KD Travels: A Guide to Paris

Paris is one of my favorite travel destinations: from the bustling markets to the dreamy cafes and charming gardens, there’s something new to discover on every visit. My most recent trip was no exception — Jim and I spent a long weekend in the City of Lights after Jim's work trip in London (which I also recommend visiting!). We ate, we wandered, we shopped — and I sourced some amazing pieces for the KD collection!

Below are my recommendations on where to stay, where to shop, and where to eat.

Where to stay

Jim and I love to stay at The Hoxton, centrally located in the 2nd arrondissement. It’s beautifully decorated, with a central bar and restaurant situated in a light-filled courtyard draped in greenery. I highly recommend sipping a cocktail in the courtyard after a long day of exploring  delicious drinks and great people watching. Our room was small but comfortable and well appointed.

The beautiful courtyard inside The Hoxton

If you're looking for a more quiet stay in a stunning setting, then book a room at the Saint James; a former private mansion re designed by Laura Gonzalez. Breathtaking interiors and delicious breakfasts.

Where to Shop

Samaritaine Paris

This incredible luxury shopping center (which was featured in Netflix’s Emily in Paris) is not to be missed! After a seven-year, $800 million renovation completed by LVMH, Le Samaritaine opened its glamorous doors in 2021. You can wander and window shop from Gucci to Sandro to my favorite French brand, Claudie Pierlot. I serendipitously timed my trip with the summer sales, so a number of new items came home with me! 

When you’re shopped out, make sure to take the escalator to the very top to take in the view!

Officine Universelle Buly 

For perfume lovers, Officine Univereselle Buly is a must! Test out all their unique scents in a stunning setting resembling a vintage apothecary. For an extra special souvenir, they can inscribe your perfume box!


Shopping here is like stepping back in time

The packaging for every product is a work of art

Vintage Stores

Paris has a wide range of vintage and secondhand shopping from kilo shops to luxury boutiques. No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to these special spots:

Thank God I’m a VIP

This beautifully curated vintage shop came highly recommended! Their men’s shop and their women’s are located side by side and each one is organized by color. Everything is lovingly curated and there’s a wonderful selection of high-quality vintage clothes, bags and accessories. I had fun browsing the unique designer pieces and can’t wait to come back! 

Jim could barely contain his excitement over this shop!

Dressing Factory

This tiny shop is filled to the brim with pristine, high-end designer clothes. Beautiful Chanel suits, vintage YSL dresses, and luxurious handbags await!

Bobby

Offering a nice selection of men's and women's vintage fashion and accessories. I found some amazing vintage designer jewelry here! 

Good Jo

A discerning vintage lover's dream; Good Joe features a dazzling selection of iconic and designer pieces. A must stop if you are looking for something special! Fun fact, many vintage looks were used from the shop for Emily in Paris!

Markets

Marche Aux Puces in Saint - Ouen

The most famous flea market, this weekend treasure trove does not disappoint! Extremely well organized and curated, you can find anything from vintage buttons, to couture fashion to antiques. Shops open around 9am-10am and it’s organized by different markets. Make sure to bring plenty of cash, water, and snacks because the Marche Aux Puces is massive - you could easily spend a day exploring. Note that while many of the shops accept credit cards, some of the vendors do not, and there can be long lines for the ATMs.

I recommend starting your shopping journey in the Marche Vernaison, where you’ll find vintage jewelry and clothes. Make sure to visit Nora K in alley 2 for great jewelry then wander into Marche Dauphine and go upstairs for a great selection of women’s vintage clothes.  Stop at the back of the market to pick up a coffee from new spot Noir.

If you are looking for high end couture vintage, head to Les Merveilles de Babellou in Marche Paul Bert Serpette for endless racks of Chanel and runway finds. Marche Paul Bert Serpette also has some great cafes out front to cool down with a glass of rose. If you need a caffeine kick, there’s a tiny cafe in the back of this market!

I'm happiest in my natural environment - surrounded by vintage jewels

Marche Vanves

Every Sunday, this sprawling sidewalk market is a true treasure hunt! Vendors line the streets and tables are piled high with vintage decor items, jewelry, accessories you name it. Prices are more affordable than Marche Aux Puces because more digging is required! Bring cash! These vendors are cash-only so bring lots of small bills. 

Pro tip: It is okay to bargain in the markets, but you will get further if you do it in French! A little effort goes a long way. Several months before our trip I started taking private French classes through CouCou. My teacher Nina is incredible and I highly recommend them.

Also, I recommend wearing more casual outfits in all the markets, save the jewelry and designer purses & accessories for dinner after if you want the best prices! You better believe these vendors will eye you up and down !

Bring cash, and prepare to dig!

Passage Jouffrey & Passage de Panoramas

Stroll through these stunning, sunlight-filled shopping passages while sipping a coffee or matcha latte from ARABICA. 

Note the neckerchief - someone was feeling very French

The passageways are lined with fun shops — arrive early to beat the crowds

Where to Eat

One of the highlights of Paris is sitting outside and enjoying drinks and late dinners at all the charming cafes. One of our favorite neighborhoods to enjoy a glass of bubbles, charcuterie. and people watching is the Saint-Germain neighborhood. Check out Cafe de Flore, one of the most and a favorite of Pablo Picasso! 

For amazing oysters and cocktails don’t miss ISTR 

Make sure to book a table at Magniv - do not miss the Yemini bread, octopus, or the Kasbah cocktail.

That bread was as good as it looks!

 For an amazing weekend brunch, go to Culottes; make sure to book ahead!

For a cozy and delish dinner, stop in La Daronne. The deconstructed lemon tart is to die for!

I’m already counting down the days until my return visit in the summer. I'll be sourcing for Kimono Dragon of course, but let me know what else I should add to my itinerary? Drop your favorite cafes, shops, markets, and coffee spots in the comments!