The Paris Guide, by Pauline Egge: Where to Stay, Eat, and Shop for French Fashion (book review)

The Paris Guide, written by Pauline Egge and published by Petite Passport, is a lightweight and succinct travel guide you’ll want to take to Paris on your next visit. Always writing with the travel & design enthusiast in mind, Pauline is known for “constantly searching for the most inspiring design addresses to share with her readers.”

The Paris Guide is divided into three parts to help you find where to eat, where to shop for Parisian and French Girl Style, and where to stay in the City of Lights. 

You’ll be just as happy to have this book in your hands as I was when I first picked it up at a local bookstore. The minimalist cover design and pink back cover caught my eye and I had to buy it. Grabbing a coffee, I settled in on a cozy park bench to leaf through it.

While reading the guide I started daydreaming, imagining myself sitting on a bench in Jardin du Luxembourg, planning my day in Paris... I can only dream of visiting again soon. And will surely take this guide on my next trip!

What's New In Paris?

Parisians appreciate time honored institutions. As the notion of “établissement” or “maison” implies: the older the venue, the more highly it is perceived. But from time to time, new things come up, and it's so helpful to have a guide to point us in the right direction. Sure, you can always rely on your trusty cellphone, but nothing is as tactile as a guidebook in your hands.

One of the features I like about The Paris Guide is the fact that the writer gives you three simple reasons why you should go to each of the places she recommends.

      

And this is what makes this guide different! There is no need to wade through lots of text, background stories, and meandering personal anecdotes that many other travel guides pad their pages with. In addition to the clear and simple “three reasons” that make every destination worthwhile, you'll also find lovely venue photographs to help you make a decision on the spot.

Where to Shop Local Art and French Girl Style?

Some of the places reviewed which I’d love to visit on my next trip are: La Manufacture Parisienne in the 18th Arrondissement to pick up artifacts made by local artists, as well as the Centre Commercial to get a sense of what Parisian streetwear is currently looking like.

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Speaking of French fashion, that’s is an area on which we would be glad to see more options. For example, a few recommendations for new vintage boutiques, or tips on how to navigate the marchés aux puces (flea markets), as well as suggestions of where to shop for Parisian and French Girl Style.

Of course, in our case, we’d love to know about places that are not as expensive as Rosaé, and not as mass-produced as H&M. An ideal middle of the road is what we have in mind, boutiques for instance, that are well curated yet affordable and that sell romantic and feminine dresses.

But that is precisely what I’ll be on the lookout for on my next trip -- as I make butterfly stops between bistro, museum, and café, looking for the tastiest brioche, baguette, and of course, the perfect French fashion boutique!

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If you are Planning a Trip to Paris

Get inspired with The Paris Guide. I’ve been leaving it on my coffee table, treating it as a constant reminder to start making plans for my next visit. If you can’t make it to Paris anytime soon, check out more upcoming entries in our Blog for French lifestyle & fashion inspiration.

And if you are planning a trip, think of what to pack while perusing our collection of French Girl Style Dresses. We also are also known for providing a curated selection of feminine and romantic French inspired clothing. Be sure to sign up below for our newsletter to receive a discount on your first order! 

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @shopamantine for styling inspiration. Subscribe to our newsletter below to be the first to know of new drops of retro and French inspired collections, and for a special discount on your first order!