​but after a little extra digging and asking around, this time I discovered some incredible gems. Merci Merci​ is notable both for its canteen and for its shopping. Their homewares, linens and fashion offerings are well worth the buying that extra suitcase. The blend of new and exciting brands mixed with old favourites such as Isabel Marant together in a colourful and airy multi levelled department store were a dream to explore.

Cross the river for another lust worthy amalgamation of everything from furniture to gifts was The Conran Shop:​ A huge space spanning several floors where anyone could busy themselves for a while, whether it be through endless chic bathroom products, fun (and totally necessary) stationary, or even incredible colour combinations of linens and soft furnishings.

From The Conran Shop, you can walk to two other new favourites. The first being the glorious Assouline​ book store, which is a haven for those in need of inspiration whether fashion, art, or travel. Neither price nor suitcase weight-friendly but well worth the visit regardless. Then there’s Buly 1803​, which is the pinnacle of chic products and accoutrements for your bathroom. From coriander toothpaste to hand carved tortoise shell combs, this store is a treat for all of the senses!

The last non-fashion rant I insist you endure is about the store​ Maison de Vacances.​ I had been stalking them on Instagram for a few months and was so excited to visit the brick-and-mortar store. Once there, in person I was immediately obsessed with all it had to offer. The store lists itself as "the ultimate bohemian deluxe collection" and it’s a tantalising mixture of layered textured homewares in sometimes unusual but delicious colour themes. How could you not be excited? Entry-level budget left me leaving with only some linen napkins but they are wonderful, for now the Instagram feed keeps me satiated.

Finally, to the fashion. ​L'eclaireur ​is an absolute must stop. It’s a colourful and inviting boutique with a few different locations but my favourite is the one across from Place De La Concorde. It has both men's and women's as well as chic finishing touches for the home, including a notable and huge selection from Fornasetti. The shop's ready-to-wear collections are impressive, stocking brands from McQueen to Ellery. It's such an elevated shopping experience that will not be forgotten. 

It's also a delight to visit​ The Broken Arm​ for the latest offerings from cult designers Jacquemus, Le Maire, Celine, Balenciaga, and Calvin Klein 205W39NYC. They also have a great cafe in-store so that you can ponder whether you can pull of that taxi cab yellow asymmetrical, midi length, sarong style, wall crepe skirt… Needless to say, it's very directional here but well-worth stepping out of your comfort zone for... if only just for a short while.

Le Bon Marche​ is also worth a mention here, for as department stores go, it's definitely one of the most interesting and concept-orientated that I have visited. For example, it has a department named ​La Galerie Imaginaire​ where you can find interesting items and designs from all over the world that have not yet hit the mainstream. There's also the denim zone where you can customise your new or old pieces with fun patches and motifs. Seasonal events such as Let's go Logo​ are also good to visit. This one is an event on currently, where they work with brands to re-imagine and recreate they everyday look to create special unique pieces."

Ready to embark on your European vacation now? Don't forget to shop chic travel accessories from Net-a-Porter before your departure date creeps up on you. 

Related: The Story Behind Why Everyone Is So Obsessed With French Style