Note to self: Paris isn’t all about shopping. It’s also about romance, lazy afternoons in cafés, and excessive wine consumption. Instead of spending all day boutique-hopping, give your feet a rest and hit the one place that has it all: Bon Marché. Don’t waste your time on other department stores—Bon Marché is Parisian elegance at its finest. The French consider it a Paris institution. On the ground floor, be sure to stock up on bargain-priced French cosmetics like Guerlain and Sisley. Fashions are on the premier étage, and include your favorites labels and then some—Paul & Joe, Marni, Lacroix, Balenciaga, Rykiel, Chloé, Lanvin. Celebrating her tenth anniversary this year, don’t miss Vanessa Bruno’s classically modern collection…her clothes won’t break the bank, and will take you from café to club better than most. Trying to stay on a budget? A secret passageway on the first floor will take you across the street to a less expensive but equally promising annex full of labels like Zadig & Voltaire, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Paul & Joe Sister, Maje, Kookai, and even Vanessa Bruno’s Athé collection. This is also the side of Bon Marché to have a refreshing lunch at La Grande Epicerie (best grocery store in France). While reviewing all the collections could take a whole afternoon, be sure to make time for the top floor’s home department.
