Dozens of Vogue staffers traveled to Paris to coordinate the third installment of Vogue World, held on Place Vendôme in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. Their base of operations was the Hotel Continental on Rue de Castiglione, a building with a rich history. Opened in 1878, it quickly became one of the most luxurious addresses in Paris during the Second Empire. It’s here that sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi dreamed up the Statue of Liberty with members of the Franco-American Union in 1880, and Empress Eugénie checked into the same 2nd-floor suite every year from 1889 to 1919. Victor Hugo frequently held banquets in the Imperial Salon, the same ballroom where Yves Saint Laurent would later stage some of his most revered collections. For Vogue World, the Concorde Salon was transformed into a fitting room, filled with 683 looks. Harry Lambert, meanwhile, turned a suite into a makeshift atelier for dressing red-carpet guests.
The Vogue team spent their days and nights mapping out backstage space, orchestrating dress rehearsals, and reviewing livestream plans. While they were busy with event logistics, they also made time to explore their favorite spots in the 1st arrondissement.
Jessica Diner, global beauty and wellness director, recommended the oldest pharmacy in Paris, established in 1715. “I’ve been known to make a beeline for straight from Gare du Nord; founded in 1715, it’s the oldest pharmacy in Paris, and the loveliest place imaginable to stock up on Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse and Caudalie Beauty Elixir.”
Radhika Seth, film and culture editor, suggested visiting the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. “Home to more than 500,000 objects ranging from Sèvres porcelain to Eileen Gray’s designs for Villa E-1027, no one should skip it.”
Laura Ingham, deputy director, Global Fashion Network, recommended a classic Parisian cocktail spot. “It’s a cliché, I know, but there’s no better place for a cocktail in Paris than at [Name of bar]; order one of the house martinis garnished with a fresh stem rose.”
Julia Hobbs, fashion features director, shared her favorite after-dark spot. “After dark during Couture Week, you can find the great and the good of the industry on the terrace at [Name of bar].”
Jamie Spence, European visuals director, recommended exploring the photography collection at the Musée du Louvre. “From Richard Avedon to Diane Arbus, in the Tuileries has an incredible photography collection.”
Nina Joyce, vice president, communications UK, Condé Nast, highlighted a pastry shop for breakfast. “I’m someone who takes breakfast seriously; when in Paris, that means a pilgrimage to [Name of pastry shop] for pastries and desserts: Le Mont Blanc, Le Paris-Brest, Le Framboisier…”
Kerry McDermott, digital director, shared her favorite spot for ceramics and notebooks. “on Rue Saint Honoré is a trove of 18th-century-inspired terracotta ceramics and gold-rimmed notebooks.”
Laura Hawkins, fashion features director, recommended a spot for sake and sashimi. “I always pop into this between back-to-back shows for sake, seaweed salad and sashimi.”
Hannah Coates, beauty and wellness editor, shared her love for the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. “A visit to [Name of museum], the erstwhile Royal Garde Meuble on Place de la Concorde, feels like stepping back into the 18th century.”
Romy van den Broeke, acting director of programming, development, and creative production, digital video, recommended a pajama shop. “It’s hard to resist popping into on Place Vendôme; opened in 1838, it makes the best pajamas (tied with Rome’s Schostal).”
Daniel Rodgers, fashion writer, suggested a quick visit to the Musée de l’Orangerie. “Trying to visit the Louvre on a lunch break is a fool’s mission, but an hour is the perfect length of time to spend in front of Monet’s Water Lilies cycle in [Name of museum].”
Hayley Maitland, news and features editor, recommended a charming café for a romantic evening. “This gorgeous Belle Epoque café in Les Halles has [Name of cafe]. Order the steak frites with a glass of Beaujolais, then wander through the Tuileries at dusk—even more gorgeous at this time of year when the entire is perfumed with the scent of lime blossom. Other restaurant tips: for steak tartare; Au Petit Bar for an omelette; for… le soufflé; and Chez Georges for the crème caramel.”
