Chic Retreat: A Girls' Long Weekend in Paris

Touching down in Paris in the morning provides an ideal chance to fully embrace your stay in the City of Light. After checking into your hotel, kickstart your day with a shot of espresso and a croissant from a nearby bakery—you’ll have no lack of choices, as there are incredible bakeries scattered on nearly every block in Paris. Grab a pair of comfortably chic shoes and get ready for a day of sites and shopping.

First stop, the renowned Paris flea market, officially called Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, but known to everyone as Les Puces. Here, you will find myriad hidden treasures–from vintage clothing and wares to antique jewelry, art and more.

Pro tip: The Paris Flea Market is only open on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, with more limited options on Mondays as some stalls are closed. It is not easy to find and once you’re there, it often feels like a maze. Make sure to plan!

After a morning of shopping, take a break for lunch at a nearby Parisian cafe to savor some Moules Frites. I recommend complementing the meal with a crisp glass of local white wine.

Next, venture to Montmartre, an exceptionally unique village within the bustling metropolis, renowned for some of the best shopping spots in Paris. The shops here range from quirky to curio, featuring an array of vintage clothing and antique shops. A visit to the area would be incomplete without pausing at Sacré-Coeur, one of Paris's most iconic monuments, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Enjoy dinner nearby at DJANGO, a warm and welcoming restaurant situated close to Montmartre. Built around a central bar, the raw decor and Mediterranean-inspired menu includes a selection of small dishes to share.

Cafe de La Poste - Start your morning with an authentic French brunch. Cafe de la Poste plays host to Paris’ young and hip crowd. Go for the delicious food and sit on the outdoor terrace to catch some of the best sun-rays in the city.

Shopping in the Marais

This chic pocket of Paris is a must-stop on any shopping itinerary. While Paris is known for high-end, designer boutiques, coming from New York City, I felt more compelled to spend time visiting smaller boutiques and concept stores to find brands I can’t easily access at home. Meander up and down the neighborhood's narrow, cobblestone streets for some of the best shopping in the world.

Can’t-miss - MERCI: This independent concept boutique has a cool vibe, ever-changing displays, multiple brands and a restaurant and café. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in fashion, home goods and everything in between.

Cafe Breizh - After a morning of shopping, stop for lunch at Cafe Breizh, in the heart of the Marais, known for the best Breton-style buckwheat galettes and sweet crêpes in Paris.

Jardin des Tuileries - A beloved space by both locals and tourists, the Jardin des Tuileries stands between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. It accommodates several different sections: monumental areas, formal gardens, ponds, statues, tree-covered portions, pathways and open lawns, which offer an ideal location for a relaxing stroll, sunbathing and picnics.

L’Orangerie Museum - For this trip, I opted for a smaller, more manageable museum. Musée de l’Orangerie is a fabulous, small impressionist and post-impressionist museum. I could spend hours staring at the eight large Water Lillies panels by Claude Monet.

Relax on the Seine

One of my favorite moments of the trip was taking a beat after a day of walking and relaxing outside the Musée de L’Orangerie along the boulevard overlooking the Seine. Equipped with a bottle of wine, a baguette and some local cheeses, it offered a wonderful way to soak up Paris' beautiful atmosphere.

Dinner at Camille - Located in the heart of the Marais, Camille is a quintessential Parisian bistro serving classic French cuisine.

Cocktails at Candelaria - End the day at the impossibly chic speakeasy, Candelaria. Located discreetly behind a taqueria, the bar offers some of the best Mezcal cocktails in the city.

Start the day with a pastry and an espresso at the local bakery.

Jardin du Luxembourg - Located in the Sixth Arrondissement, the famous Jardin du Luxembourg is an inviting oasis for Parisians and visitors alike. Come for people watching, romantic strolls, picnics or just to admire the spectacular gardens and the children playing bateaux à voiles, where they send colorful sailboats across the Grand Bassin duck pond.

Shopping in the Left Bank

With its quintessential Parisian charm, the Rive Gauche also offers some of the top shopping in Paris. I happened to wander down a charming street called Rue Racine, where I came across charming haute couture shops such as Superstitch (offering a wide selection of custom denim) and Bourgine- where shop meets workshop for the craft-spirited, literary-minded French label. And don’t miss Le Bon Marche, PParis'oldest and most iconic department store

Perruche - The beautiful rooftop restaurant hidden atop the Printemps department store boasts some of the most magnificent views of the rooftops of Paris and the Eiffel Tower views. With its signature yellow and white rooftop, it is a great spot for lunch or an early sunset dinner.