EN All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
Paris
Artisan Paris with Le Meurice
Paris may be known as the City of Light, but it may as well be the City of Artisans. In historic workshops and modern ateliers across the city, craftspeople are getting creative and producing everything from handmade shoes and gloves to jewellery and chocolate. Take a tour of the best artisans in the city with this two-day itinerary.
Day one
Start the day with a five-minute walk to Massaro Paris.
T: +33 1 42 61 00 29 | 2 Rue de la Paix, 75002 Paris
Massaro Paris
A shoemaker to the stars who also works with many of the most prestigious fashion houses, Massaro is the ideal first stop for shoe collectors. The workshop, which was founded in 1894 and is best known for creating the famous two-tone Chanel sandal, specialises in handmade, made-to-measure footwear for men and women that’s long-wearing, stylish and comfortable. A fully bespoke service is also available.
Then, take another five-minute walk to Atelier du Bracelet Parisien.
T: +33 1 47 03 49 71 | 56 Place du Marché Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Atelier du Bracelet Parisien
While Switzerland may be the place to buy watches, Paris is the place to buy straps. Atelier du Bracelet Parisien specialises in the production of handmade leather watch straps, which are made to measure and fully customisable in an incredible array of styles including stylish water-resistant models. The store stocks other handcrafted leather goods including bags, belts and a recently launched a collection of luxury iPhone cases.
The next destination is a 10-minute walk from here.
T: +33 1 42 60 75 88 | Jardins du Palais Royal, 128-129 Galerie de Valois, 75001 Paris
Maison Fabre Palais Royal
Maison Fabre has been making luxury gloves since 1924. Pop into the beautiful boutique in Jardins du Palais Royal to browse a selection of handcrafted soft leather gloves for men and women in both classic and statement styles. Take advantage of the exclusive monogramming service for something completely unique. If visitors wish to know more, they can head to the factory in Millau and take a guided tour of the workshop.
Then, take a 15-minute walk or drive to 59 Rue de Rivoli.
T: +33 9 50 87 72 42 | 59 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
59 Rivoli
Instantly recognisable by its creative façade, 59 Rue de Rivoli is arguably Paris’ quirkiest art hub. The building is home to the creative collective Chez Robert, Electron Libre, and its artists in residence. It features 30 working studios and an exhibition gallery where visitors can view rotating works by international artists. The ground-floor gallery also hosts evening jazz, classical and pop concerts every weekend.
The final location of the day is a 15-minute drive away.
T: +33 1 45 77 29 01 | 133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
Jacques Genin
Complete the day with a sweet treat from Jacques Genin, a master chocolatier in the heart of Paris. The former chef and pastry chef creates everything at his onsite laboratory, where he makes some of the best chocolates, caramels, nougats and fruit jellies in town. Visit the boutique to pick up a signature silver box and fill it with your favourite chocolates and candies.
To return to the hotel, it’s a 15-minute drive.
Day two
Begin the day with a five-minute walk from the hotel to Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse, Comptoir Saint-Honoré.
T: +33 1 45 08 93 26 | 9 Rue du Marché-Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse, Comptoir Saint-Honoré
Before leaving Paris, pick up some authentic French chocolates at Alain Ducasse, one of the leading chocolatiers in the city. The boutique stocks high quality handmade ganache, pralines and truffles, as well as a range of giant chocolate bars and luxury spreads, all available in myriad flavours and textures.
Then, take a five-minute walk to Ex Nihilo.
T: +33 1 40 15 93 77 | 352 Rue Saint Honoré, 75001 Paris
Ex Nihilo
While Paris is full of perfume boutiques selling high-end fragrances, visitors can find something special at Ex Nihilo. The artisanal perfume house specialises in personalised luxury scents. Work with an expert to blend and balance your perfect perfume using high-quality raw ingredients from around the world. Choose from mother of pearl, buffalo horn, onyx or precious stone bottle tops and personalise the glass with an engraved name or date for that bespoke touch.
Next, it’s a five-minute walk to WHITE bIRD.
T: +33 1 58 62 25 86 | 38 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris
WHITE bIRD Fine Jewellery
Stéphanie Roger’s boutique, WHITE bIRD, is a careful curation of contemporary fine jewellery from over 50 international artisans and Stéphanie’s own elegant designs. There are pieces for both women and men, many limited edition and featuring unusual gems. The close relationship Stéphanie maintains with her jewellers is reflected in the cosy store, a homely but refined space in which customers can enjoy a cup of tea while they browse.
Then stroll 10 minutes to LodinG.
T: +33 1 40 06 07 57 | 4 Rue Édouard VII, 75009 Paris
LodinG
Shoemakers and luxury menswear specialists, LodinG craft their footwear using leather from premium French and European tanneries, with each shoe cut from the same full-grain calfskin for continuity. The shoes, which are available in styles such as Oxfords, Derbies, Loafers and ankle boots, are made using manually operated machinery, with the finishing touches completed by hand to give each piece a personal character.
To reach the final stop, take a 10-minute drive, crossing over the river.
T: +33 1 45 51 78 43 | 8 Place du Palais Bourbon, 75007 Paris
Moulié Fleurs
Before heading back to the hotel, pick up a beautiful custom bouquet of flowers from historic florist Moulié Fleurs. Founded in 1870 by Alexandre Savart, and passed on to Henri Moulié in 1978, the florist supplies some of the most stylish haute couture houses in Paris. Henri guides customers through the vast selection and combinations of colours, shapes and scents to craft a personalised floral arrangement.
The hotel can be reached with a 10-minute drive back across the river from Moulié Fleurs.
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