Every January, the interior design world descends upon Paris for two renowned trade shows, Deco Off and Maison & Objet. New York designer Penny Drue Baird, principal of her firm, Dessins, has maintained an office and home in the French capital for decades. Here, she shares some of her favorite places to shop, stay, and dine. Make your reservations now!
STORES
Au Bain Marie
Tabletop extraordinaire. Dishware, crystal, glass, rattan, and antiques. A treasure trove for everyone.
R&Y Augousti
Specialities in exotic materials, skins, and shells. Both modern and vintage furnishings, from small frames and boxes to large pieces.
Benneton Graveur
Celebrating ‘Art de Vivre’ since 1880. Beautiful printing and engraving, readymade and custom, as well as bronze pieces, wedding invites, and art de vivre.
Pulin Bottier
Extraordinary shoemaker who can make anything happen. Will do custom designs.
RESTAURANTS
Eclipses by Cyril Choisne
Graceful and stylish jewel box of a restaurant with food to match. A gem!
Clover Saint-Germain
Idiosyncratic, tiny, and unique, with a small menu. Casual.
Le Bon Georges
No checkered tablecloths, but this is the bistro to go to.
Vivant 2
Attention, foodies: This is the place! Counter seating.
La Renommée
An absolutely chic and sophisticated go-to in the center of Paris. Sister restaurant to the famed “4 Charles Prime Rib” in New York. Don’t miss the speakeasy subterranean cocktail bar for apéro or after-dinner coffee and dessert. Menu includes 4 Charles favorites, as well as French classics.
HOTELS
Le Fantaisie
Original décor, a happy atmosphere, beautiful garden. Walk to all the fabulous foodie places in the 9th arrondissement.
J.K. Place, Paris
Your own home in Paris. Heavenly décor. Atmosphere of home, with every creature comfort, including swimming pool and the restaurant “Casa Tua.”
Villa-des-Prés
The newest, in the heart of St. Germain, with indoor pool and superb views and décor.
PENNY’S LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Marché Bio
On Sundays, the Marché Bio, starting at the Hotel Lutetia, is a cult destination. The first stand on the right, has the not-to-be-missed latkes called “Galette de Pomme de Terre.”
La Vieille Prune, Louis Roque
A brandy made from three kinds of plums—this is the ‘it’ drink in France. Everyone who’s anyone drinks this, as does everyone else.
La Grande Épicerie de Paris
Although you may know the Grande Épicerie—the partner of Le Bon Marché—it is like food shopping at Bergdorf’s. You may not know about the numerous ‘comptoirs,’ where one can have an amazing lunch with numerous cuisines.
Buci News (Magazines)
It’s amazing that this rather small country has numerous shelter magazines. My favorite store is Buci News—it’s inspiration on steroids.
