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Forget tiring trips to the airport and long waits for your luggage: when you’re on a city break, every moment counts. Taking the train straight to the city centre means more precious time in Paris. Even a quarter of an hour can be enough for a mini adventure, so use the time you’ve saved to experience the city your way. That might mean a jog in the Marais or a restorative spa session, flicking through the crates at a vinyl store, or hitting a cool parfumerie. Here are eight suggestions to help get you started.
The Parisian designer is famed for her playful shoes, from fuzzy shearling slingbacks to Twin Peaks-inspired heels. Naturally, her pink-painted flagship store is just as eccentric, with its mirrored ceiling, satin-draped bed and quirky objets d’art. It’s also a showcase for her elegantly offbeat bags, from polished faux-crocodile numbers to a clutch inspired by a baguette.
For a futuristic take on retail, head to this sleek department store, which pairs art-deco splendour with an eye for innovation. Digital hangars give an instant update on whether your size is in stock, while a squad of savvy stylists offer free, one-on-one consultations. No sartorial challenge is too big or small, from finding the perfect jeans to dressing like un vrai Parisien.
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