TRAVEL GUIDE | CABANA TRAVEL | CABANA MAGAZINE

As the sun sets on the Paris Olympics, Maison & Objet rolls into town. If you're heading to Paris for Design Week - or any time of the year for that matter - read on to discover insider tips and hidden hotspots chosen by Paris-based antique dealer and tastemaker, Laura Kugel, of Galerie Kugel.

BY LAURA KUGEL | CABANA TRAVEL | 5 SEPTEMBER 2024  

My Favorite Restaurant: Chez Georges

Historic French bistros hold a special place in my heart. For a truly Parisian experience, try Chez Georges at 1 rue du Mail. The crowd is a mix of visitors and locals, the space is packed, and the food is very rich. There's nothing like the atmosphere of these classic Parisian restaurants that seem almost frozen in time.

My Favorite Hotel: J.K. Place

J.K. Place, a charming 29-room luxury hotel, opened just around the corner from our gallery in late 2020. I love going there for lunch or a drink after work. It’s decorated to feel like you’re stepping into a collector’s home. 

My Favorite Place of Architectural Interest: Parisian Passages

I love strolling through the Parisian passages. There are about two dozen, mostly concentrated in the first, second, and third arrondissements. They’re filled with old shops, second-hand bookstores, restaurants, cafés, you name it. Paris always feels like traveling back in time, but here you’re truly transported to the Belle Époque.

The most beautiful of the Parisian passages is probably Passage des Panoramas, which also houses good restaurants, like Caffé Stern and Racines.

My Favorite Coffee Shop: Dreaming Man

Dreaming Man on Rue Amelot is my local spot. Though they’ve opened a couple more locations, this one remains my favorite. It's tiny, so most people opt for takeaway, but if you're lucky enough to snag a seat, it's the place to daydream. Still, one of the best things about Paris is picking any café terrace, sitting with a book or newspaper, and pretending to read while people-watching.

My Favorite Museums: The Louvre and Jardin des Plantes

No superlative is apt enough to describe how incredible it is to have The Louvre on your doorstep. When I’m in town, I visit the museum at least once a week, sometimes just to walk through the galleries and feel the power of the architecture, beyond the many treasures that they hold.

For a change of pace, I love visiting the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology at the Jardin des Plantes. One of the world’s oldest mineralogical collections, it also displays famous diamonds and works of art. A true beauty overload.

My Favourite Antique Shop: Drouot

While not quite a shop, Hôtel Drouot, or simply Drouot, is a truly special place unique to Paris, where various auctions are held each week. Visit on Tuesdays or Thursdays to view the exhibitions, then return on Wednesday and Friday for the auctions. You might find Art Deco furniture in one room, jewellery in another, and a firefighter-themed sale in a third. Items sell from €10 to several million - it's always a surprise, and we're fortunate to still uncover many treasures within these walls.

My Favorite Hidden Treasure: Petit Palais Café

The café at the back of the Petit Palais is a hidden gem. Accessible free of charge via the museum’s entrance, it feels like a small oasis in a part of the city with few quiet places. Sitting on its curved terrace overlooking a lush garden, it’s one of those perfect spots where you can happily while away a few hours.

My Favorite Thing to Do: Late Night Art

One of my favorite things in Paris is leaving work on a Friday evening and heading straight to The Louvre’s late night. There’s something special about strolling these rooms as the sun sets. The light changes, the crowds thin, and the atmosphere slows down. Afterward, I’ll meet friends for drinks or dinner, my mind refreshed.