What’s the right color, what to wear, what to wear? You’ll want to visit this neighborhood and explore offshoots Rue Bonaparte, Rue de Rennes, Rue du Dragon and Rue de Sèvres for some serious shopping. Stop in at the new Hermès store which recently took over the Hotel Lutetia’s indoor swimming pool site. Check out the original mosaic pool floor, the elegant cafe and flower shop. A new concept for them. Of course their scarves and leather goods take center stage and you’ll find employees quite welcoming even if you only come in to “ooh” and “aaaah”.

Rue du Four translates to “street of the oven”. Near here, at the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the inhabitants were obliged to cook their bread under penalty of fine.

Cocktail hour: try HOTEL LUTETIA’S SAINT GERMAIN

1 ounce strawberry nectar
About 2/3 ounce apple liqueur (such as Manzana)
Chilled Champagne (2 to 4 ounces)

Shake apple liqueur with strawberry nectar in a cocktail shaker with a little ice. Strain into a Champagne flute. Fill glass with Champagne. Garnish, if desired, with fresh mint/and or a cherry soaked in eau-de-vie.