Jardin des Tuileries and Rue de Rivoli

Inside the Jardin des Tuileries are two very good, small museums and usually feature very important exhibitions. The Orangerie was once the greenhouse for the Palais du Louvre. Years later it was turned into a museum and I was told that it once house the collection which now is exhibited in the Musée d'Orsay. It still houses the enormous paintings from Monet's series of waterlilies. There are also sculptures from artists of the period, but the museum works with contemporary artists as well. For more contemporary art walk across the jardin to the Jeu de Paume. Once a kind of royal gym where they played a game similar to handball, the Jeu de Paume is now a museum devoted to art of the 20th and 21th century. I have attended a few exhibitions there and am always pleased with the interesting way they explain, exhibit and introduce the art. Also, they manage to get the best works from an artist's collection. Next to the jardin you have Rue de Rivoli. It is a long arcade filled with shops of all types, from typical tourist items to high end clothing like D&G, along with hotels and cafes. It is something of a melting pot with every tourist from around the world there and believe me it is daunting. I don't frequent it very much because it is difficult to maneuver. When I do venture there, it is usually to a handful of places I will mention in my suggestions list. Places like getting money exchanged when you need to, finding an English language newspaper or book, picking up a nice gift for someone quickly...all good information. I hope these suggestions are helpful.

Suggestions:

01. Change and Collection- 2 Rue Rouget d'Isle -Probably the only place I trust to exchange money with. I have experienced places with lots of hidden fees and odd exchange rates. Each time I have done exchanges here, it was fair and the owner very nice.

02. WH Smith Books- Rue de Rivoli-English language bookstore that carries and very wide range of items and subjects.Like a typical American bookstore, there are hundreds of magazine from all over the world. There are the best-sellers as well as the classic novels. There are language books and guide books. You can buy greeting cards and small children's toys as well. I usually go there for the New York Times because it is always available. It is not usually a place I like to go and spend time and there is nothing special in terms of atmosphere, but if you need a quick magazine or newspaper,it's good.

03.Galignani- Rue de Rivoli-Perhaps my favorite bookstore in Paris. The books are mostly french, but there is a large selection of English language books as well. The store is well thought out and has a sleek, yet old fashioned feel, if that makes sense. There are books on various subjects, but the selection seems very edited. The store is calm and I find myself spending long periods looking at the beautiful selection. Great books on art/artists, fashion, furniture/decorating, history and biographies. There are books on literature, french and world also. The English language books take up two levels in the back and there are English speakers on staff to help. Nice selection of magazines as well. One of the only places I have found in Paris selling The New Yorker Magazine.

04.Editions de Parfums- 21 Rue du Mont Thabor-Started by Frederic Malle, these fragrances are part of a new generation of french parfums. The scents are rich and complex. When I first discovered them years ago, there was only one store and it was in Paris. I was living in Texas at the time. I found out about them online and e-mailed them for information. They sent me fragrance cards in the mail and were very helpful, through e-mails, in my selecting a suitable scent. Incredible service and kindness as well. Of course, now, you can buy them in the US at Barneys New York, but if you are close, why not go to the source.

05.Hilditch & Key- Rue de Rivoli-This is one of the classic men's clothing shops. This kind of place is a dying breed in the US, but there are still quite a few here in Paris. These are places to get suits made by hand, shirts made by hand, almost everything a man needs in his wardrobe.This store has a similar feel to Charvet, but a little more relaxed, especially in cost. It is a quiet, discreet place all the way at the end. It is the last shop on the Rue de Rivoli, just across from Place de la Concorde. Great selections of ties and cashmere, which many times are on special.