Chestnuts Roasting On Parisian Fires

It’s true, chestnuts actually do roast on open fires in Paris during the holidays! When fairy lights twinkle in the chestnut trees lining the Champs Elysees, the City of Lights earns its nickname.

1. The cobbler sold me on Le Tanneur’s craftsmanship and French leather products when I took my boyfriend’s man purse in to be repaired. He admired it saying, "they don't make bags like this in France anymore.” A new handbag from Le Tanneur is chic, high quality and one of the few remaining French producers of leather goods.  A bag usually runs under 150€ for a nylon-and-leather purse.

2. Chain clothing boutique Comptoir des Cotonniers is my go-to for simple, flirty dresses that can be worn at work, at play, on vacation and everywhere in between. Second on my list is a gift certificate that will run an affordable 90-150€ for a stylish outfit that will last.

3. A gift certificate to Septime, the neo-bistro du moment of Paris. I might have to wait six months to cash in (it’s booked through July), but the wait will be worth it! Located in the trendy 11th arrondissement, it made the World's 50 Best Restaurants list and Septime’s chef is the youngest Frenchman to have won a Michelin star.

Drink of Choice: Kerisac, a hard apple cider I discovered on a recent trip to Brittany’s Golfe de Morbihan. Maybe it was the ambiance of the stunning gulf, but this version truly hit the spot. It tastes like autumn in a bottle.