As much as I love to travel, it’s kind of wild that I hadn’t been to Paris since I was 17, way back in 1997. And even then, it was one of those whirlwind high school tours—two days in the city, moving at lightning speed with an Italian tour guide who walked way too fast. I have vague memories of getting lost, roaming Montmartre, spotting dreamy textile shops I wasn’t allowed to enter, and having my first taste of couscous at a Tunisian restaurant.  Fast forward almost thirty years, and I finally made my way back—this time, for Maison et Objet, a trade show I’d always dreamed of attending.

Paris in January: Rainy, Cold, and Absolutely Perfect

January in Paris? Not exactly prime time. The sun rises at 8:30 AM and sets at 4:30 PM. It’s cloudy, chilly, and honestly, kind of dreary. But hey, it’s still Paris. I spent nine days in the city, mostly working, but I managed to steal a couple of glorious days just for myself—filled with brisk walks, so many bakery visits, and some truly exciting retail shopping.

I could have stayed closer to the trade show (which was by the airport), but no way was I passing up the chance to be in the heart of the city. I booked a room at Hotel Paradis, opens in a new tab in the 10th arrondissement—a simple, sweet, and super affordable little spot. 

Bonus: it was within walking distance of amazing food and close to Gare du Nord, making my daily commute a breeze.

A Perfect Day in Paris: Shopping + Eating My Way Through the City

 

Paris is a food lover’s dream, and while my trade show schedule meant I only had evenings for real meals, I made them count. 

Petit Louise, opens in a new tab was cozy, bustling, and perfect for a solo dinner. 

I also hit up Brasserie Dubillot, opens in a new tab: an oyster bar for a pile of fresh oysters and crispy frites (because, when in Paris).

And then there was Alma, where I met up with a friend and lost track of time over wine and conversation. Pure magic.

First Stop: Sennelier Art Supply

A metro ride south took me to Sennelier, opens in a new tab, an iconic art store where I stocked up on the most insanely pigmented watercolors and gouache paints. Because obviously, Parisian art supplies just hit different.

Le Bon Marché: The Ultimate Immersive Retail Experience

Next, I hoofed it north to Le Bon Marché, opens in a new tab, one of the world’s most legendary department stores. The stationery section alone was chef’s kiss—custom pens, gold-embossing stations, and a whole gourmet food market filled with every French delicacy imaginable. Mustard? Check. Sardines? Absolutely. Chocolate? Too many options to handle.

A Surprise Gem: Petit Pan

Wandering through the Marais, I stumbled upon Petit Pan, opens in a new tab—a shop bursting with neon-colored fabrics, unexpected patterns, and the kind of textiles that make my heart skip a beat. Turns out, I’ve been following them on Instagram for ages without realizing they had a store in Paris. Naturally, I left with a suitcase full of fabric.

The Paris Flea Markets: A Treasure Hunter’s Dream

The one thing I had to do in Paris? Hit the flea markets. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint.

Marché aux Puces de Vanves

Early Sunday morning, I bundled up and took the metro to Marché aux Puces de Vanves, opens in a new tab, where vendors pull up in vans, set out their treasures, and let the bargaining begin. It was freezing, but I spent five blissful hours rummaging through vintage paintings, old photographs, and the kind of trinkets you just know have stories to tell.

The Mother of All Flea Markets: Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen

After dropping my finds at the hotel (and questioning how I’d fit everything in my suitcase), I made my way to Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, opens in a new tab—the legendary Parisian flea market. With its maze of permanent stalls, each section specializing in different antiques (textiles, furniture, odd little curiosities), I could have spent days here. Let’s just say, my bags were dangerously close to being overweight by the end of this trip.

Final Thoughts: The Trade Show That Wasn’t & The Paris Joy Drop

So, how was Maison et Objet? Honestly? Kind of a bust. The location wasn’t quite right for my brand, and sales were meh. But the trip itself? Completely worth it. 

Until next time, Paris. Because I will be back.