It’s cliché, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true that there is a certain je ne sais quoi about the French. I think it’s in the way they look so effortlessly put together all the time. The ballet flats, the chignon, the flawless skin with just a hint of make-up…But this post isn’t dedicated to French women. It is instead in honour of the Parisian man who walks around in a tailored suit and loosely wrapped scarf and always perfectly groomed. Yesterday, we found his secret and that is La Barbière de Paris – an upscale version of the barbershop with a lot more instruments of torture (think wax strips, tweezers, and ear molds – I will let you guess what those are for) and in a setting that lets a man feel pampered and manly at the same time.

The salon is a magnet for celebrities from Paris and outside, who stop by the salon to turn their “look” from comme ci comme ça to oh la la. We were lucky that yesterday, the very talented Ines, was able to squeeze in an appointment for Rahim! So on our one day in Paris, we did not visit Notre Dame, the Louvre, or even Laduree (gasp!), but we made our way over to Pont Neuf and to La Barbière de Paris where Rahim was given the royal treatment with a coupe retro and a stache in honour of Movember. I’ll let the picture speak for itself, but I think I’m correct to say that I have a copain francais and all that’s missing is a nice scarf 🙂

Men – if you want to get your ‘barbe’ looked after, check out La Barbière de Paris. http://www.labarbieredeparis.com

Ladies – Don’t worry – there is lots to do in the area while you wait: shopping, cafes, Pont Neuf (the oldest bridge in Paris), and the Pont des Arts nearby where you can both head over to afterwards to put a lock on the famous (sinking) bridge!

Our other stops in Paris on this trip:

• Erik Kayser – Seriously some of the best pastries you can eat.
• Place Vendome – The last time we were here they had an outdoor art exhibit. This time it was fun to people watch and window shop in the area.
• Eiffel Tower – I can never miss a chance to watch it sparkle.
• Pierre Hermé – Macarons. Enough said.
• Musée de L’Orangerie – My favourite museum in Paris. Go for the huge Monet Water Lilies paintings that are displayed in a small oval room with skylight.
• Dinner at Chez Simeen & Pierre – Sorry guys – this was an invite-only place 😉 (3 Michelin Stars for sure!)