Fall Fashion at Galeries Lafayette

Summer is winding down and busy parents and children are getting ready for “la rentrée”. While it’s been awhile since I’ve done any back to school shopping and tried to find the perfect outfit for the first day, there’s still nothing quite like discovering the upcoming season’s hottest trends.

This past Saturday, Galeries Lafayette presented a fashion show (part of their summer programme of events) highlighting  the pre fall collections from several major French and international brands: Marc by Marc Jacobs,  Zadig & Voltaire, Ted Baker, Maje and Diane Von Furstenberg, among others.

Looking to give your wardrobe a facelift? Check out some of the looks below. 

Outfit by Red Valentino

Outfit by Maje

Outfit by Red Valentino

Outfits by Zadig & Voltaire (left) and Jil Sander Navy (right)

Outfit by Ted Baker

Outfit by Paule Ka

Salon Opéra, Galeries Lafayette

Weeknight Drinks at Le Lucien

Nothing says luxury like a moment spent in one of the Lucien Barrière Group’s magnificent hotels. One of the stomping grounds of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, Hotel Le Fouquet’s in Paris is nothing short of extravagant.

The hotel includes an impressive 5 restaurants and 3 bars offering a wide range of drinks and cuisine. Many tourists land in the Champs-Elysées curbside Café Fouquet's, but the real crown jewel here is the more intimate bar Le Lucien.

In summer, a tranquil terrace offers guests an escape from the lively avenue below. If you're tempted by expertly mixed cocktails, top-notch service and a gorgeous location, you'll find it all here in one fabulously wrapped package.

 

Le Fouquet's Paris 

46, avenue George V
75008 Paris

A Modern Tea Time at Le Burgundy

In honor of our 2^nd wedding anniversary, my husband surprised me with a reservation for afternoon tea at Le Burgundy.

Located just off the chic rue Saint-Honoré, Le Burgundy is one of Paris’ smaller 5-star hotels. It’s intimate size (59 rooms & suites) offers guests and visitors a welcome reprieve from the busy outside world. 

Afternoon tea is served in an elegant marble and mirrored atrium. The experience begins with a fresh glass of bubbly, followed by your choice of  a hot beverage and selection of rather untraditional sweets and savories. You won’t find clotted cream and finger sandwiches here, but you certainly won’t be disappointed. It’s in this more modern and relaxed setting that you’ll fall in love with the chef’s incredible gateau au citron. 

Hotel Le Burgundy

6-8 Rue Duphot
75001 Paris

For other afternoon teas in Paris, check out the Peninsula Paris, George V and Le Meurice.

Around the World with Albert Kahn

For quite some time, I have been wanting to check out the Albert-Kahn museum and garden in the nearby suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt. Recently, a beautiful sunny day gave me the perfect opportunity to discover this somewhat hidden gem.

The Albert-Kahn musée et jardin is a magical place, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of city life. Spread across the former estate of banker and philanthropist Albert Kahn (1860-1940), a modern museum explores his remarkable life, while a mix of internationally themed gardens over 8 acres represent his vision for respect and peaceful relations among the world’s people. 

A 4€ entrance fee (free for children under 12) includes access to the museum and all gardens: Japanese village, English garden, Vosges forest, golden forest and meadow, wetlands, blue forest, orchard-rose garden, French garden, winter garden and  contemporary Japanese garden.


Albert-Kahn, musée et jardin départementaux
10-14, rue du Port 
92100 Boulogne-Billancourt