Guide: What to Visit in Paris Besides the Maison & Objet Exhibition

The international interior design, decoration, and gift fair Maison & Objet will take place in Paris from September 6 to 15. We asked designer Olga Shapovalova about other places to visit during this time, where to stay, and what to buy.

Olga Shapovalova is an expert. A graduate of the "Details" school and founder of O-Deco Studio. She loves and knows France, Paris, and French design well.

Where to stay?

On Place de la Madeleine, at the Fauchon L'hotel Paris, a boutique-hotel opened by the same-named confectionery factory. A five-star hotel designed by architect Rishar Martin, with only 54 rooms.

Each room has its own unique feature. Beds with unusual headboards, mirror panels, wardrobes, and cabinets in complex color schemes. And, of course, the brand's signature colors — black and bright pink.

Additional pleasant perks include the option to stay with pets, a breathtaking view of the city from the window, and a restaurant serving the brand's signature desserts.

See for yourself...

Paintings by great artists, ethnic sculptures, and antique furniture. From September 8 to 16, the 30th annual La Biennale Paris exhibition will take place at the Grand Palais. This year's organizers prepared a surprise — a unique exhibition titled "Napoleon under Glass".

Where to walk?

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the southwest to the Albert-Kahn Garden. Named after its creator — a local banker who traveled the world extensively. Hence, you can find French, English, Japanese gardens, Vosges forest, and even a palmarium reminiscent of Oceania.

What to visit?

The AD Intérieurs exhibition opened on September 5 and will run until the 23rd. It is held in a historical 16th-century mansion, Hotel de la Bucherie. A great opportunity to see what conceptual objects 15 talented designers and decorators will present this time. By the way, both professionals and young talents will be included.

Where to go shopping?

To the furniture boutique AM.PM on Avenue Victor Hugo. Visually very similar to a cozy Parisian apartment — you immediately feel at home here. Just be careful: it's unlikely you'll leave empty-handed.

Where to grab a coffee?

The ShelI is a new cocktail bar in Des Grands Boulevards hotel. While it might not be about coffee here, you absolutely must try their signature cocktails made with seasonal fruits and vegetables. And feel like a hero from the Art Deco era.

Where to have dinner?

Forward, to the center of the city — to the new Girafe restaurant, which everyone in Paris is talking about. The interior in the style of the 1930s was designed by architect Joseph Dahan, and the dishes made from iodized ingredients are prepared by chef Benoît Darger.

I recommend booking a table on the terrace in advance — from here, you get a wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower.

What can't you miss?

The Picasso and Dance exhibition is currently running at the Paris Opera until September 16. Here, you can see about 130 works, documents, photographs, costumes, and ballet decoration elements.

What should you definitely photograph?

The stone rotunda of the Temple of Sibyl in Parc de Boulogne, which offers a luxurious view of Paris. The park was established in 1863 on the site of an abandoned quarry, but now it features lakes and waterfalls, rocks and grottos, streams and observation decks connected by countless paths and a suspended bridge.

What to bring back from the trip?

Visit the bookshop Librairie Galignani located on Rue de Rivoli. It was founded in 1801 by the Galignani family and is still owned by its descendants.

The place is very atmospheric, and with a vast selection of English, American, and French literature, your head spins. Especially the art book collection.