Paris [Monocle]

- Monocle 24

France remains a country where the small, local specialty shop is highly valued. Monocle visits eight of our favourite Paris shops to see what's on offer. 24.06.10

Monocle's culture editor Robert Bound reports on the world's premier award for achievement in environmental photography. 02.11.09

The Prix Pictet award’s worthy mission is to promote photographic excellence and environmental sustainability. 20.11.08

Tom Morris reports on the culture of Tomorrowland and its inspired collaboration with Jean Paul Knott in Paris. 20.05.08

Run by Claire Damon, who cut her teeth working at the Plaza Athenée and with Pierre Hermé, this elegant pastry shop and bakery makes a trek to the far-flung fifteenth well worth the effort. 06.02.08

Simone, on rue Saint Simon, is a cute womenswear boutique that sells clothes and accessories. 25.01.08

QUALITY OF LIFE

07 Paris

Finally, Paris addresses its troubled suburbs and edges up our rankings Postcard-perfect streets, charming cafés, independent boutiques and iconic cultural attractions continue to make Paris hard to beat.

WELL STACKED

Travel Reading

"Either my sister or I go to the US, London, Asia and Brazil every month to source new books," says globe-trotting bookshop owner Alexandre Thumerelle with energetic vim.

NATIONAL ICON

Mrs Dynamite