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Ultimate Fashionista’s Guide To:
Danielle Fernandes FMRK.3751.S1 Wendy Bendoni April 3, 2015
Fernandes 2 Table of Contents: London Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………3 Paris Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………….4 London Map…………………………………………………………………………………………………………5 Paris Map………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………6 London History…………………………………………………………………………..………………………..7 Paris History………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8 London Economy…………………………………………………………………………………………………9 Paris Economy………………………………………………………………………………..………………….10 Top 25 words and phrases used in Paris…………………………………………..…………………11 London Locals – Top 10………………………………………………………………………….……..12-‐13 Paris Locals – Top 10………………………………………………………………………………...…..14-‐15 Top 15 monuments visited in London………………………...……………………………...…..16-‐18 Top 15 monuments visited in Paris………………..……………………………………………....19-‐21 Top 5 London stores…………………….…………………………………………………………………….22 Top 5 Paris stores………………………………………………………………………………………………23 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………24
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CITY OVERVIEW: LONDON Every city has a different association. London, the capital city of England, may provoke thoughts of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace or the London Eye. However, there is much more to London than these iconic sights. London is compromised of many distinctive neighborhoods with unique offerings. London has a rich history, especially when it comes it royalty. The royal family is at the center of the public eye. Today, William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attract the attention of the entire world. Their highly anticipated, televised 2011 wedding was viewed by about two billion people (Hopper, 2011). Whether you’re looking to explore and sightsee around London like a tourist or a local, there is something for everyone. According to CNN, “But more than simply being a city of buildings and neighborhoods, London is fueled by an ideas economy: it's often described as the financial capital of the world; is at the cutting edge of new media; and is a major exporter of art, literature and fashion.” (Tutton, 2008) Because of London’s diversity it is said to be the “city at the center of the world”. The city is very well connected to the rest of the world, including five international airports and the high-speed, Eurostar rail link (London at a Glance, 2015). There are many nearby
destinations that are within a few hours of travel from London, making it convenient to visit surrounding countries. London Fun Facts: • More than 50 countries are within a three-hour flight time and upwards of 300 international destinations have direct links to London. • About one third of London is devoted to parks and open spaces. • There are more than 6,000 restaurants in London (London at a glance, 2015). • The diverse city is comprised of various cultures and communities. Around 230 languages are spoken in London. • Three of the top ten museums and galleries in the world are in London and 857 art galleries in total. • There are more than 17,000 music performances a year across London's 300+ venues including The O2 arena - the world's most popular music venue for the last five years running. • London has over 170 museums with 11 national museums including the British Museum - home to thousands of years of culture including the Rosetta Stone (196 BC). • London presents more live comedy than any other city in the world (20 facts about London’s culture, 2012).
Hopper, J. (2011, April 29). Royal Wedding: Prince William and Kate Middleton Seal It With Balcony Kiss, Then Hit Palace to Party All Night. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://abcnews.go.com/International/Royal_Wedding/royal-wedding-2011prince-william-kate-middleton-party-all-night-buckingham-palace/story?id=13485553 London at a Glance. (2015). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.visitlondon.com/discover-london/london-highlights/londonat-a-glance?ref=nav Tutton, M. (2008, September 4). London: City Overview. Retrieved March 30, 2015, from http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/09/03/london.overview/index.html?iref=allsearch 20 facts about London's culture. (2012). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from https://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/arts-culture/promotingarts-culture/20-facts-about-london-s-culture
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CITY OVERVIEW: PARIS Paris, the capital city of France is often recognized as the ‘city of lights’. From the culture to the museums, monuments and cafés, there is something for everyone in Paris. In general, the French are more formal than most Americans. According to NYU’s “Culture & Customs” in Paris (2015), the French are more formal in language, dress, manners and food. Just as any other culture, society plays a role on actions. Paris is a place to see and be seen. The French like to look at people and it is completely natural (Fodor’s editors, 2010). It is commonly perceived in American culture that looking at people is rude. However, the French find people watching completely natural. The French also place a high importance on manners. French people make sure to use greetings when coming or going, they also do not use loud voices; also, unlike American culture, it is frowned upon to eat while on the street (Fodor’s editors, 2010). It is highly recommended that tourists learn the
basic principles of French culture, as well as brushing up on their basic French words. Tourists should respect the French by trying their best to speak as much French as possible while in their country. From the Eiffel Tower, to the Louvre and Versailles. Paris is knows for its grand monuments. Although Paris can be a beautiful city anytime of year, according to World Weather Online (2015) Spring, between the months of March and May is a beautiful time to visit Paris while nature is in bloom, with a moderate temperature and rain every three days or so. Paris Fun Facts • There are 470,000 trees in Paris, referenced and measured. • There are 9,057 open terraces (bar, café or restaurant) in Paris. • Only one stop sign exists in Paris. • There are 6,100 streets in Paris. • There are 1,784 bakeries in Paris. • There are 1,124 bars in Paris (Gee, 2015)
Culture & Customs. (2015). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.nyu.edu/global/global-academic-centers/freshmen-abroadprograms/liberal-studies-freshmen-programs/freshmen-in-paris/living-in-paris/culturecustoms.html Fodor's editors. (2010, March 22). Customs and Etiquette in Paris: 15 Things Every Visitor Should Know. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.fodors.com/news/story_3925.html Gee, O. (2015, February 3). Ten facts you definitely didn't know about Paris. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.thelocal.fr/20150203/ten-facts-you-definitely-didntknow-about-paris Paris Monthly Climate Average, France. (2015). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Paris-weather-averages/Ile-De-France/FR.aspx
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Retrieved from: http://cmcdesignstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Map-of-London.jpg
Retrieved from: Google Maps
FUN FACT: In 1550 the first printed map of London was created by the survey of George Hoefnagel (City timeline, 2012). City timeline. (2012). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-thecity/archives-and-city-history/city-history/Pages/City-timeline.aspx
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MAP OF PARIS
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/map-paris-26076616.jpg
Retrieved from: Google Maps
Fernandes 7 LONDON HISTORY Founded around 50 A.D., when the Roman Governor of Britain, Ostorius Scapula, gave orders to build a permanent base on the north bank of Thames River (City timeline, 2012). London has a long timeline of history since being founded. The city of London’s city timeline (2012) notes that in 1665, the Bubonic plague struck London and killed around 100,000 people by the end of the year. Many historical buildings in London have been rebuilt multiple times. On September 2, 1666 The Great Fire of London raged for five days demolishing 13,200 houses, St. Paul’s Cathedral, 87 churches, six chapels, four stone bridges and much more; Because of the damage of the fire, Sir Christopher Wren began working on a new design for St. Paul’s Cathedral in 1675, which was completed in 1710 (City timeline, 2012). St. Paul’s Cathedral is a historical monument that is still available for viewing in London. Every nation in has gone through challenges at it is newly shaping it’s structure and identity. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 finalized English religious identity, in addition to constitutional structure; it is part of the reason that today the monarch rules with the consent of the nation (Alexander, 2014). In the following centuries London was able to expand and rebuild. The London Underground opened in 1863 and was the world’s first underground railway system, and later became air raid shelters in WWII (Lin, 2014). When London’s population had rapidly expanded, there was a need for alternate methods of transportation. The
London Underground is one of the primary sources of transportation in London today. The British Fashion Council was created in 1983 to explore coordinating the London fashion exhibition scene; London Fashion Week was launched in 1984 with a central catwalk venue and a large designer exhibition (History of the BFC, 2013). London is a fashion hub and has made many contributions to the fashion industry. Famous model, Kate Moss made her debut at the age of 15 modeling in John Galliano’s runway show (Barnicoat, 2009). Many famous fashion designers originated in London as well such as John Galliano, Philip Treacy, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood. Vivienne Westwood has had a significant affect on London fashion. She became increasingly popular when she helped shape the look of the punk rock movement in the 1970s, even shaping the look of the ‘Sex Pistols’ (Vivienne Westwood, 2015). Westwood is still designing today and is a fashion icon. Another famous designer from London is the late Alexander McQueen who also reflected London culture into his fashion. According to Biography.com (2015) Alexander McQueen’s first collection, culminating his college degree, was inspired by Jack the Ripper, an unidentified London serial killer; popular London stylist, Isabella Blow, purchased the collection in its entirety. Alexander McQueen’s passion was exhibited through his fashion and extravagant shows, especially after leaving Givenchy (Alexander McQueen, 2015). Even after his passing, his legacy continues.
Alexander, A. (2014, June 4). The 10 Most Important Events in British History: Part Two – 1500 AD to the Present Day. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from https://www.oxford-royale.co.uk/articles/important-events-british-history-after-1500.html Alexander McQueen. (2015). The Biography.com website. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.biography.com/people/alexander-mcqueen-541384. City timeline. (2012). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/archives-andcity-history/city-history/Pages/City-timeline.aspx History of the BFC. (2013, January 1). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.britishfashioncouncil.com/About/History Lin, L. (2014, September 10). A short history of world metro systems - in pictures. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.theguardian.com/cities/gallery/2014/sep/10/-sp-history-metro-pictures-london-underground-new-york-beijingseoul Vivienne Westwood. (2015). The Biography.com website. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.biography.com/people/vivienne-westwood-20624587.
Fernandes 8 PARIS HISTORY Around 250 BC, the Gaul tribe called the Charles Frederick Worth was born Parisii settled on an island, which today English, he established the first haute is called Île de la Cité, in the Seine River couture house in Paris (Wilkins, 2014). (The history of Paris, 2015). The Haute Couture is not accessible to any settlement of the Parisii did not last for commoner; it is exclusive to the upperlong. Julius Caesar took over this area class women. In 1945, Haute Couture and it spread to both the left and right specifications were limited to each banks of the Seine and the city was atelier having at least 20 staff members, called, “Paris”, which became the capital couture houses being required to present of France in 987 A.D. (History.com at least 35 runs in a collection each Staff, 2009). At the time, the settlement season, and designs that are made-towas occupied by the Romans. order for private clients (Wilkins, 2014). During the French Renaissance These rules were mandatory in order for period, Paris evolved. In the mid-1800s, one to have the title of Haute Couturier. Napoleon III hired a civic planner names Famous Parisian designers include, but Georges-Eugene Hausmann to are not limited to: Yves Saint Laurent, modernize Paris as it had become a Christian Dior, Pierre Cardin, and Coco center of art, science and architecture Chanel. (History.com Staff, 2009). This Throughout history, Paris has modernization paved way for the city remained a hub for the arts, food, that Paris is known as today. Hausmann fashion commerce and culture. Paris is designed wide, tree-lined boulevards, home to the Leonardo da Vinci painting, spacious public parks, a new sewer “Mona Lisa”, and is world renowned for system as well as other projects monuments such as the Arc de (History.com Staff, 2009). As the city Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, Notre evolved, so did the importance of culture Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg Gardens and the arts. According to History.com and the Louvre; in addition to the iconic (2009), the artistic movement of French Eiffel Tower, which was built in 1889, Impressionism emerged and featured commemorating the French Revolution’s Paris-based artists including Claude 100th anniversary (History.com Staff, Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. 2009). These magnificent sights are Paris is known for its Haute what set Paris apart from the rest of the Couture, which is French for ‘high world. Today Paris is one of the worlds sewing’. Although the first couturier, most sought after tourist destinations. History.com Staff. (2009, January 1). Paris celebrates 2,000th birthday. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/paris-celebrates-2000th-birthday The History of Paris. (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.paris.fr/english/presentation-of-the-city/the-history-ofparis/rub_8125_stand_32751_port_18748 Wilkins, B. (2014, July 10). The history of haute couture. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/fashion/fashion-news/the-history-of-haute-coutur
Fernandes 9 LONDON Economy • London is Europe’s largest metropolitan economy – with a GDP of $731 billion in 2012. • 1 in 4 UK residents live in Greater London. • Greater London is Europe’s most populous metro area with 14 million people. • London is Europe’s second-largest urban economy. • Globally, London is the fifth-largest metropolitan economy. • “London’s economy accounts for just over 30% of the United Kingdom’s $2.27 trillion GDP in 2012 (as measured in terms of purchasing power parity).” (The Globalist, 2015) • London’s Annual employment growth decreased to 2.6% in Q3 2014 from 3.8% in Q2 2014 (London’s economy today, 2015). Politics • Monarchy is the UK’s oldest form of government (The role of the Monarchy, 2015) • Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of state in the UK. She is a constitutional monarch, therefore, she does not ‘rule’ the country (The Queen and the UK, 2015) • The Queen cannot make and pass her own legislation, that ability belongs to an elected Parliament (The role of the Monarchy, 2015) • The Prime Minister of London is David Cameron, who is the head of the UK government and the principal government figure in the House of Commons (Prime Minister, 2015). • Responsibilities of the Prime Minister include: oversight of the Civil Service and government agencies, appointing government members and responsibility for policy and decisions made by the government (Prime Minister, 2015). Currency • Although London belongs to the European Union, the UK has not adopted the Euro. Therefore, it is not the official currency in London (Prichard, 2015). • London currency consists of pence and pounds (£), which works very similar to the American unit of a dollar. 100 pence is equal to one pound (Prichard, 2015). • Tips are not as common in London as they are in the U.S. It is only customary to tip for a sit-down restaurant type service between ten and fifteen percent (tips will sometimes be added automatically), not at a bar. It is customary to tip cab drivers ten percent of fair, rounded up to the nearest pound (Prichard, 2015). London's Economy Today. (2015). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from https://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/businesseconomy/publications/londons-economy-today Prichard, B. (2015, January 1). Information on Money When You Travel to London. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://traveltips.usatoday.com/information-money-travel-london-11236.html Prime Minister. (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/prime-minister The Globalist. (2015, February 7). 6 Facts: London's Economic Clout. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.theglobalist.com/6-facts-londons-economic-clout/ The Queen and the UK. (2015). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.royal.gov.uk/monarchuk/themonarchytoday.aspx The role of the Monarchy. (2015). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/HowtheMonarchyworks/HowtheMonarchyworks.aspx
Fernandes 10 PARIS Economy • Paris is home to 33 out of the Fortune 500 biggest companies in the world. • Paris is one of the most expensive cities in the world to purchase goods and services. • Paris’ GDP is the fifth largest in the world (Economy of Paris, 2015). • Paris would rank as the seventeenth largest economy in the world if it were its own country. • Paris’ economy is dependent on the service industry. • Paris is one of the top three most visited destinations in the world with about 42 million tourists per year. • Euro has been declining
Referenced from: Economy of Paris. (2013, February 13). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.easyexpat.com/en/guides/france/paris/overview/economy.htm
Politics • The French Republic Chief of State is President François Hollande and the Head of Government is Prime Minister Manuel Carlos Valls Galfetti (France: Government, 2015). • The President is elected through a two-round system with absolute majority vote and appoints his prime minister (France: Government, 2015) • France is established as a secular and democratic country by the French Constitution adopted in 1958 (France: Government, 2015) Referenced from: France: Government. (2015, January 1). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/france/government
Currency: • The Franc is no longer the official currency of France and is not accepted. The official currency is the Euro (since 2002) and is symbolized by a "€" (Culture Corner, 2015). • There are seven Euro bill denominations and eight different Euro coin denominations (Culture corner, 2015). • In most restaurants and café’s a fifteen percent service charge is added to the bill. It is customary to add an extra ten to twenty percent depending on the service. Tipping for drinks in cafes and bars is less customary unless tipping in pocket change for exceptional service (Traub, 2015). • Current exchange rate: 1 Euro is equivalent to about 1.09 US dollars. (Currency converter, 2015) Culture corner. (2015). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://studiesabroad.com/programs/country/france/city/paris/cultureCorner/moneyMatters Currency converter. (2015, March 31). Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.oanda.com/ Traub, C. (2015). Travel Etiquette: How to Tip in Paris? Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://goparis.about.com/od/foodanddining/qt/Tips_in_Paris.htm
Fernandes 11 TOP 25 WORDS AND PHRASES IN PARIS 1. Bonjour = Hello (Monaco, 2015) 2. S’il vous plait = Please (Monaco, 2015) 3. De rien = You’re welcome (Craft, 2015) 4. Je suis desolé = I’m sorry (Craft, 2015) 5. Pourriez-vous m’aider? = Could you help me? (Craft, 2015) 6. Du jour = of the day (Isabell, 2015) 7. Oui / Non = Yes / No (Monaco, 2015) 8. Je ne pas parie Francais = I don’t speak French (Craft, 2015) 9. Repetez, s’il vous plait = Repeat, please (Craft, 2015) 10. Je comprends / Je ne comprends pas = I understand / I don’t understand (Craft, 2015) 11. Je sais / Je ne sais pas = I know / I don’t know (Craft, 2015) 12. Je voudrais / Je veux = I would like / I want (Craft, 2015) 13. Je peux / Je ne peux pas = I can / I can’t (Craft, 2015) 14. Parlez-vous anglais = Do you speak English? (Monaco, 2015) 15. Où est…? = Where is…? (Monaco, 2015) 16. Combien ça coûte? = How much does it cost? (Monaco, 2015) 17. Merci beaucoup = Thank you very much (Monaco, 2015) 18. ça ne se fait pas = it simply isn’t done (Monaco, 2015) 19. déjà-vu = Already seen (Isabell, 2015) 20. Je prends = I’ll have (Craft, 2015) 21. du jour = of rhe day (Isabell, 2015) 22. joie de vivre = Joy of living (Isabell, 2015) 23. Grand Prix = Great price (Isabell, 2015) 24. Faux pas = False or wrong step or move (Isabell, 2015) 25. RSVP - répondez s’il vous plait = Reply, if it pleases you (Isabell, 2015)
Craft, M. (2015). Common French Phrases For Travelers. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.parisinsidersguide.com/common-french-phrases.html Isabell. (2015, January 15). Top 25 words we borrowed from French. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from https://www.brainscape.com/blog/2012/02/words-french/ Monaco, E. (2015). 12 Must-know French Phrases for Savvy Travelers. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://www.fluentu.com/french/blog/useful-french-phrases-for-travelers/
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1. Café Liberty – ££ Afternoon tea at Liberty London Location: Regent Street, London W1B 5AH, UK
2. The Magic Garden – £ Pub & Restaurant Location: 231 Battersea Park Road, London SW11 4LG, UK
London Locals – Top 10
3. The Delaunay – £££ Grand Café Location: 55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB, UK
4. Passing Clouds Works – ££ Live music venue Location: 1 Richmond Rd, London E8 4AA, United Kingdom
5. St. Christopher’s Place – £££ Shopping Center Location: St Christopher's Pl Marylebone, London W1U, UK
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6. Backyard Market – ££ Location: The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom
7. Milk & Honey London – £££ Bar 61 Poland Street, London W1F 7NU, United Kingdom
8. Columbia Road Flower Market – £ Columbia Road, London E2 7RG, United Kingdom
9. Portobello Road Market – ££ Portobello Road, London W11 1AN, United Kingdom
10. Blitz – ££ Vintage Clothing 55-59 Hanbury Street, London E1 5JP, United Kingdom
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1. Café Charbon – €€ Bistro 109 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris, France
Paris Locals – Top 10
2. Pierre Hermé – €€€ Bakery – Multiple Locations 72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
3. Favela Chic – €€ Bar 18 Rue du Faubourg du Temple, 75011 Paris, France
4. Pretty Box Vintage – €€ Vintage Clothing 46 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris, France
5. Poilâne – €€ Bakery 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France
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6. Glass – €€ Bar 7 Rue Frochot, 75009 Paris, France
7. Vandermeersch – €€ Bakery 278 Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
8. Holybelly – €€ Restaurant 19 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris, France
9. Le Perchoir – €€ Restaurant 14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris, France
10. Rue du Commerce – €€ Shopping Rue du Commerce 75015 Paris, France
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Top 15 monuments visited in London
1. Buckingham Palace
2. Big Ben & Palace of Westminster
3. Tower Bridge
4. London Eye
5. The Shard (Formerly, London Bridge Tower)
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6. St. Paul’s Cathedral
7. Tower of London
8. Nelson’s Column
9. Piccadilly Circus
10. Westminster Abbey
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11. Tate Modern
12. Wellington Arch
13. British Museum
14. National Gallery
15. Victoria & Albert Museum
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Top 15 monuments visited in Paris
1. Eiffel Tower
2. Palais de Louvre
3. Arc de Triomphe
4. Notre-Dame
5. Sacré-Cœur
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6. PanthĂŠon
7. OpĂŠra Garnier
8. Les Invalides
9. Centre Pompidou
10. Palais du Luxembourg
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11. The Sorbonne
12. Pantheon
13. Père Lachaise Cemetery
14. La Sainte-Chapelle
15. Palais Royal
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1. Selfridges ££££ Best known for: • High street to designer all under one roof • The denim studio
Top 5 London Stores
2. Liberty ££££ Best known for:
• • •
Eccentric English style Historical prints The famous rug room
3. Harrods ££££ Best known for:
• •
Ostentatious style under one roof Toy Kingdom on 3rd floor
4. John Lewis £££ Best known for: • Household goods • Customer service • Somerset by Alice Temperley range
5. Debenhams £ Best known for: • Cheap & cheerful fashion • Designer collaborations
Source: http://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/the-100-best-shops-in-london-by-type-one-stop-shop
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Top 5 Paris Stores
1. Galeries Lafayette €€€ Best known for: • Espace Luxe • Basement shoe department • Lafayette Homme • ‘Club’ area
2. Printemps €€€ Best known for: • Both French & International designers • Fashion Loft • Printemps Maison
3. Le bon Marché €€€ Best known for: • City’s oldest department store • LVMH redesign • Luxury boutiques
4. BHV (Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville) €€€ Best known for: • Homewear heaven • Large space devoted to every type of storage utility
5. Franck et Fils €€€€ Best known for: • High fashion in an intimate setting • Stylish townhouse and exclusive shopping vibe Sources: http://www.timeout.com/paris/feature/shopping/parisss-best-department-stores http://gofrance.about.com/od/parisattractions/p/Franck-Et-Fils-Department-Store-Paris.htm
Fernandes 24 CONCLUSION I am very excited to visit both London and Paris! I have learned so much from researching both of these gorgeous and culturally diverse cities. I was very excited to see the local’s favorite places as well as the top monuments. As much as I would love to spend an endless amount of time finding all of the cool local spots, I have never been to Europe and I would love to see the famous landmarks as well. Between shopping, sightseeing and all of the delicious looking food, I know that this Europe trip will be one that I’ll never forget! A couple of monuments that I am most excited about seeing in Paris are the Eiffel Tower, Chateau de Versailles and the Luxembourg gardens. For London I am looking forward to the Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Shred. I am very excited to go shopping at Selfridges and Liberty in London and Galeries Lafayette and Le bon Marché in Paris! All of the local places that I found look amazing so I am hoping I get a chance to try a few of them on the list. Most specifically afternoon tea at the café liberty in London as well as Poilâne and Le Perchchoir in Paris! I am counting down the days to our trip and anxiously finding more new places before we go. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store!