The Most Stylish Experiences In Paris

There are few cities in the world that conjure up images of timeless elegance, gourmet food, fine wine and fascinating history quite like Paris. It has been the home of Emperors and artisans, artists and their muses – a colourful procession of inhabitants that continue to this day. Each gravitating to a culture that embraces creativity and individualism.

A perennial favourite amongst world travellers it can be a daunting task to escape the masses and feel like you are enjoying an authentic Parisian experience. Of course, your friends at MrAristotle always have your best interests at heart so, without further ado, here is our list of the Top 5 Most Stylish Things To Do In Paris…

Vintage Shopping Tour

Almost every city in the world has some fantastic ‘pre-loved’ boutiques where you can find retro clothing but how many can boast classic Chanel, Dior, Givenchy or Yves Saint Laurent? As you can imagine in the city of style, even the second-hand stores ooze effortless chic. With pieces dating back from the 1920’s through the 1960’s at any moment you half expect Brigitte Bardot or Coco Chanel to pop out from behind the curtain and ask why you are trying on her favourite jacket…With thousands of outfits, each with a story to tell, this full day tour is a unique journey into the evolution of French fashion design. With a personal stylist as your guide down memory lane it is rare that you will finish the day without at least one “to die for” piece. You have been warned.

Behind-The-Scenes Craftsmanship Tour

If something old is not your thing, how about something new? Really new. Over the course of this half day tour a personal stylist will take you behind-the-scenes into some of the most incredible artisan workshops in Paris. With an itinerary that changes every day depending on opening hours, your interests and studio delivery schedules, guests get a rare glimpse inside the workspaces of master craftsmen and women. These talented individuals produce elegant pieces that feature on catwalks, designer boutiques and high-profile celebrities. Guests have the opportunity to get an insiders view on what goes into the creative process, workmanship and logistics behind some of Paris’ best known designer brands. Could I get that in leopard print?

The Most Stylish Experiences In Paris

Luxury Truffle Tasting Lunch

Ok so the truffles themselves may have a look that ‘only a mother could love’ but boy do they taste good. Served in small quantities, the powerful earthy tastes and strong aroma can transform even the most pedestrian dish into a gourmet odyssey. However, this intense flavour can be best described as ‘an acquired taste’ – much like olives and brussel sprouts – just a lot more…’exclusive’ (expensive). Found hiding underground near the roots of host trees this unpredictable fungus has only added to its mystique over the years as harvests have declined due to urbanisation, climate change and pollution. Over the course of three hours and hosted in one of Paris’ most celebrated restaurants, guests are invited to taste five gourmet dishes each prepared with different truffle varieties. With perfectly paired wines and expert guidance this is one for the gourmands.

Morning Market Tour & Cooking Class

Those who prefer to do things for themselves will enjoy this one – just be prepared for the very early start. Starting off with a market tour in the morning, join an expert chef as you follow in the footsteps of some of history’s best culinary masters and explore the fresh produce that provides the foundation for the city’s best menus. Guests are introduced to many of the providors and growers in order to learn more about the art of combining flavours before taking this new found knowledge back to the kitchen. Under the fun and informal guidance of your bilingual chef guests will create their own delicious 4 course meal. To ensure you are able to optimise the best seasonal produce the menu changes to regularly but is always based on creating authentic french dishes fit for the best restaurants. Learn some of the secrets of French cuisine before sitting down and enjoying the spoils of your labour with a glass (or two…) of fine wine. Almost makes the early alarm clock worthwhile…

Chocolate Tasting in Saint Germain

What is a good meal without finishing it off with some dessert? Home to world class “chocolatiers”, Saint Germain is Paris’ unofficial chocolate capital. Within a single square mile you can visit 15 different stores each with its own signature style and unique specialities. Chocaholics can be treated to some of the world’s tastiest treats, including; creamy ganaches, chewy caramels, scented truffles and much, much more. An afternoon wandering between each store does make you question how the french manage to maintain their trim waistlines. For the rest of us mere mortals, the problem with having so many stores located close together is you never have the opportunity to walk off the calories…

Ibnu Zein is Content Manager at MrAristotle.com and has not met a chocolate that he did not like.