French fashionista Mathilde Favier is Head of PR for Dior Couture. She’s the epitome of Parisian elegance and embodies the soul and spirit of the city, with a web of knowledge at her fingertips.
Her book Living Beautifully in Paris launches this month and features Mathilde’s wide network of glamorous friends – luminaries in fashion, beauty, arts, interiors and food – all of who give an exclusive glimpse into their lives and homes. Keen to get our own glimpse into Mathilde’s version of Paris, we spoke to her about her favourite hotspots in the City of Light, including where to dine and shop plus the one place only locals know about (which, she tells us, was Christian Dior’s favourite restaurant).
At the beginning of each season, especially when the colours start to change; the trees turn green in the summer and red in the autumn transforming the city. It’s all about connecting with nature.
Our first pitstop should be…
To buy your groceries in my favourite organic store Bien L’Epicerie Bio on Rue de la Pompe in the 16th arrondissement. This small grocery store is open on Sundays, which is a rarity for Paris, and it has a perfect selection of fruits and vegetables. You can have breakfast there, including delicious açai bowls by Wild & The Moon.
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
Cheval Blanc Paris. For me, it is the epitome of comfort. It’s one of the few hotels where, when you go back to your room, there are already candles burning and a hot bubble bath waiting for you.
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For an early morning workout head to…
The swimming pool at the Cheval Blanc. It’s one of the most beautiful in Paris. I also like to do a morning yoga class with my personal trainer at home.
Where should we go for breakfast?
Maisie Café. It’s a small, quiet café where you can eat delicious food. Their products are very fresh, and you know where they come from. It’s also convenient for me because I go past it on my way to work.
Where can we find the best coffee?
At Café de Flore. They make really nice coffee and delicious, thin baguettes called “ficelles” while they are still hot in the morning. I like to have them with salty butter, soaked in my black coffee.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Visit Ralph’s by Ralph Lauren.
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Your favourite restaurant in town?
And for dinner with friends?
L’Ami Louis, Le Voltaire, and Restaurant Le Duc. These three are proper Parisian restaurants with a real Parisian titi atmosphere. They are the perfect places to go with friends; you’ll feel at home and you can enjoy comforting food. Best of all, there is no music. It’s a sine qua non for me.
The drink to order at the bar…
A glass of rosé champagne at Bar Hemingway in The Ritz, on the rocks! I really like it for its Parisian atmosphere and mythical history, but also for its intimacy and privacy. It’s the perfect place to hide away from the world for a few hours.
The best place for people watching?
On the terrace of any café. That’s what they’re for. You need to be sitting quietly. And alone, with no friends to distract you.
The culture spot to rave about…
Fondation Louis Vuitton, without a doubt, for the quality of its exhibitions. I really like the artistic choices that are made, and I particularly enjoy discovering what is hidden in the private collections, because these are pieces that have never been unveiled before – and that we may never see again.
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Where can we go shopping?
Bloom Paris for its lovely Indian-inspired décor, Alexandra Golovanoff for beautiful knitwear – especially its sweaters – and Julie de Libran Paris for the cuts of its dresses. I also like to go to Au Bain Marie to find old, pretty things that make perfect gifts.
Best vintage spots?
The Clingancourt flea market.
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For the best views head to…
Sacré Cœur in Montmartre, for the view of Paris.
One place only locals know about…
Le Relais du Bois: it was Christian Dior’s favourite restaurant. He lived just behind it and ate his meals there. It’s a lovely neighbourhood bistro, with traditional cuisine and a Parisian ambience, just the way I like it.
A book to read before we go?
My book, Living Beautifully In Paris.
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For a change of pace try…
The Musée de la Vie Romantique. The building was once home to painter, Ary Scheffer, and today showcases his work, alongside an exhibition about George Sand.
Souvenir to take home?
Any cheese.
In one word, Paris is…
Rare.
A must-try spot for date night?
A public bench in a garden, for romance under the moonlight.
The best place to treat yourself is…
Muse and Heroine Healing House. I go there for excellent massages with Melinda, and for their high-quality organic products. Their cosmetics are the best around.
Your favourite neighbourhood(s)…
Montmartre, the 9th arrondissement, and my own neighbourhood, the 16th. And I love the rose gardens in Bagatelle Park.
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How should we spend the final day of our trip?
A walk on the Alexandre III bridge, to cross one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris. And to get some fresh air before getting back on the plane.
What’s your Paris secret?
It’s a secret.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?