VIBE

This 17th century palace may have a storied past as a hotspot for flamboyant aristocratic antics, but these days it offers a decidedly discreet retreat for Paris’s best coiffed dames. The elegant arcades ringed around ornamental gardens are now lined with luxurious cafés, galleries, and boutiques by international labels (à la Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs) and local designers. Standouts include vintage couturier Didier Ludot (and sister shop La Petite Robe Noire), dressmaker Lefranc-Ferrant, California-inspired womenswear designer Rick Owens, handbag expert Corto Moltedo, and gantier Maison Fabre.

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

Chic, unique fashions

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a lovely area for a quiet afternoon of boutique browsing. When we need a break from shopping, we like to wander through the tranquil gardens or sip a café au lait at one of the refined cafés.

GOOD TO KNOW

In case you’d like to mix culture with fashion, Palais Royal is located just opposite the north wing of the Louvre.

CLOSEST COMPS

Place Vendôme (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris