Beauty
These are a couple of my favourites:
Spa Nuxe (32 rue Montorgueil, 75001, phone +33 (0) 1 55 80 71 40)
Parisians love this beauty spot for everything from facials to massages, so book well in advance. Tucked away off a busy pedestrian street, it's a little haven of modern Zen. The staff are down-to-earth, attentive and will offer you herbal tea while you wait. Treatments use luscious, plant-based products. The only downside is they often try to sell you some afterwards. But don't let this put you off.
David Mallett (14 Rue Notre Dame des Victoires)
Australian-born hairstylist David Mallett has been transforming the locks of Hollywood sirens, models and classy Parisians for years. His salon is an enormous, classic French apartment, stripped back with huge mirrors and lots of natural light. Don't be shocked by the stuffed ostrich in the middle, though — it's a little reminder of Mallet's Aussie roots. A trip here is a classy but affordable treat.
Gourmet treats
Time to eat posh!
Poilane bakery (8 rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006, phone +33 1 45 48 42 59)
Forget the tried-and-tested baguette; take bread-appreciation up a notch at this bakery on rue du Cherche-Midi. Poilane bread is a staple of many of Paris's top restaurants and popular with gourmet-lovers. Try the trademark sourdough loaf or the nut bread.
Fauchon (24-26 Place de la Madelaine, 75008,phone +33 1 70 39 38 00)
The Ferrari of the deli world serves up everything from pates, jams and teas to cakes to-die-for, such as styled é clairs starting at five euros. Nothing is a bargain here but the food looks and tastes great, the store is edgy and cool and hey, when in Fauchon...
Cocktails
Hotel Plaza Athenee (25 avenue Montaigne, 75008, phone +33 1 53 67 66 65)
Be seduced by cocktails or the well-heeled clientele at this bar in the
Hotel Plaza Athenee. This is where the beautiful people come to see and be seen. The decor is super slick and contemporary, but in a classic French setting. Perch at the illuminated glass bar or languish in a leather armchair. Make sure you put on your glad-rags though, or you will feel out of place among the achingly stylish crowd. Be prepared to splash out, too; drinks are very pricey.
Shopping
Jewellery at Place Vendome
Whether you are a serious buyer or just wish you were, it's worth visiting Place Vendome. It's one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, partly pedestrianised and lined with the world's most glamorous jewel and watch-makers from Cartier to Van Cliff & Arpeel.
If your budget won't stretch to a diamond necklace, you can at least buy a drink at one of Place Vendome's best-loved watering-holes — the Hemingway bar at the Ritz Hotel. Cocktails are pricey but they come courtesy of an award-winning barman.
Avenue Montaigne
The street is home to the top fashion houses from Chanel to Dior and located just off the Champs-Elysee.
Rue Faubourg St Honore
Designer boutiques are packed into this street, popular with the international glamour-set. It is also where you will find Collette. It's Paris's landmark concept store, selling cutting-edge clothes and groovy tunes. Rub (slender) shoulders with models and fashionistas downstairs at the Waterbar, which offers a menu of waters from around the globe.
Got any more luxury recommendations? Have your say using the comments form below.
Next: Where the locals dine
