A Design Lover's Paris: Design Miami Paris Insider Guide

Design Miami's Paris edition returns October 20 to 25, bringing leading galleries, designers and collectors from around the world to the historic Hôtel de Maisons. In advance of the exhibition, we sat down with two of the fair's insiders for their take on the highlights to see and the intel to know—as well as their favorite places for design (and more) in the City of Light.

Can you tell us a bit about your involvement with Design Miami Paris?

I'm one of the partners at Paragone, a Paris- and New York-based agency representing a carefully selected roster of interior designers working internationally. Paris is an important part of our professional life, and Design Miami has become a particularly special moment in the city for us. This year marks our third edition partnering with Design Miami. For the past two editions, we have taken over a booth at the fair, developing a curatorial concept each year and inviting one or several of our talents to interpret it through a dedicated collection. This year, we are doing something a little different: we will be co-hosting an after-party with Design Miami in a very special cocktail bar in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. At Paragone, we now represent more than 20 talents and are working on projects around the world, ranging from hospitality and residential interiors to retail. It is this variety of scales, contexts and creative approaches that makes what we do particularly exciting.

What feels exciting about Paris' design scene right now?

What feels particularly exciting about Paris right now is the way the city is blooming around this moment in the cultural calendar, especially with Art Basel Paris, the sister fair of Design Miami. It brings an incredible crowd to the city: art collectors, design collectors, interior designers, architects and influential figures from across the cultural spectrum. What I find especially appealing, though, is that the fair still feels very human in scale. There is a sense of curation and intimacy that remains quite specific to the city. You can move between galleries, exhibitions, dinners and conversations in a way that still feels personal rather than overwhelming.

Of course, Paris has always had an extraordinary creative legacy in design, with remarkable galleries, interior designers, architects and makers throughout its history. But this particular moment feels important because the city has become much more international than before. There is a new openness, a new energy and a growing number of opportunities, while Paris continues to retain its very distinctive identity.

How has Design Miami changed the conversation around contemporary design in Paris—and what do you expect from the 2026 edition?

What I love about Design Miami in Paris is that it remains very human in scale. It feels accessible and highly curated, and it brings together some of the best of contemporary design in one place.

The setting also gives the fair such a unique character. It takes place at Hôtel de Maisons, an extraordinary hôtel particulier that has been home to figures including Karl Lagerfeld and the Pozzo di Borgo family. There is something very particular about discovering contemporary design within a space with so much history and such a strong Parisian identity.

Paris has always been synonymous with design, but I think the contemporary scene was perhaps more fragmented before. There was not necessarily one place where you could go and immediately understand what was happening at the highest level of contemporary collectible design. Design Miami has helped bring that scene together and make it more visible. It's a place where you can see the key voices of the moment while still retaining a sense of discovery.

Design Miami Paris brings together collectible design, art, fashion and architecture in one place. Which emerging designers, galleries or creative voices are you especially excited to discover at this year's fair?

I always love the curation at SIDE Gallery—there is a real sense of discovery. Chastel-Maréchal is also a classic for me; they consistently present an exceptional selection. And when it comes to contemporary design, Carpenters Workshop Gallery remains one of the very best.

For someone visiting Paris during Design Miami 2026, which exhibitions or galleries beyond the fair are absolute priorities?

Carpenters Workshop Gallery; Musée d’Orsay for their permanent design collection; Galerie Romain Morandi (and the founder) is exquisite.

What are the must-visit restaurants, cafés and bars for design lovers and creatives during the fair?

For the interiors alone, Café Beaubourg by Philippe Starck is always worth a visit. Cibus is a favorite for excellent Italian pasta in a very simple, intimate and charming setting, while Le Voltaire is a timeless Paris classic. And for a morning coffee close to the fair, I love Le Rouquet on boulevard Saint-Germain, with its wonderful Nouvelle Vague atmosphere.

Which hotels are best for design—and staying around the heart of the design scene during the fair?

I only swear by L'Hôtel by Jacques Garcia.

Where do you go in Paris when you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a truly local experience?

Café de Fleurus, a very small bistrot near Jardin du Luxembourg, or Café de la Mairie in Place Saint Sulpice, which has the most amazing view of the church.

What are your favorite spots for shopping and culture in Paris?

I only go vintage: Em Archives and PreClothed for fashion shopping, all the carré des antiquaires for window shopping and Librairie 7L for their great design books selection.

Describe your ideal Paris day from sunrise through sunset.

It's clearly a bit of a Parisian cliché, but if I'm not spending the day at home, I'd start with an early café crème on a terrace, simply people-watching. Then I'd walk through the Jardin du Luxembourg or along the Seine, because I honestly never get tired of either. I'd have a late lunch, followed by an exhibition. I especially love Paris' smaller museums and historic private houses. In the evening, i would definitely go to the cinema or have dinner near Palais-Royal, at Chez Georges for example.

Can you tell us a bit about your involvement with Design Miami Paris?

I am a Parisian born and raised creative and business leader working at the intersection of design, fashion and culture. Today, as VP of Business Development at Design Miami, I develop collaborations connecting leading brands, designers, galleries and cultural institutions across Design Miami's international fairs. Although I am now based in Miami, Paris remains both home and an important part of my professional life. Coming back with Design Miami gives me the opportunity to experience a city I know by heart through a different lens. For the fourth edition of Design Miami Paris, I am working across partnerships and programming that extend the fair beyond its walls and into the cultural life of the city.

What feels new or different about Paris' design scene right now?

The week around Design Miami and Art Basel Paris is becoming more and more important on the international calendar, and I feel that many people are traveling to Paris specifically for it, which makes the city particularly interesting during that moment.

In Paris, a new generation is showing a growing interest in design, which makes that week particularly special. Design Miami is the perfect place to discover this dialogue between iconic historical pieces and contemporary creations, bringing together collectors, galleries and designers from around the world.

How has Design Miami changed the conversation around contemporary design in Paris—and what do you expect from the 2026 edition?

Paris already had an extraordinary ecosystem for art and design, but Design Miami brings a very particular international perspective on collectible design and creates a bridge between historical pieces and contemporary practices.

What I love about the Paris edition is the setting. We are inside the Hôtel de Maisons, an extraordinary 18th-century hôtel particulier in Saint-Germain, so you experience collectible design within the intimacy of a Parisian home rather than a conventional fair environment. You can really immerse yourself in each room, which makes the journey through the fair much more natural and enjoyable.

I also think Design Miami has played an important role in educating a broader audience about what collectible design actually means: why we collect, who the new designers to watch are and how contemporary work can live alongside historical pieces.

There is also an education around curation—how you mix different periods, materials and scales; how an important statement piece can sit alongside a unique ceramic object. That role is extremely important to me because it helps shape the future of collectible design. We are seeing a real appetite from a younger generation, and the growing attendance at the fair is incredibly encouraging.

Design Miami Paris brings together collectible design, art, fashion and architecture in one place. Which emerging designers, galleries or creative voices are you especially excited to discover at this year's fair?

Last year, we launched a wonderful program with Apple called Designers of Tomorrow. Together with an incredible jury, we select four emerging designers and give them the opportunity to present their work at Design Miami. I can't reveal the names just yet, but this year we have four very promising designers from four different nationalities. I have been following their projects throughout the process, and I can't wait for everyone to discover their work in Paris.

For someone visiting Paris during Design Miami 2026—which exhibitions, galleries, neighborhoods or cultural events beyond the fair are absolute priorities?

Walking is always the best way to discover Paris. I would definitely spend time in Saint-Germain around the fair, where there are so many galleries within walking distance.

This October, I would recommend Made in Situ by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance with the Manufactures Nationales.

Downtown+ will have an exhibition with Wendy Andreu that I'm looking forward to visiting, and Galerie Signé is presenting an exhibition of Martin Szekely. And museums are always a priority for me in Paris, even when you think you know them, there is always a reason to go back.

What are the must-visit restaurants, cafés and bars for design lovers and creatives during the fair?

Friends of mine have just opened a new Japanese restaurant, Bar Nomo, which I can't wait to try. All of their restaurants are must-visits for me. They've also created special design pieces for the space, including resin chairs that I'm really looking forward to seeing in person.

I always love going to Café Nuances—for me, it's one of the best coffee spots in Paris. My favorite is still the original one on rue Danielle Casanova, set in a beautiful old boutique where they kept the original storefront and colorful marble details. It also gives me a very good excuse to stop at one of my favorite stores, Charvet, while I'm in the neighborhood.

We will also host a cocktail at Cravan in Saint-Germain during Design Miami Paris, and I particularly love this bar. The Saint-Germain location has a hidden rooftop behind the doors of the library, the cocktails are amazing and it's a great place to have a very Parisian moment—relaxed, but in a beautiful setting. The original Cravan in the 16th arrondissement is also very cool and worth discovering.

When it comes to Paris institutions with excellent, classic food, I love Jaïs and Le Duc. Le Duc is particularly special—the interiors almost make you feel like you're inside a yacht or an old boat. It's intimate, old-school and still one of my favorite addresses for fish in Paris.

I also love Bar Hemingway at the Ritz. I used to go very early, around 5:00 p.m., and there is something quite special about being there before the evening really starts. And the pastries at the Ritz are amazing—I could happily go just for a cocktail and pastries, which feels like a very good Paris afternoon to me.

Which hotels are best for design—and staying around the heart of the design scene during the fair?

My friend has a beautiful curation of apartments across Paris, each designed by a different architect or interior designer. I would really recommend this option: it gives you the feeling of having your own pied-à-terre in Paris, while still experiencing a very considered approach to design.

The swimming pool at Le Bristol is also incredibly beautiful. I could honestly go to the hotel just to have a swim and admire the fresco—it feels almost like stepping into another world.

Château Voltaire is a great option if you want to be very central. The location is incredibly convenient during the week, the interiors are beautiful and the restaurant is really good too.

I would also like to experience Hôtel Hana. It's smaller and more intimate, and relatively new—exactly the kind of hotel I'm curious to discover in Paris.

Where do you go in Paris when you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a truly local experience?

It is outside Paris and can obviously be very touristy, but Versailles is still one of my favorite places on earth. It gives me goosebumps every time. There is something about the scale, the gardens and the history that never becomes ordinary to me.

I also love Monet's house and gardens at Giverny. It's about 45 minutes outside Paris, but if you have an extra day, it's a beautiful escape.

Otherwise, walking around Montmartre is always a good idea. There are touristy parts, of course, but you can still get lost in the smaller streets and find moments that feel completely Parisian.

What are your favorite spots for shopping and culture in Paris?

I love the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. It's one stop I always make sure to visit when I'm back in Paris. Go there for design but also fashion—you can find everything from real thrift-store items to incredibly rare secondhand pieces. I love how eclectic it is.

The Archivist is another vintage store I love, in the 10th. They have a beautiful curation, and the owner regularly travels to Japan to source pieces. The men's selection is amazing—I probably buy as much from the men's section as I do from the women's. It's also close to Mamiche, so I always stop there at the same time for what I think is some of the best sourdough and baguettes in Paris.

A friend of mine recently opened Café-Papeterie, a bookshop with a beautiful curation, while Yvon Lambert is always a great destination for art books.

I also really want to discover the new Rubirosa’s store.

Describe your ideal Paris day from sunrise through sunset.

I would stay at the Ritz and start the day at the gym, but mostly for the sauna and swimming pool—the room itself is so beautiful that it's almost worth going just to experience the space.

Then, I'd walk five minutes to Café Nuances near Place Vendome for coffee before crossing the river towards Saint-Germain. I love that walk, especially the moment you cross the bridge: this is the Paris I love. I'd spend the morning walking around Saint-Germain and visiting galleries without too much of a plan.

For lunch, I could make a very quick stop at Le Relais de l'Entrecôte, one of my favorites. There's essentially one dish: entrecôte, French fries and their famous sauce—and I love that you can be in and out in 20 minutes.

In the afternoon, I'd head to The Archivist to look through their vintage selection, then walk around Canal Saint-Martin, with a mandatory stop at Mamiche for a snack and some bread to take home.

For dinner, I'd go back to Saint-Germain and eat at Le Duc—I love their fish, the old-school atmosphere and the interiors. Then I'd walk back through Paris at night, following more or less the same route toward the Ritz, and finish the day with a cocktail at Bar Hemingway.

For me, that would be a pretty perfect Paris day: a lot of walking, galleries, food, vintage and crossing the city from one neighborhood to another.