A Fashion Lover’s 72 Hours in Paris

72 hours in paris fran the now time

Paris… The city of light, love, art, gastronomy, and eternal fashion capital. A place where the longer, the better is for sure a plus, but if you only have 72 hours in Paris, where do you start?!

Paris is home to many artists, from Picasso, Dali, Van Gogh, Monet, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and so on. It is also where some of the most important fashion houses like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton were born.

The connection between Paris and fashion has deep roots all the way back to the 17th century. Parisian fashion has evolved and thrived over the years, becoming synonymous with elegance, luxury, and innovation. The “Parisian chic” aesthetic is celebrated worldwide and is characterized by a mix of classic elegance and contemporary style.

The city is still an epicenter for fashion enthusiasts. People travel to Paris every year to feel this vibrant vibe and enjoy a sophisticated lifestyle through various experiences, from an exclusive shopping excursion, a gourmet experience signed by their favorite fashion house, or an art exhibition to an unforgettable night in the trendiest nightclub.

Today, we share with you some of our favorite places to go if you are a fashion lover with 72 hours in Paris!


72 Hours in Paris for Fashion Lovers


Breakfast at Plaza Athénée

Located on Avenue Montaigne and surrounded by some of the most prominent high-end fashion boutiques and ateliers, the world-renowned Plaza Athénée has a long-standing and significant connection with the fashion industry.

The hotel played a key role in Dior’s history, as the charming balconies inspired Christian Dior’s “Bar Suit” in 1947, a design often considered the beginning of the New Look in fashion.

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Here, you can find a selection of pastries created by an award-winning pastry chef. Angelo Musa presents freshly baked cakes, croissants, and daily creations to give you the energy you need to enjoy the city.

Plaza Athénée paris breakfast 72 hours in paris garden at la cour restaruant
Plaza Athénée | Photo Courtesy of Dorchester Collection

Visit La Galerie Dior 

After the success of the exhibition “Christian Dior, couturier du rêve” in Paris in 2017 and London in 2019, in 2022, the brand transformed the private mansion of Monsieur Christian Dior at 30 Avenue Montaigne into its first museum, La Galerie Dior.

Here, we can be immersed in the Maison’s narrative through more than 1,500 miniature objects from the world of Dior, all in color shades, creations from all the creative directors from Yves Saint Laurent until Maria Garzia Chiuri. We can find here a replica of Christian Dior’s original office and an astounding reproduction of the atelier and fitting rooms.

This is one of those exhibitions you will always remember as you get immersed in Dior´s universe. On display through May 13, 2024, a special focus on the female eye at Dior is on display, a must for any fashion lover spending 72 hours in Paris!

Stroll on Avenue Montaigne

This is one of the most important avenues when we talk about fashion in Paris. In the 80s, the avenue was considered la grande dame of French streets for high fashion and accessories and is now considered more important than rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré.

Here, you can find some renowned fashion houses, each housed in opulent architectural masterpieces. Their storefronts are works of art in themselves, inviting you to step into a realm of timeless elegance. Must visits: Jacquemus, Dior, and Maison Margiela.

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Lunch at L’Avenue

The last spot in Avenue Montaigne we love for this 72 hours in Paris round up is a restaurant that has become a symbol of Parisian fashion culture. At L’Avenue, it’s not uncommon to spot well-known celebrities from the industry. During Fashion Week, the restaurant becomes a hub for fashion-related events and gatherings.

Many fashion houses and brands host private parties, launch events, and after-show dinners here.

Visit YSL Museum

Localized on the 16tharrondissement, this is a mandatory stop. The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris opened in 2017 and it was the first museum of this scale, dedicated to the work of one of the twentieth century’s greatest couturiers in Paris. This museum is a tribute to the life and work of Yves Saint Laurent. Here we can find lots of Yves’ creations from garments to accessories sketches. Discover more about his universe, his inspirations, and even the couturier’s design studio.

musee yves saint laurent paris 72 hours formes claudia wiser
Photo Courtesy of Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris

Visit Palais Galliera

Still, in our cultural fashion break and near the YSL museum, we have Palais Galliera, known as the Musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris. The museum is dedicated to the history of fashion and costume design and is renowned for its extensive collection of clothing, accessories, and textiles dating from the 18th century to the present day.

The museum’s architecture is one of the notable architectural landmarks in Paris and an example of the Beaux-Arts style.

Dinner at Girafe

Localized near the Palais Galliera with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, this is the perfect place to end the day during your 72 hours in Paris!

The magnificent Art Deco restaurant is another cult place for fashionistas. Girafe’s menu is seafood-focused, and you can find many options, from classical seafood dishes to more contemporary sashimi creations. This is the perfect place to dress up and enjoy a meal with an Eiffel Tower view.

Girafe dinner sport during 72 hours in paris | Photo by Adrien Dirand, Courtesy of Paris Society
Girafe | Photo by Adrien Dirand, Courtesy of Paris Society

Place Vendome

Considered the cradle of high-end jewelry in Paris. Here, we find the world’s most famous and prestigious jewelry houses, such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari, and Boucheron. With time, fashion brands launched high-end jewelry collection lines and opened boutiques here like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior.

Another must-visit in this square is Schiaparelli’s boutique. With 400 square meters, this is the exact address where Elsa Schiaparelli set up her boutique and her ateliers in 1935. Here, we can find works of art, furniture, and objects by the legendary designer with creations by Salvador Dalí, Alberto Giacometti, and Jean-Michel Frank.

Lunch or Tea at the Ritz Paris

The Ritz Paris is a perfect place to have Lunch or afternoon tea after visiting the boutiques. Here, you will experience the epitome of Parisian luxury.

This was Gabrielle’s Chanel residence for more than 30 years. She designed some of her most famous collections there. Her suite, Suite Coco Chanel, has been preserved in its original condition and can be visited today.

Chanel – Rue Cambon

The brand´s legacy—is inextricably linked with this particular street: 31 Rue Cambon. Here, we can find not only the first Chanel store, but also Coco Chanel’s private apartment. The mirrored staircase leading to her apartment is famous and often visited by fashion enthusiasts.

The store has been operating until now. In this building, we can also find four active studios: two specializing in tailoring and two in dressmaking techniques, the creative director studio, and Coco´s apartment, which is only frequented on rare occasions. If you love Chanel and are spending 72 hours in Paris this is a must.

fashion empowered women coco chanel tweed suit on stairs
Coco Chanel on the stairs at Rue Cambon in Paris, France, 29th January 1963 | Photo by Michael Hardy/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Lunch at Loulou

Loulou in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs offers a terrace overlooking the Jardin du Carrousel of the Tuileries Gardens. On the French and Italian Riviera-inspired menu, you can find a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to pasta and other Mediterranean-inspired options.

The fabulous architect Joseph Dirand designed the Loulou space.

Shopping at Samaritaine

Here’s an alternative to Galleries Lafayette and Printemps. After several years closed for extensive renovations, the department store reopened in 2021.

The building housing Samaritaine is an architectural landmark. It features a unique Art Nouveau and Art Deco design, with distinctive ironwork and decorative elements. The building is a part of Paris’s cultural and architectural heritage.

Here, you can find notable luxury brands, of course, but also exclusives and young designers, gastronomy experiences, and the largest beauty department in Paris to date, where you can find exclusive products.

La Samaritaine, Paris
La Samaritaine, Paris | Photo Courtesy of La Samaritaine

Have a little guilty pleasure at Cheval Blanc

In the Samaritaine building, facing the Seine River, find this stunning 5-star hotel. It’s the perfect place to rest after a long day.

Enjoy a savory moment with one of the pastries from chef Maxime Frédéric in one of Cheval Blanc’s four restaurants or a relaxing beauty moment at Dior Spa.

The French architect Edouard François and the New York starchitect Peter Marino were responsible for this stunning hotel’s interior design.

Stroll in the Marais

It´s impossible to talk about fashion and not talk about The Marais neighborhood, so we highly suggest this if you are spending just 72 hours in Paris.

Here, you can find lots of emerging designers and cool concept stores. The boutiques feature established and up-and-coming designers, offering unique and stylish options for the most discerning shoppers.

The best way to explore this neighborhood is by walking, getting lost in the streets, and entering the shops. On your way, you will find many art galleries, cafés, and bookshops that deserve a visit.

Coffee Break at Café La Perle

A fashion landmark in the Marais, La Perle has been a meeting place for designers, stylists, models, and other fashion professionals. It’s a spot where people in the fashion world gather for business meetings or socializing.

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L’Officine Universelle Buly

This beautiful shop located in Rive Gauche is a mandatory stop for every perfume lover. Buly boutique is like setting foot in a 19th-century apothecary shop. Everything is antique and yet timeless; there’s a sense of mystery and still familiarity. 

Buly 1803 is renowned for its commitment to preserving traditional French beauty and perfumery heritage while incorporating modern sensibilities. It’s a brand that appeals to those who appreciate luxurious, naturally derived beauty and skincare products with a touch of history and artistry.

Lunch at Ralph’s Restaurant

Inside Ralph Lauren´s store in Boulevard Saint Germain, you find this beautiful restaurant with a hidden beautiful terrace.

The menu comprises authentic American dishes honoring Ralph Lauren’s roots. The décor of the restaurants has the brand’s unmistakable style with dark wood, letter details, forest green accents, and equestrian art on the walls.

Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

Opened in 1838, this was the first department store in the world. It revolutionized how people shop, offering a wide range of quality products under one roof. This approach inspired other department stores and had a lasting impact on the retail industry.

Le Bon Marché was designed by the architect Louis-Charles Boileau and the engineer Gustave Eiffel.

Hermès Store

Not far from Le Bon Marché, we can find this flagship store. Opened in 2021, this store combines the art of the savoir-faire with technology.

Here, we can see an elegant equestrian section with several beautifully ergonomic saddles and uber-rich-looking riding boots, leading us back to the roots of the Maison, but also a large section for the Hermès Apple Watch with leather bracelets.

Words by Daniela Pedroso
Feature Image by The Now Time


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