No doubt you’ve had a great time during your stay in Paris; you saw some beautiful sights, tasted some exquisite food, and felt the atmosphere filled with that ‘je ne sais quoi’ that we call Parisian charm, so it’s not surprising that you’d want to try and take those memories home in the form of souvenirs. While a Chanel Bag is the obvious choice, it will also take a few thousand euros out of your bank account. As an alternative, this cultural trip has put together a list of the best souvenirs to take home from Paris. Starting from under a euro, there’s something for all budgets. Find out what completes the magic 10 keepsakes from Paris...
Hot Chocolate From Angelina
Angelina is a famous tearoom where Proust and Coco Chanel alike sampled the divine hot chocolate and exquisite patisseries. Since then it has developed a reputation for its hot chocolate, which is silky, rich and luxurious — so good that it goes on many people’s Paris to-do list. If you’ve sampled it and loved it, or if you’re yet to try it, go pick up a bottle of the glorious, ready-made chocolate in the delicatessen. For only a few euros, a bottle is the perfect gift to take home and pour out when you’re feeling a little nostalgic, or to give to loved ones — if you can bare to part with it, that is.
Post Card or Print
Such a part of history are the sellers who trade in little boxes along La Seine in the east of Paris that they have their own name:Les Bouquinistes. There are so many such vendors that the Seine is often described as ‘the only river in the world that runs between two bookshelves.’ Trading vintage books, posters, and black and white postcards, it’s the ideal place to pick up some authentic memorabilia that will last a lifetime and look great on any wall back home.
Herbal Tea
While coffee still dominates, herbal tea is a big deal in Paris, with Parisiennes especially latching on to the health benefits it is said to offer. Mariage Frères is the most accredited seller, as it is the oldest and has built up a reputation over time. However, this reputation will cost you; don’t be surprised if you see 100g costing you 100 euros or more. For those of you who wouldn’t place that much value on tea leaves, Kusmi Tea is also a widely used tea brand in Paris, and there are stores in most areas. The packaging is fun and the teas taste great; what’s more, they are much cheaper and can be picked up in most supermarkets for those last minute gifts.
Eiffel Tower Key Ring
Don’t judge too quickly; these little things can be sweet mementos to give as gifts or even to keep yourself. Pick them up from street sellers as opposed to shops for the lowest prices, as it’s not uncommon to get a few for under a euro. If you’re intent on having something a bit more personal, the shops offer a wider selection of colors, which look very dainty tied onto a bit of ribbon and left to swing from your keys. A key ring is a quaint — albeit cliché — reminder of your time in Paris.
French Fashion Magazine
Paris is, after all, one of the fashion capitals, so what better way to remember this than by picking up the latest copy of Vogue orElle in French from one of the hundreds of kiosks situated around the city. No, you may not make any sense of what’s written on its pages, but the pictures are sure to be marvelous, and people are sure to be impressed when they see it among the pile of standard TV Guides on your coffee table back home.
Chocolates
Chocolate is always a good idea, but chocolate bought in Paris? One of the best ideas ever. Parisians take chocolate seriously, and while each of the numerous shops offers different products, one thing that they all have in common is that their delicacies are absolutely delicious. For a taste of modern luxury on your tongue, head to Jean-Paul Hévin, recognized as one of the top chocolatiers in Paris; his chocolates are sure to provoke at least a momentary glance of admiration before they’re eaten. If traditional is more your thing, À la Mère de la Famille is the oldest chocolatier in Paris. The name is a great reflection of the products on offer; the shop is crammed with simple, rustic chocolaty goodies, perfect for the whole family.
French Pharmacy Products
Visiting a Parisian pharmacy is almost a right of passage, as they are stocked with as many goodies as the chocolate shops. While the goodies may not be edible, many women and men alike profess that the products inside are life changing. Fashion and beauty bloggers alike always come to Paris with long lists of pharmacy souvenirs to take home. Follow in their footsteps and treat yourself to a few bits, and take that ‘Parisian glow’ of spotless skin, shiny hair, and healthy nails home with you. You’ll have all your friends thinking you’ve turned Parisian yourself, which can never be a bad thing.
Antique Treasure
If you just can’t bring yourself to cave to the clichés of wine, chocolates, and key rings, go to a flea market and get your hands on a one-off piece of Parisian history. Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen is perfect for those among you who love exploring and trying something new, as it’s not only the prettiest place to spend an authentic Parisian day, but also a treasure trove, with all manner of quirky and unique souvenirs — things which will remind you of your Parisian trip for years to come.
Live like a Parisian at Saint Honore
If you think bringing home something from France is the best way to express your affinity for French lifestyle, think again, because living such dream lifestyle is now possible if you’re an Ilonggo with Saint Honore, Iloilo Business Park’s recently-launched 10-storey residential tower of classy French design and Paris-inspired concept.
In Iloilo City, Saint Honore is a one-of-a-kind condominium tower that boasts with gorgeous vision, a living perspective that replicates Parisian lifestyle and manages to capture the ambiance of Paris by showcasing 168 condominium units with various space perspective. From executive studio, one bedroom to two bedroom unit, each of these unique flat is an ideal abode for people seeking serenity right in the middle of the city. Saint Honore paints a charming picture of pleasure through its third level amenity deck where a swimming pool, pool lounge, function hall and fitness center are destined to pamper its future residents. On the ground level of the tower, a lush green landscaped garden called the Atrium attracts with eye-catching amenities such as trellised seating area, artsy decors, sculptures and recreational space where relaxing air ventilation provides tranquility to homeowners. The tower’s main lobby and reception area is like a mini French museum where we can find art-inspired flooring, decors, artworks, pieces of furniture and relaxing color palettes.
A few steps away from other prominent destinations inside Iloilo Business Park, Saint Honore grandiosely rises with beaming beauty as part of the Festive Walk Parade, the 1.1-kilometer shop-and-dine strip. The tower weaves an attractive connection with other exciting places in the township and homeowners can experience easy accessibility in nearby shopping mall, convention facility, high-end hotels, BPO buildings and commercial district.
Aside from bringing home pieces of passion and keepsakes from Paris, why not live and enjoy the tower's gorgeous living perspective by ensuring your own flat and your little sanctuary of luxury at Saint Honore, inspired by the famous old street in downtown Paris? This is your living vision of dream, your gateway to a classy lifestyle without actually jetting in to Paris. Wake up in the sheer beauty and bliss of French lifestyle at Iloilo Business Park.
For astonishing lifestyle you’re aspiring for, just call (033) 330-3464 or visit IBP Sales and Information Center any day of the week.
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