The Marais offers a dynamic duo of eye candy — stylish boutique windows and sweet patisseries. I love strolling through the side streets, popping into trendy stores, slipping my feet into colorful ballet flats and having friendly salespeople flood my dressing room with feminine and distinctly French-cut blouses and skirts.
A shoulder ruffle, delicate bow, and coquettish pencil skirt all seem to fit better in the Marais. And even if you don’t want to commit to the price, it’s impossible not to be inspired by the mirrored reflection of a perfectly glamorous Parisian outfit.
Shopping is an ideal wind-up to my favorite end to the day: A stop at Carette — the tea house/patiserrie/coffee shop that borders the palatial Place des Vosges (and the nearby ghost of Victor Hugo).
While Carette is often bustling with activity, it is possible to slide into a table outside and watch the tuxedoed waiters zoom around with trays full of small floral cups and simple, but memorable pastries. Their eclair — dainty, but wonderfully chocolatey, chilled, and crisp — stands up to its nearby competitor at L’Eclair de Genie (also worth a stop in the Marais!).
Sometimes, I like to select an extra sweet and a noisette at the take-away window, and finish the rest of my afternoon snack, lounging on the grass of the Place des Vosges, with a book and an absorbing round of people watching.
Carette
25 Place des Vosges
Paris, France, 75003
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