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11 Comments

  1. Peggy B
    September 9, 2022 @ 10:00 am

    What a good shopping guide! You’ve got it all figured out! Glad you made it out to La Defense. As you know, I go for the photos, but it is nice to pop into 4 Temps for a look-see and maybe a snack. There is a very nice mall called Beaugrenelle out towards the Parc Andre Citroën. We enjoy checking out the stores and then strolling over to the Île au Cygnes for a look at one of the Statues of Liberty, and at the other end several nice restaurants. It doesn’t seem to be on the tourist route so that is an added pleasure.

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    • lspalla
      September 9, 2022 @ 12:33 pm

      Just had lunch with our friend Hannah who lives near the Beaugrenelle mall. We’ve been there a couple of times.

      Reply

  2. Cindi
    September 9, 2022 @ 10:50 am

    It sounds like there are stores and markets for every shoppers budget in many different locations. It’s fun to window shop in expensive spots and know there are other spots for reasonable purchases.

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  3. Monica & Marlyn
    September 9, 2022 @ 11:38 am

    Despite my interest in fashion, I’m not a good shopper and just continue to live in my “boy wardrobe” year after year. I’d choose food and artwork anytime! It was quite interesting to see the modern buildings today. Some might not like them, but I enjoyed the views.

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  4. Judy Gattis
    September 9, 2022 @ 12:47 pm

    Fully agree- food over clothes any day!!!!!

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  5. PAT
    September 9, 2022 @ 6:48 pm

    It’s interesting to see the more modern buildings. Seems to be an entire section of new, rather than new mixed with old. There may be rules of what can be built where. Also, that you know Marais so well that you recognize the shops that have closed. You’ve supplied great tips for someone planning a visit to Paris.

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    • lspalla
      September 10, 2022 @ 5:10 am

      Actually, these sky scrapers are modern in comparison but they are not new. La Defense area of business was started in 1958 with many of the buildings going up in the 70’s. It’s the Manhattan of Paris.

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  6. Bonnie
    September 10, 2022 @ 6:26 pm

    Linda, Like you I am sad to see such a change over of type of stores in the Marais. Having visited it over more than 15 years, I have seen it go from funky, quirky family run boutiques, to high end brands that appeal to the 20-40 year olds. I don’t begrudge them their shopping fun also, but wish there were more of a mix of stores. That said, the Maris still has a cache that is there in spite of the changes. I love to visit, stroll, and “leche vitrine” ( Window shop) many times on my visits.
    The best shop for the savron de Marseilles is on Rue Turenne just up for Rue Franc-Bougeois. But you probably already have visited this shop. Enjoy the more typical Paris weather in the coming days.

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  7. Natalie Bass
    September 12, 2022 @ 3:26 am

    What a great post!! I loved this one! First off, the Grande Arche de la Défense and other high rise area…so not Paris! Too new, shiny & corporate, ha! I love your thoughts on all of the shopping. I do LOVE buying souvenirs for people back home and have taken your advice to stock up mainly in Montmartre. I adore the market shopping! Love your comment about being frugal b/c most of your money goes to 3 months in Paris – indeed!! As you say all of these destinations, I can hear the voice recording in my head from line one…and miss it so. You know, one week in Paris at a time almost feels like I’m starting to catch on to the essence of the language and a huge desire for more. But then, it’s time to go home 🙁 However, yes, eating over shopping for the win!!

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    • lspalla
      September 12, 2022 @ 5:28 am

      La Defense is not my favorite area but we enjoy going at least once each trip. Yes, riding the subway lines is a great way to learn how to correctly pronounce things in French and also gives you a sense of direction.

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    • lspalla
      September 12, 2022 @ 5:50 am

      Glad you enjoyed this post. It took a while to write it. It’s so much cooler than when you were here.

      Reply

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