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24 Hours In Paris, With RIISE

12/07/24

Author: Elizabeth Roberts

DOCUMENTED BY: RIISE

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One of the most visited cities in the world, Paris has solidified its place as a hub of history, culture, dining and fashion.

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Everyday Croissant Bag

Brie Leon

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Juliette Earrings

AGMES

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Marcel Bodice

Hyde & Stone

Documented By: RIISE

One of the most visited cities in the world, Paris has solidified its place as a hub of history, culture, dining and fashion.

Resplendent wide boulevards are dotted with bistros, cafes and patisseries. Cobblestone streets lead to stunning inner-city gardens and classic Haussmann apartment buildings stand boldly in cut stone. The whole city is every bit as charming and romantic as the cultural imagination has made it out to be. And that’s not to even touch on the landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, which positively shimmers at night on the skyline, and the river Seine that snakes its way through the heart of the city. I was lucky enough to recently spend some time in the City of Love on a buying trip for RIISE (you’d be right in thinking I love my job). Below, read my recommendations for whiling away 24 hours in this majestic place.

Morning

Coffee & croissants

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Documented By: RIISE

Morning

Coffee & croissants

One must start the day in Paris with a croissant and espresso. It’s tradition and would be rude not to. If possible, pair this iconic culinary duo with a side of people watching. Cloud Cakes was recommended to me by a friend for vegan croissants (which are rare as hen’s teeth in a city known for its buttery pastries) and I was very excited to try it on this trip. A completely vegan boulangerie, it’s located just off the rue Montorgueil, which has a reputation as being one of the most vibrant and bustling food-streets in Paris. This cute and cosy cafe also serves up vegan-friendly versions of other famous French snacks, such as ham and cheese croissants, éclairs and macarons. If I’m not in the mood for espresso, I do also enjoy popping into one of the city’s Café Kitsunés for a matcha.

Marcel Bodice

Hyde & Stone

Everyday Croissant Bag

Brie Leon

The Foundation Flat

ESSĒN

Tailored Pant

SAINT

Marcel Bodice

Hyde & Stone

Everyday Croissant Bag

Brie Leon

The Foundation Flat

ESSĒN

Tailored Pant

SAINT

Buying appointments and garden strolls

After carbs and coffee, I was off on my merry way to a bunch of buying appointments. I can’t give away too much just yet, but I can assure you that there are lots of exciting and beautiful pieces coming to RIISE soon! It’s always such a pleasure (and perk of the job) meeting designers face-to-face and being able to see and touch their garments in the showrooms. If I didn’t have buying appointments, I would be strolling around one of Paris’ gorgeous gardens. Jardin du Luxembourg is a personal favourite. The creation of the garden began back in 1612, and today spans 25 hectares of land, which are decorated with a geometric forest, pond orchard, rose garden and over 100 statues and fountains. I packed my Foundation Flats from ESSEN on this trip and thank goodness I did as they carried me comfortably through a great deal of walking.

Afternoon

Explore Le Marais

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Documented By: RIISE

Afternoon

Explore Le Marais

Every time I visit Paris, I absolutely must stop off at the Marais. Oozing with charm and character, this world-famous district is known for its art scene (from the Pompidou Centre art museum to smaller galleries like Galerie Perrotin and the enchanting Atelier Brancusi) and shopping alike. Here, you’ll find skateboarders hanging out at Supreme’s flagship and cool boutiques like The Broken Arm which stocks Prada, Comme des Garçons and Maison Margiela. I also love the book stores here like OFR and Yvon Lambert. For vintage shopping, you can’t go past Nuovo and Pretty Box. After all that (window) shopping, you’ll need to re-fuel for the rest of the day. I found a lovely vegan restaurant Le Potager du Marais that serves plant-based spins on classic French dishes.

RIISE x Esse Studios Exclusive Twist Maxi Dress

Esse Studios

Juliette Earrings

AGMES

Everyday Mini Baguette

Brie Leon

Suitor Chain Bracelet & Anklet Gold Vermeil

Monarc Jewellery

RIISE x Esse Studios Exclusive Twist Maxi Dress

Esse Studios

Juliette Earrings

AGMES

Everyday Mini Baguette

Brie Leon

Suitor Chain Bracelet & Anklet Gold Vermeil

Monarc Jewellery

See the city

If you’re in the mood for more culture, you can’t miss Bourse de Commerce. The building is as stunning as the art curation. The restaurant at the top is incredible too. Originally a place of commerce and trade, it now houses the art collection of French businessman François Pinault. Musée Rodin is personal favourite of mine as well. You can get up close and personal with Auguste Rodin’s most celebrated sculptures, like The Thinker and The Kiss. Located inside the 1730 Hôtel Biron, where the artist lived and worked while in Paris, the building is bordered by a tranquil rose garden that almost makes you forget you’re in central Paris. While you’re in the city, it’s best to hop on a Lime bike. I had a few hours to spare after lunch and just rode around enjoying the sights: the Arc de Triomphe, Grand Palais and Champs-Élysées. It’s the fastest way to get around Paris and if you ask me, the most fun.

Evening

Aperitifs

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Documented By: RIISE

Evening

Aperitifs

Turns out all those artists, poets and filmmakers were right: the evening light in Paris is just mesmerising. We did a small RIISE shoot, making the best of all golden hour had to offer. Of course, we stopped midway through for an aperitif – it’s Paris, after all. I’m a natural wine lover so had already canvassed Paris for great natural wine bars on previous trips. I recommend BAMBINO, where you get a side of vinyl with your drink, and Septime La Cave, a wooden-clad hole-in-the-wall loved by locals. On this evening, we went to Chez Nous which serves biodynamic wine. After our glass, we watched the sunset over the Seine and hopped on a Lime bike to dinner. Yes, those flats came in handy again.

Dinner at Le Potager de Charlotte

To end our night, we settled in for dinner at Le Potager de Charlotte. This vegan restaurant was opened by two brothers, David and Adrien Valentin, who are sons of an innkeeper. David is a restaurateur and chef and Adrien Valentin is a qualified naturopath. Together, they have created a truly memorable dining experience centred around locally sourced, seasonal produce. With the aim of reframing the way people think about plant-based cuisine, Le Potager de Charlotte’s menu is elevated and bursting with fresh flavours that could win over diehard carnivores. The menu changes depending on what’s in season, but we had roasted eggplant, wild rice and rigatoni with bell peppers. C'est magnifique.

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