04/09/2026
🇫🇷 follow for Paris intel that doesn’t show up in guidebooks.
Comment “NOT IN PARIS” for a link to my guide.
🥂 Hugo Spritz Skip the Aperol. In Paris you order a Hugo Spritz — St-Germain elderflower liqueur, prosecco, mint, lime. Aperol is fine. This is better.
🥐 Pierre Hermé Ladurée macarons are made in a factory outside Paris, put in a “hibernation state” and shipped to stores. Their own PR won’t use the word frozen. Pierre Hermé makes his in Paris. No line. No drama.
💆 Nuxe Spa on Rue Montorgueil Don’t buy Nuxe at the airport or Sephora — you can get it at home. The actual Nuxe Spa is at 32 Rue Montorgueil, in a 17th century wine cave where the brand was born. Book a massage there instead.
👓 Rendel Paris Four generations of French opticians. Prescription glasses from €99. Paris only. Nobody at home has heard of them. That’s the point. (Jimmy Fairly just opened in NYC — get there before it becomes the next Aritzia.)
🍬 Carambar at Franprix Haribo is German. Founded in Bonn in 1920. Carambar has been France’s candy since 1954 — every single wrapper has a joke inside called a blague Carambar. Buy them loose by weight at any Franprix.
💇 Maison Caillau Artisanal hair accessories made in Paris since 1896. Walk in, buy one pin, and they’ll show you how to do a classic French twist on the spot. No appointment. One pin. Free lesson.
💄 Bâton Rouge Paris The pharmacy haul had its moment. A chemist in the Marais will make you a lipstick in your exact shade, texture and scent in 30 minutes. It holds the Made in Paris label. It’s unique in Europe. 35 Rue de Poitou, Le Marais. €50.
📰 La Galcante 7 million original newspapers, magazines and ephemera in one shop in Paris. Walk in and ask for the newspaper from the day you were born. They’ll find it. It’s not a copy or a reprint. It’s the actual paper. Since 1975. Best gift I’ve ever given anyone.
