For when France seems too far away. Shop for inspiring images of France and discover travel tips, packing advice, recipes, book reviews and more.
For when France seems too far away. Shop for inspiring images of France and discover travel tips, packing advice, recipes, book reviews and more.

Smiling with Serge in the Jardin du Palais Royal

We head back to France soon, and one place I am very keen to revisit is the gorgeous Serge Lutens boutique – Les Salons du Palais Royal. Situated in Paris’ Jardin du Palais Royal, the space is small but spectacular and provided one of the ‘retail highlights’ of our last trip.

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The store is unlike any perfume or cosmetics counter I’ve ever had the pleasure to visit. The lighting is subdued, the colours opulent and the staircase worth visiting in its own right. I felt like I’d stepped back in time, and yet the products available seem to have a modern edge.

My research had suggested that visiting this boutique might be an intimidating experience however we found it to be anything but. Doors were opened as we arrived, and the lovely assistants were only too willing to discuss what it was that I was looking for.

Good thing really, because I honestly had no idea what I was looking for when we walked through that door!

I’ve long been a fan of the very popular fragrance Ambre Sultan, and another bottle of perfume never goes astray. Especially one of the gorgeous bell shaped bottles that can be brought in the Paris boutique. However, what I was really keen to discover were the cosmetics, which I’d heard good things about but had not been able to verify for myself The Serge Lutens pared back Beauty Essentials range is not available in Australia, nor are the products easily shipped to us out here (and even if I was clever enough to work out how to arrange shipping, I don’t think choosing shades from the choices on the webpage would work for me).

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The assistant was extremely helpful as we discussed the various shades of foundation, blush and lipstick (my favourite – a gorgeous red, with the spectacular name of Mise à Mort). In her efforts to find the perfect foundation shade for me, she sent me outside with a mirror. I can’t say I ever imagined that one day I would be looking for the right foundation shade in the Jardins du Palais Royal but I can say that it definitely made me smile.

And for me, that is what visiting Paris, and all of France for that matter, is all about. Experiences that make you smile – and that make you want to pinch yourself.

If you’d like to find out more about Serge Lutens, his boutique and its products, just follow this link: en.sergelutens.com

Until next time – au revoir.

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