1er Arrondissement: Shopping

A huge part of the 1st arrondissement is dedicated to shopping. Here, you will find a variety of shops ranging from the hautest of haute couture (that doesn't work but let's pretend it does) to crowd favorites such as Zara, Sephora, and H&M. 

One of the most famous squares in Paris is Place Vendôme. Located just north of the Tuileries gardens, the square plays host to the plush Hôtel Ritz (currently closed for a 2 year renovation - set to open in 2014), the Hôtel de Vendôme, the Ministry of Justice, several enterprises, lavish designer boutiques, and a few charmed (and extremely wealthy) residents.

Salon du Chocolat.

Chocolate: 1  Lauren: 3942398. This might not seem like a huge deal, but this is the first time I can officially say that chocolate beat me. It's a little upsetting, but the defeat was sooooo worth it. Paris hosted their annual Salon du Chocolat last weekend, and I literally had to pinch myself to remind myself that I wasn't in Heaven. Okay, that's an exaggeration. But if I schedule any trips to Paris in the future around this Salon, don't be surprised.

Pastries. Everywhere.