Film by Liza Voloshin
See Jennifer Fisher’s go-to spots in Paris by viewing the "PlaceList" in the video.
The New York-based jewelry designer finds inspiration for her pieces all over the city of Paris from bookstores to bridges. Here, Fisher recommends her favorite spots for your next trip to the City of Lights.
Hôtel Ritz Paris
The Ritz’s Suite Mansart—named after the French architect François Mansart, who designed the city’s iconic sloping roofs—offers Fisher’s favorite view of Paris. Last September, she exhibited her jewelry here during Paris Fashion Week.
“It’s the only suite with an outdoor space, and a bird’s-eye view of the Place Vendôme,” she says. “I'm so inspired whenever I look out; there's so much to pull from the graphic and geometric architecture, the gold locks on the bridges, which really matches my aesthetic.” 15 Place Vendôme; ritzparis.com.
This property offers an exclusive suite of benefits to Platinum Card® Members from American Express through the FINE HOTELS & RESORTS® program.
Verjus
The American seasonal restaurant by expats Chefs Braden Perkins and Laura Adrian books up fast, and for good reason. Located in a 19th-century house overlooking the Palais-Royal, the small dining room is eclectic and unpretentious, with mismatching chairs and bare wooden tables. The food is produce-centric, with dishes like celery root gyoza and risotto with kale and sage. Fisher calls it the most unforgettable meal of her life. “It’s a mix of high cuisine and farm to table, like their caviar on beets,” she says. “I love the juxtapositions. As a California girl designing fine jewelry in New York City, I can appreciate that.” 52 Rue de Richelieu; verjusparis.com.
Astier de Villatte
Fisher registered for a complete Astier dish set when she married her husband 16-years-ago. Their lines of handcrafted tabletop goods are unmistakably French. “They can also be kind of wacky,” Fisher says. “I have some pieces that are very modern and geometric. On my last trip to Paris, I brought back a triangular bowl that works perfectly with my collection at home. I even found some inspiration from a plate with a jagged ridge; I’d like to do that with a hoop earring.” 173 Rue Saint Honoré; astierdevillatte.com.
Tom Greyhound
This Korean multi-brand concept store opened its first international outpost in Paris in 2012. Located in the Marais, the shop is comprised of young, independent designers with minimalist aesthetics, like Thakoon Panichgul and Damir Doma. Fisher tries to visit whenever she’s in town. “It's sort of like a mini-Barney's,” she says. “The best thing about this store is when I find something new from Dries Van Noten or Jil Sander when I was sure I had already seen the whole collection.” 19 Rue de Saintonge; tomgreyhound.com.
Galerie Marian Goodman
Set across the street from each other on Rue du Temple in the Marais, the Marian Goodman gallery and bookstore are recent discoveries for Fisher, but ones that were all the more inspirational coming from the New York-based dealer, who represents artists like Chantal Akerman. “Paris, everywhere you look, is art,” she says. “I love being challenged by things that aren’t necessarily my aesthetic.” 79 Rue du Temple; mariangoodman.com.
The Louvre
Sure the Louvre houses some of the most impressive works of art in the world but Fisher also finds inspiration from the building itself. “The sculptural windows at the entrance are next season’s inspiration,” she says. Rue de Rivoli; louvre.fr.
Pont Des Arts
The pedestrian bridge that links the French Academy to the Louvre is Fisher’s favorite place to walk. It is perhaps most famous for the “love locks” that tourists attach to the bars as a sign of their commitment. “There’s something about the view of Paris from that bridge that is so classic,” Fisher says. “It always reminds me why I love walking back and forth from the right and left banks.” Pont des Arts
Jardin du Palais Royal
These beautiful gardens are a perfect place to relax, drink a coffee, or even take a picnic. There is also world class shopping in the surrounding arcades, including the vintage shop Didier Ludot and perfumer Serge Lutens. “It’s the best place to sit outside and answer emails,” Fisher says. 6 Rue de Montpensier; domaine-palais-royal.fr.
Avenue de l’Opera
If it seems strange that there are no trees along the Avenue de l'Opéra, it’s because the opera’s architect Charles Garnier, wanted pedestrians to have the best possible view of his building’s opulent façade. “This city center is where I go to watch the bustle of Paris,” Fisher says. 8 Rue Scribe
Mandarin Oriental
Fisher’s self-proclaimed “home away from home” in Paris is the Mandarin Oriental, located off fashionable rue Saint Honoré in the 1st arrondissement. “It’s has the best bar for an early evening martini,” Fisher says. The subterranean spa is gorgeous, and includes a pool perfect for swimming laps. 251 Rue Saint Honoré; mandarinoriental.com.
This property offers an exclusive suite of benefits to Platinum Card® Members from American Express through the FINE HOTELS & RESORTS® program.
French Drug Stores
For Francophiles, it’s not news that Parisian drug stores are the place to buy all of your necessities. But even the most seasoned traveler may not know about Biafine, a cream intended to treat minor cuts and burns, and which many people use as a multipurpose lotion. “It smells amazing and is really lightweight,” Fisher said. “I always discover something new at a French drug store, which is why we all go there.
Jennifer Fisher is a member of the American Express Platinum Collective, an advisory board that helps create experiences for Platinum Card Members. Explore all the ways you can experience more with Platinum Card Membership.
Jennifer traveled to Paris as a guest of Delta, which flies non-stop to Paris 15 times a day from 13 U.S. cities*. Book your next flight on Delta Air Lines® with American Express Travel and take advantage of your Platinum Card benefits.
*Based on Summer 2018 schedule
