Opera Garnier © Thinkstock 2012, coll. iStockphoto
Discovering a Distinguished District BY SANDRA ISKANDER
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ocated in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, Place Vendôme is a grandiose square featuring the original Vendôme Column in the centre, which was erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the battle of Austerlitz. Today the square is encircled by upscale jewellery boutiques including Dior, Van Cleef & Arpels and Chopard. Just a little bit further down from this magnificent square is Palais Garnier, the sumptuous opera house. Inaugurated in 1875, the Palais Garnier was designed by Charles Garnier and was designed in the NeoBaroque style. Boasting 1600 seats, the opera house is not only considered a place of art but also an architectural masterpiece. Not too far from this breathtaking square, located off Place de la Concorde, is Jardin des Tuileries, a magnificent public garden, originally designed by Catherine de Médicis, the Queen consort of France, wife of King Henry II, in 1564 when she had the Tuileries Palace built. The design of the Tuileries now centres on an avenue that extends to the Louvre
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museum with the garden featuring a superb collection of statues including 18 works by Maillol as well as works by Coustou and Rodin. The gardens are where many fashion shows are held during the prestigious Paris Fashion Week, while funfairs are organised during the summer for children. Parallel to the gardens on the Right Bank, exuding exclusivity, you will discover rue Saint Honoré and rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré, the home to some of the world’s most luxurious fashion brands. It is here you will find the iconic Hermès boutique, the house renowned for exquisite craftsmanship and of course the Kelly and Birkin bags. Standing tall across from Hermes is Cartier, the fine jewellery and watch manufacturer that King Edward VII honoured in 1904 with the Royal warrant of supplier to the Royal Court of England. Colette, Paris’s original multi-brand store is also here. Popular with fashionistas and trendsetters, Colette is the place for limited edition fashion items and eclectic pieces.
PARIS WITH A CLICK The WhereNow Paris App for iPhone & iPad is the perfect companion for exploring Paris. It allows the user to build their ideal itinerary from morning till night, with authoritative, constantly updated suggestions, which help them get the most out of their visit. Each entry has been checked out and reviewed by Where Paris magazine’s local experts. DOWN LOAD FOR FREE
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