Cart Curator #17 Euro Special - Paris the City of Love (and Pharmacies)
Where to stay, eat, and shop in Paris, the pharmacy essentials (beyond Bioderma…) and the hot spots you won't find on Google.
Hi CC friends,
We’ll start with some honesty, we know this is called the France edition but we actually only went to Paris. We both have a soft spot for the city, having visited last year together on a gals trip and Nic especially given she indulges in expenny French lessons and needs to justify this by at least attempting to put them to use.
There is something special about re-visiting a city where you’ve already ticked the touristy things off the list (not to discount them, we love the touristy things), and you can spend the time scaling back the itinerary and diving deeper into exploring the culture and food.
We’re back to regular programming next week and have some more exciting CC collaborators coming over the next few months, so make sure you’re signed up for that (they’re going to be good, trust us). We also have our Italian issue from last week, so make sure you give that one a read too if you haven’t already.
Bisou,
Jess and Nicole x
Stay
Following an interesting hotel experience in Paris last year, I (Jess) decided to book The Hoxton, which is located in the 2nd arrondissement and it certainly delivered. The location was fantastic, being close to Rue de Montorgueil, public transport and many shops and restaurants.
The hotel itself is super charming and has a constant buzz of activity with its reception bar and outdoor courtyard. However, the rooms are quiet, comfortable and modern. I’d happily stay here every time I come to Paris, and it’s also a great location for a drink or snack even if you aren’t staying there.
The Marais
The Marais is my (Nic’s) favourite area to stay in Paris, for a number of reasons. It’s the area I’m most comfortable with, having stayed around numerous times, so I find it super familiar to navigate. More importantly, it has an excellent variety of shops, cafes and restaurants and is relatively close to all the big monuments (trust us, just never stay close to the Eiffel Tower…) or at the very least, easily accessible via the many metro stations peppered throughout.
Shop
If we took the time to list out everything we purchased whilst in Paris, firstly, the newsletter would be far too long and secondly, you might go into shock.
So, in order to save you all we’re just going to share our must-stop shops, and what to look for in each.
If you’ve read any issue of CC, then you know this is a favourite of ours, so we definitely made the most of the multiple physical stores around Paris.
Of course, we restocked on our favourite everyday tee, their Relaxed T-Shirt, alongside a number of basics and fashion pieces including this Tube Midi Dress that we both picked up.
They also do a very good selection of accessories and statement earrings are my weakness, so I (Nic) left with several pairs.
I (Jess) have been obsessed with LIVY after discovering it during our 2022 trip and we’ve been long-distance lovers ever since. They have a chic selection of lingerie in I would say a mid-range price point which is something I feel we are missing in AUS. If you don’t have time to make it to one of the stores they are also stocked at Galeries Lafayette which is already a stop on most people’s itineraries.
The best way to describe Jonak would be a French Tony Bianco, but better (because French). I can’t walk into a store without finding a pair I’m absolutely in love with, and with around 70 stores in France - that’s pretty dangerous.
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As a self-proclaimed (Jess) nic nac addict, this shop is heaven on earth and a bit of a Paris institution. You may have seen the classic Merci tote before and when you go in-store you will see people buying these in bulk. Besides homewares, they have a stunning selection of clothes, accessories and jewellery perfect for perusing after your morning coffee and croissant.
We made multiple stops at this chic jewellery store which was all too conveniently located near The Hoxton. We both purchased multiple pieces which were very reasonably priced and in general beautiful quality and styles. Head for beautiful basics and classic statement pieces featuring chunkier chains and pearls.
French Pharmacy
Just like Gelato needed its own section in our Italian issue, the French pharmacy deserves a solo breakout. Plus, we know this is what the majority of people will be here to see, and we want to give the people what they want.
Everyone knows the OG French Pharmacy essentials (of which we also purchased): Bioderma Sensibio H2O, Embryolisse, NUXE Dry Oil, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Klorane Dry Shampoo, Avene Thermal Water, anything La Roche Posay and so on. Our tip - head to any of the Citypharma stores for the best prices.
So, here’s what to buy that you actually can’t find in AUS.
A313
You’ve probably already seen this one all over TikTok. Prior to my (Nic) year on Accutane, I was religiously using prescription retinol. However, my skin sensitivity not only increased after I came off it, but it also didn’t need the % intensity I was using. I had a friend pick this up for me last year in France and had to ensure I came home with a backup. It’s gentle, but you can also tell in the AM that it’s worked magic overnight.
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NUXE Prodigieux Shower Oil
I’m a big fan of anything NUXE and am already well stocked in their oils, so wanted to try something different in the range. This lush shower oil has the iconic NUXE scent and leaves the skin feeling hydrated. The best part about this is that it leaves a satin-like shine to the skin, complete with a golden shimmer. Save this one for Summer when your limbs/décolletage are on display.
NUXE Sun Moisturising Protective Milky Hair Oil
Another NUXE recommendation, but another goodie. Our friend Sophie picked this up whilst in Italy and had this on hand when we were going in and out of the water several times a day to protect our hair from the elements. NUXE describes it as a milky oil that protects from UV rays while providing moisture and shine. Apply before and after swimming to protect your hair from the effects of salt and chlorine.
I’ll (Nic) be saving this nourishing and protecting oil for when I reinstate my morning swims before work, to get away with just a water wash before slicking back into a bun.
Melatonin Gummies
No trip to Paris is complete without picking up these melatonin gummies. These are a lifesaver for long haul flights or restless nights and come in at a fraction of the price of melatonin in AUS (plus, you can actually just pick straight off the shelf without providing a lengthy backstory of your sleeping habits). Note: gummies are just personal preference because why not.
Eat
Another one you’ve probably seen on Instagram or TikTok, but Chez Janou was undeniably good. Make sure to book in advance (over the phone, or head down a few days earlier), and if the weather allows sit outside (from what we saw, it looked a little more cramped inside).
We were led by our waiter's recommendations (honestly the best way to order when overseas) and ended up with a delicious mix of typical French dishes and an excellent Rosé to match.
And yes, we had the choccy mousse. And yes, it was as insanely good as it looks.
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Rue de Montorgueil is one of my (Nic’s) favourite streets for eating and drinking in Paris (close to the Marais and The Hoxton, and buzzing with actual Parisians), but this was my first time to L’Escargot. We’re both big fans of snails, so after my experience I had to send Jess, and she was very quick to agree just how great it was. My waiter encouraged me to get the mixed escargot (chilli, truffle and original) and they did not disappoint. If you’re planning on trying escargot in Paris (you should), don’t find any old bistro, get the good stuff.
One of our favourite spots for a quick coffee and bite to refuel during the day. If you go, you need to try their iced coffee, chocolate babka (which features walnuts and is actually life-changing) and the lemon soda. Make sure to go to the Palais Royal location, grab your order takeaway and sit and soak up the sun.
Hefty portions, fresh produce, heapings of sauce and steaming, tasty falafel balls, no room for failure.
Worth the wait (the line moved very fast, opt for takeaway and go sit in a nearby park), again, this place has cult status for a reason.
If you haven’t seen this Parisian institution on TikTok you may be living under a rock. It has blown up for one reason, insanely good steak frites. We both went together last year and again separately on this trip and would go back multiple times in the future.
They don’t take bookings, so be prepared to wait in a line (can be upwards of 1-2 hours, pending season and time), but it’s definitely worth it. You only get served one thing - steak frites - and can add wine (red, necessary) and dessert (the creme brulee is a winner). You’ll be served with bread and a simple salad to start (both divine), followed by the main course - unlimited steak and frites. If you don’t order your steak rare (at a stretch medium rare) don’t talk to us.
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Do
We will start this section by prefacing that we’ve done all the tourist hotspots before - from a picnic at the Eiffel Tower (skip it, it’s better viewed uninterrupted at night from Avenue du Cameron), to the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and every other monument in between. So, we’ve focused on the other recommendations that you won’t find on a “Top 10 things to do in Paris” list that you can Google yourself.
E-Bike
Lime has changed the Parisian tourist experience. We’ve always been big fans of biking around a city to see it in a different way, but their scan-to-hire, app-led experience of jumping on the bright green, electric bikes makes it easier than ever. Like many other European cities, Paris has dedicated bike lanes and paths, making it easier and way quicker to get to restaurants, tourist destinations and shopping locations.
Also, you don’t have to wear a helmet like you do in Aus, so you can bike to lunch or dinner without ruining your hair.
Make sure you pre-book your tickets, I left it too late and couldn’t snap up the limited number of pre-allocated online spots, so ended up having to wait 1 hour in a queue. Even though I’d heard good things about this museum, it well and truly exceeded my expectations. Firstly, it was HUGE, it just kept going and going, and they have an insane amount of archival pieces, combined with historical tidbits on the legacy brand and Christian Dior’s impact on the fashion industry.
Everyone knows you go to the Louvre when in Paris but our personal favourite art museum is actually Musée d’Orsay. It houses the likes of Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir and is a much smaller space than the Louvre, so is less overwhelming and can be done in a half day, unlike the Louvre which is honestly a whole day in itself.
Go for a run
Hear me out, sometimes running around a city is a really good way to see it. Paris, like most major cities, is built around a river, so you can easily go up and down the banks of the Seine uninterrupted in the AM, making your way past the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and the many other monuments dotted along the river.
Change your appearance (cc tattoo + haircut)
I (Nic) had been wanting to go back to super short hair for a while but also wanted to have it long while I was on the “beach” part of my holiday, so as soon as I landed in Paris I cut all my hair off. No regrets, and the easiest way to make any outfit look chic.
Tattoo-wise, Jess had done her research and found a highly-rated studio called Tattoo 13, pre-making appointments for the both of us.
Look, there was a bit of a kerfuffle with our Tattoo artist ‘accidentally’ sleeping in, which ended up pushing back our schedule several hours and causing us to almost miss Chez Janou (could you imagine the horror). Situation aside, we both ended up getting two tattoos, and love both them and the job Tattoo 13 did, so all in all would recommend this place.
We’d seen Moulin Rouge on our last trip to Paris together, so opted for the sexier option in Crazy Horse this time around. It’s also a cabaret, but in a much more intimate setting (it’s giving Victrola vibes for any OG Gossip Girl fans) and is more dancing/sexy vibes.
Whilst we feel that Crazy Horse and Moulin Rouge are both must do’s, we have to say (controversially) that Moulin Rouge was the far more impressive of the two, so if you’re having to pick one for your trip, make it that. And always, ALWAYS go for the champagne package.
Galeries Lafayette Terrace
If you are heading to Paris there is no doubt that Galeries Lafayette is on your agenda. However, something not to be missed is the terrace on level 8th floor. Accessing this vantage point is free and gives you incredible views of Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower and Sacré Cœur to envy that of the top of the Arc de Triomphe.
