8th Arrondissement

World-famous hair-color guru Christophe Robin’s salon in the up-and-coming 2nd arrondissement has got to be one of the most quintessentially Parisian places on earth. Not only will you walk out with your best hair ever, you’ll have spent a few hours swanning around in a brightly colored silk kimono, cosseted in the Tony Duquette-inspired interiors that feel more like a home than a salon, watching fabulous Parisians in their natural habitat. Even if you don’t color your hair, go for a cut, blowout, or even a manicure. And, if you don’t have the time, stop in to have your hair shampooed for free in an amazing, Venus-on-the-half-shell basin.

If a little bit of kitsch is what you're after, then look no further—this nonetheless elegant gem of a restaurant is decked out in Chinese patterns and fine china. Plus, this is one of the finest dim sum experiences in Paris, offering all the Chinese classics plus a wealth of Thai dishes, too, all made with fresh ingredients and done to Michelin standard. The menu is extensive and boasts all the classics, though those who would rather not wade through can go for set menus for two or four, making this a great spot for groups, too.

Located at the upscale cross section of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Hotel Amastan offers a surprisingly secluded getaway from the streets below, especially if you book a room with a furnished balcony overlooking the leafy garden. The magic here is in the thoughtful, often exquisite design details, like blue herringbone parquet walls and a two-story bookshelf packed with design titles and curios. Plus, the adjacent Pop-In space features rotating art, design, and fashion collaborations from around the world.

You know exactly what to expect at this, kitschy, family-owned establishment and that's the best steak frites in town topped with buttery, herby “secret” sauce. That’s it, and it’s worth lining up for at this is a no-reservations locale. Touristy though it may be—they’ve since opened locations in London and New York—it remains a local’s mainstay, too, as proof of its great quality. There are now locations in the 5th 6th

There are very few boutiques that fully embody an aesthetic, but L’Eclaireur does this perfectly—no small feat, considering there are seven very distinct shops scattered around the city, as well as a bar/restaurant that doubles as a shrine to Piero Fornasetti. Armand and Martine Hadida’s original outpost in 1980 was incredibly important for a number of reasons, most notably because L’Eclaireur was the first to break brands like Prada, Helmut Lang, Dries van Noten, and Martin Margiela in France. While the Hadidas have had every opportunity to rest on their laurels, the pace has been relentless ever since as they’ve continued to ferret out the world’s best new talent, in fashion, in jewelry, and in home goods. While the mix at every spot varies, we like the moodily gothic Place des Victoires location best. Under the light cast by a strange and fantastic bird chandelier, you’ll find Fornasetti umbrella stands, chunky chain link bracelets from Mawi, cashmere travel wraps by Denis Colombe, and coated Saint Laurent skinny jeans. If time allows, their most recent project shouldn’t be missed, either: They’ve taken a space in Habitat 1964’s vintage village at…

There are very few boutiques that fully embody an aesthetic, but L’Eclaireur does this perfectly—no small feat, considering there are seven very distinct shops scattered around the city, as well as a bar/restaurant that doubles as a shrine to Piero Fornasetti. Armand and Martine Hadida’s original outpost in 1980 was incredibly important for a number of reasons, most notably because L’Eclaireur was the first to break brands like Prada, Helmut Lang, Dries van Noten, and Martin Margiela in France. While the Hadidas have had every opportunity to rest on their laurels, the pace has been relentless ever since as they’ve continued to ferret out the world’s best new talent, in fashion, in jewelry, and in home goods. While the mix at every spot varies, we like the moodily gothic Place des Victoires location best. Under the light cast by a strange and fantastic bird chandelier, you’ll find Fornasetti umbrella stands, chunky chain link bracelets from Mawi, cashmere travel wraps by Denis Colombe, and coated Saint Laurent skinny jeans. If time allows, their most recent project shouldn’t be missed, either: They’ve taken a space in Habitat 1964’s vintage village at…

There are very few boutiques that fully embody an aesthetic, but L’Eclaireur does this perfectly—no small feat, considering there are seven very distinct shops scattered around the city, as well as a bar/restaurant that doubles as a shrine to Piero Fornasetti. Armand and Martine Hadida’s original outpost in 1980 was incredibly important for a number of reasons, most notably because L’Eclaireur was the first to break brands like Prada, Helmut Lang, Dries van Noten, and Martin Margiela in France. While the Hadidas have had every opportunity to rest on their laurels, the pace has been relentless ever since as they’ve continued to ferret out the world’s best new talent, in fashion, in jewelry, and in home goods. While the mix at every spot varies, we like the moodily gothic Place des Victoires location best. Under the light cast by a strange and fantastic bird chandelier, you’ll find Fornasetti umbrella stands, chunky chain link bracelets from Mawi, cashmere travel wraps by Denis Colombe, and coated Saint Laurent skinny jeans. If time allows, their most recent project shouldn’t be missed, either: They’ve taken a space in Habitat 1964’s vintage village at…

Only in Paris would you find a florist's shop that's operated for over a century—Lachaume is the oldest in town. Proust was a fan back in the day, while today it's Karl Lagerfeld who sings its praises. At their upscale address on Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, Caroline and Stephanie, who took over from their grandmother, continue her tradition while working with local producers to create bouquets that are much more attuned to the seasons. They're also known for their dramatic, long-stemmed arrangements, and their incredible selection—they even have exclusives on certain varieties.

Pierre Balmain's fashion house—which got its start in 1945—established itself as part of the Christian Dior "New Look," a label that prostrated itself at the feet of the female form. These days, it's put flared skirts and nipped in waistlines aside in favor of an edgier and tougher sensibility. It's still stunning.

Famous for his body-conscious dresses and sky-high stilettos, the Tunisian-born Azzedine Alaïa is pretty much synonyous with sex appeal. You can expect it in spades at his new brand-new three-story shop, which is housed in an 18th century mansion just steps from Avenue Montaigne. The main floor is devoted to accessories, while his ready-to-wear spans across the next two levels. It's all artfully arranged in the spare and graphic space, which never competes with the clothes: After all, when it comes to an Alaïa, you don't need much else. While the barely marked Rue de Marignan shop is our favorite, there's a stock shop around the corner from the location on Rue de Moussy, which sells pieces from the previous seasons at lower prices.