The Paris Shopping Companion

Susan Swire Winkler
Cumberland House Publishing, Inc. (2006, 4th ed.)
ISBN 1581825129
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (7/06)

Shopping in Paris…isn’t that every woman’s dream?  It sure was mine and I was pleased to review Winkler’s book.  When we think of shopping in Paris, we often think of Christian Dior, Apostrophe, Chanel, Cartier, and other well known designers.

However, Winkler gives us another perspective on shopping in Paris.  Not only does she depict the designer outlets, she also leads us to checking out the lesser priced merchandise, yet much of the same quality and style.

Of interest to me was Place Vendome where Hotel Ritz is located.  Not only did I experience lunch at the hotel, but also had an opportunity to spot Yoko Ono and Johnny Depp having lunch near our table. After lunch we strolled the cobblestone parking lot and shopped in the infamous jewelry houses: Chaumet, Cartier, and Boucheron – some of my favorite designers.

“The Paris Shopping Companion” is not only a shopping guide.  Winkler provides a visitor’s guide which includes the best time to go to Paris, what to take, how to get around, customs, and shipping your purchases back to the U.S.  She suggests accommodations which are quaint and located to many of the main attractions.  She also gives information on attractions in sections called “along the way” e.g. explanation of Musee D’Orsay, address, metro, telephone and hours of operation. 

This book is a must for anyone traveling to Paris.  It is concise and complete, user friendly and certainly takes the fear of visiting a city where the spoken language is French.  Although, I must say, not being able to speak French all I needed to know is: Parlez-vous l'anglais? and there was some around that did speak English.  Take “The Paris Shopping Companion” on your next trip to Paris! 

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