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Carrie’s Substack · Mar 20, 2026

If You’re Going to Paris

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Carina Cornelia Nicklas · Carrie’s Substack

Paris seems to be on everyone’s mind right now, and I’m often asked where to go, what to shop, and where to eat. So I put together a list of places I’ve loved and discovered over the years, including my favourite gallery and a vintage shop I stumbled upon a while ago.

You’ve probably seen a few of them on my Amigo and Instagram already. A taste for rare things is in my blood. And while we’re doing a Paris recap, I thought I’d include a few looks I wore back then that I’d still wear again in a heartbeat.

If I had to pick one favourite gallery, it would be Galerie 54.

My happy place, full of treasures and always something new to discover. Especially books. If I’m not wrong, even The Row sourced some furniture from here at one point. Eric runs it, art dealer and collector, and everything from 1910s to 1960s design feels like a little discovery waiting to happen.

Les Suites Cinabre:

Cinabre Suites is tucked inside a private passage and feels hidden in the best way. Only two suites, my favourite is Suite No. 2. I went a couple of years ago when Alexandre showed me around and I still think about those opera pumps. Now that they’re having a moment again, it’s even worse. Oh, and they have a small store/gallery space too with pieces you won’t see everywhere, perfect for a quick browse if you’re in the passage.

The best outfit for running around Paris? A good sweater, similar trousers, and easy loafers. The bag probably deserves its own platform by now. Practical, slouchy, goes with everything.

La Méditerranée:

La Méditerranée is easily a 12 out of 10 for me and one of the first places I always recommend. The food, the atmosphere, everything feels elegant without trying too hard. Known for its fish and classic Mediterranean dishes. The walls are covered in beautiful murals. Very Saint-Germain. Very timeless.

Sabbia Rosa:

Sabbia Rosa, oh, I remembered, my DMs exploded after I posted this place. Every girl’s lingerie and silk dream. The shop itself is small and charming, filled with pieces that feel like they were made just for you. I’d honestly wear those garment bags as clutches, they’re that pretty!

Le Voltaire:

One of those places you don’t just stumble upon, it’s more of an if you know, you know kind of place, and I’ve had some of my most incredible birthdays here. It feels very old Paris, slightly dark and a bit worn, but in a way that makes it even better. The food is classic, very French, and exactly what you want from a proper dinner. They even use tableware my grandma has, which somehow makes it all feel even nicer.

Loved this simple but classic look I wore. Blazer this one, the best black tee and white trousers I never want to take off.

Preclothed:

Preclothed has one of the best vintage selections I’ve ever come across. First visit? Love at first sight. The team is so nice too. I left with the chicest fringe scarf, total scarf person through and through. Regret not getting the camellia brooch, still obsessed. People who shop here really know their style and exactly what they like.

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Hotel Balzac:

Hôtel Balzac will always have a special place in my heart. We made some content for them around their reopening, which made it feel a bit surreal. Just off the Champs-Élysées but tucked away, and when I was there it wasn’t busy at all. The side streets feel almost like a painting. Definitely more popular now but I’d still recommend experiencing it for yourself.

Villa La Roche:

Villa La Roche by Le Corbusier, oh I miss this place. One of the most interesting houses I’ve seen. Shows all five of his principles, over 100 years old, and somehow still feels completely fresh. After that I visited his Apartment Studio. Honestly the entrance is so low key I probably would have walked right past if I wasn’t looking for it.

Musée d’Orsay:

Musée d’Orsay. I could spend hours and hours in the Art Nouveau collection. So inspiring, always leaves me with new ideas.

Montres Mania:

a small watch shop with the most amazing pieces. Cartier, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Bvlgari, Jaeger-LeCoultre. Basically a dream if you love watches.

Brasserie Lipp:

Any other brasserie as iconic? If you want some people watching, grab a seat and just watch the Parisians being stylish and unapologetic.

Musée de I’Orangerie:

Another classic. Perfect for a morning or afternoon. As always, my outfit matched the art. Loving this Picotin colourway.

Charvet:

Charvet, the shirt shop that inspired a Chanel runway show. Forever a place to go. That pink poplin shirt is definitely on my wishlist.

Galerie Matthieu Richard:

Full of mid-20th century French furniture, and honestly the whole street is full of treasures and galleries to get lost in.

Fortuny:

Fortuny, my slice of heaven. I promise, once you get one scarf you’ll be obsessed and end up collecting every color, just like the Praline bags.

Pharmacie Bac Verneil:

There are so many good ones we came across, but this one had an amazing selection of brushes, hair clips, hair bands, and more. I could spend hours in pharmacies, it’s honestly kind of therapeutic.

Iconic look. I took this when I tried on the most beautiful Cartier Baignoire. Heaven.

Alfred & Alfies:

Sister night. First we had the chicest dinner at Alfreds and afterwards drinks at Alfies, which is five minutes from the restaurant. And when I tell you, there were only cool and interesting people.

The Beautiful Watch collections:

Another shop full of treasures. I stumbled across so many pieces I could do a whole post just about them.

Château Voltaire:

Stunning hotel with incredible interiors and amazing people. Go here for afternoon tea or just lunch at Brasserie l’Émil. Iconic.

That is all for now. I visited so many more spots, maybe this calls for another part or two.

X, Carrie

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