Shopping
in the vicinity of the Church de la Madeleine, easily accessible from
the Métro Madeleine, RER and buses, need not consist only of those
drool-inducing gourmet food shops HEDIARD and FAUCHON. Spend a
beautiful morning strolling into these nearby shops – you will surely
discover many more - then top it off with some wonderful Italian food
at trattoria Casa dell'Estelle, nearby.
-
Inside the Galerie de la Madeleine, Rosemarie Schulz' extraordinary
"flower shop" atelier will seduce you well before you step through the
door. Sniff the gorgeous dry flower arrangements (were those dried
potted blueberries?) and treat yourself to a noseful of the unusually
pretty pillow sachets loaded with rose petals. Gilded gift boxes in
fascinating shapes and vibrant placemats in glorious shapes of leaves
and flowers (large 4.5O Euros, small 2 Euros) make original gifts.
-
Territoire is but a few steps from Rosemary's lilac bud bins. Though
its window display will make you tarry awhile, you'll surely want to go
inside and explore the artisanale toys, originale garden items,
medieval costumes and large replica sailboats.
Territoire
30 rue Boissy d'Anglas (Galerie de la Madeleine)
75008 Paris – 01 42 66 22 13
- Don't miss this packed-with-goodies stationer's shop worth stopping into for that just-right graduation gift.
Ecriture & Cie – Stationers 9 Place de la Madeleine
75008 Paris – 01 42 66 20 81
-
Anke Drechsel, at the same address, has drop-dead gorgeous stuff - tiny
ourses (bears), scarves, pillows, little sacs, curtains… You can have
anything made. Expensive, elegant. Embroidery on silk. NOT for the
budget set. You won't see yourself or accessories coming and going.
Anke Drechsel
9 Place de la Madeleine
75008 Paris - 01 40 07 05 99
-
Though there are several Résonances sprinkled throughout the city, the
one near the Place de la Madeleine is a shopper's delight. Résonances'
household items are surprisingly practical despite being so
designer-friendly. Hints from Heloise meets l'Art de Vivre, complete
with a brochure explaining how to get rid of the nastiest of stains.
Résonances 3 Blvd Malesherbes
75008 Paris – 01 44 51 63 70
-
Next door, Espaces SIA – specializing in décoration, cadeaux, art de la
table and art floral – will easily take up the rest of your morning.
Their special services such as Bridal, Newborn and Birthday Registries
and custom bouquets with a flair are sure to inspire.
After
all that shopping, you deserve a lipsmacking lunch. Make a beeline down
the rue Tronchet until you run into the rue de Castellane, a sidestreet
harboring Italian dining experience Casa dell'Estelle. Devotees from
Italy and locals alike crowd into this airy ristorante to enjoy
whatever fresh market finds Florentine chef Michealangelo (nicknamed
"Ferrari") has managed to create that day. Don't expect fixed menus.
Instead, peruse the changed-daily ardoises or blackboard specialties
like Escalope Gorgonzola (13.60 Euros), Espadon Courgettes (15.10
Euros), Tortellacci sur Roquette (13.60 Euros), and for dessert, Gratin
de Frais (strawberry gratin, 7.70 Euros). On the day I was there it was
very difficult deciding between Farfalle aux Cèpes et au Fois Gras,
Tagliatelli aux Gambas and Filet de Bœuf aux Cèpes (the farfalle won
out), while my dining partner, who'd been there several times before,
knew exactly what she wanted: an arugula-topped pizza that turned heads
as it was brought to our table. There is a nice selection of Italian
wines as well as a heated sidewalk terrace. Owner Jacques Younes' smile
is enough to make you resolve to return.
Casa dell'Estelle 14 rue de Castellane
75008 Paris – 01 42 65 41 56
Open for lunch and dinner every day except Sunday
