Review by Anne Garber

Paris, France (anytime is Shopping Time) -- Heading off for some retail therapy in Paris? Nearly every visitor to Paris wants to make the most of his or her vacation, balancing cultural attractions with gourmet indulgences. Most also want to take a piece of Paris home with them. Entrepreneurs and Francophiles Rebecca Magniant, David Bizer and Nicole Alexander have devoted themselves to helping you achieve just that.

Francophile and self-confessed shopaholic Rebecca Magniant is an expert on the hidden shopping treasures in Paris.

Founder Rebecca Perry Magniant is an American woman passionate about Paris -- the culture, the food, and of course, the shopping. Rebecca first visited Paris at the age of 18, and once home again, wrote in her journal, "I hope I come back to live here some day." Some dreams are meant to be realized, it seems. She continued visiting France every few years, spending a summer learning French in Grenoble, France, and continuing to dream about living in Paris. She finished her undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and went on to receive her master's in art therapy from the George Washington University.

As luck would have it, she met her future husband while living and working in Washington, DC and -- as we said -- dreams do come true; Rebecca's did when she moved to Paris in 2002 with her Parisian fiancé, who is now her husband.

While exploring Paris and learning to live "la vie francaise," francophile and self-confessed shopaholic Rebecca rediscovered her love for shopping and her desire to share her passion and insider tips with friends. Since she was always one to have extensive files on any place she visits, she began to learn where to shop, and voila! the idea for Chic Shopping Paris was born.

Thus was Chic Shopping Paris launched in 2003. Along came Rebecca's original partner David Bizer -- who shared Rebecca's enthusiasm for French culture (and especially food) -- and the pair got to swapping addresses and shaping Chic Shopping Paris.

Heather Stimmler-Hall is the author of Secrets of Paris, which includes mention of Rebecca's tours.

"I created the concept after several expat friends in Paris told me, 'You should be a personal shopper -- you really know your way around the shops in Paris.'" says Magniant. "I wanted to use my skills to give travellers the insider tips that you don't get in the guidebooks -- the addresses and tips that you would get only from a good Parisian friend."

Tours are half or whole day adventures through specific neighbourhoods. Designed to make the most of your time in Paris, the tours are private, and never include more than 5 people. "We wanted to keep the numbers small, to make it more intimate -- just like you were going shopping with a group of friends," says Nicole Alexander.

Themes include everything from "Food and Wine" to "Unique Boutique" and "Chic Shopping Sunday." Also included on the tours are a stop for coffee or tea at a chic café as well as a goodie bag, filled with discount coupons and other insider tips. Custom tours, geared toward specific shopping interests, are also available on request.

When we toured with Rebecca, she was expecting her first child, but her energy (and patience) seemed limitless. We ended up touring Le Marais, which was fortuitous for us, as it was an area we new well. Secretly, John and I were thinking: "We'll just see if she knows all the good places." Not only did Rebecca zero in on the best and most interesting shops, but she threw a number of brilliant surprises at us (detailed below).

Among the unexpected benefits of Chic Shopping Paris were the companions with whom we were matched up. They were surprisingly compatible with us: a TV publicist and his new bride, and a Texas businessman and his wife (the latter shown at right, chatting with Rebecca). It was delightful to watch them shopping and exploring. When quizzed later about how people find her -- and Paris competition (such as the ubiquitous Rachel Kaplan) -- Rebecca was remarkably easy-going and voluble, reminding us that there's lots of room for all. Many of her referrals come from dévotées like us, and a good number come from the French Tourist Board. And, too, word-of-mouth referrals are often the best guidepost.

Here's what one of the couples we toured with wrote, after their visit: "What a pleasure Rebecca. Thanks so much for an insider's look into Paris....We thoroughly enjoyed shopping with you-- You have a wide range of great shops in your repertoire and your assistance in communicating with the shopkeepers was fantastic. Next time, we'd love to enjoy a bottle of champagne with you at the end of our shopping spree!" ~ Scott & Jennifer Chalk, Honeymooners, Made in France Tour.

You might wonder why tourists would fork over handfuls d'argent just to be shown where to spend even more money, but if you believe the axiom that "time is money," well, there you have it; if your time is worth anything, you want to go directly to the places that most suit your interests and lifestyle, and that's where Rebecca and Cie come in. After all, museums, monuments, and restaurants . . .you can find all these in any guidebook. What Chic Shopping Paris offers is secret addresses and shopping tips, bilingual personal guides -- the ins-and-outs that only a good Parisian friend would share with you.

Here's what just a sampling of Rebecca's clients have said about Chic Shopping Paris: Tara: "What a wealth of knowledge and ‘joie de vivre' for shopping! Rebecca's passion for all that is shopping takes all the worries out navigating Paris shops and lets you enjoy the trip."

Meghan: "Chic Shopping tours are worth every penny! I was traveling to Paris this summer and desired a new dress to wear to three weddings this summer. My experiences at stores before in Paris were not pleasant so I received a recommendation from a friend to contact Rebecca. She was amazing - we found not only one but two dresses that screamed Parisian designer. I have received more compliments on these dresses than anything I've ever owned. Thank you again Rebecca, would not have found them without you!"

Christina: "When my parents came to Paris, they were in search of religious art. One call to Chic Shopping Paris, and my parents' shopping nightmares were over. From little known shops and galleries to the obvious, Rebecca knew just where to go - my parents were so happy! I love having a resource for virtually every kind of shopping you want to do - Rebecca is amazing and Chic Shopping Paris is definitely worth the price!"

One of my personal favourite places that Rebecca took us to was a fabric and notions shop of the first order. I have haunted places like these from Kuala Lumpur to Milano to Naples, Florida, and this was one of the best I have seen. Prices were reasonable and some of the buttons and fittings were remarkably unique (photo above).

Because the particular tour we took -- the "Unique Boutique" -- was in-and-around Le Marais (as I said -- an area with which John and I were very familiar), we got to check on Rebecca's choices. And sure enough, she matched our "best finds," plus she presented enough totally new-to-us discoveries to impress even these die-hard know-it-alls!

The expert bilingual guides of Chic Shopping Paris do not work on commission and can therefore offer you objective, unbiased advice. Their goal is to help you use your time in Paris wisely, whether it's your first time here or your fifth. Rather than offer tours on a variety of topics, they organize shopping tours exclusively, focusing all of their attention on discovering new shops and trends for your benefit. Chic Shopping Paris' private guided tours are devoted to helping you take back "Paris in your bag."

Rebecca's most the popular tour is her "Made in France" tour, featuring a full range of goods (but not, Rebecca emphasizes solely fashion) made in that country. Some French products can be bought at home -- in boutiques or even on the Internet. But what about products that are truly French, and only available in France? The Made in France tour introduces you to both classic French products and the latest trends. From perfume and linens to home décor and chic costume jewellery -- this represents the best of France to take home in your bag. Discover the shops that aren't in the guidebooks and locate memorable items with a French flair. A pause ("break") is taken in one of the chic cafés in the neighbourhood.

According to the "SheFinds" blog and newsletter, by communications expert Michelle Madhok: "Paris is pure torture to me. It's like knowing a really beautiful woman who hates you for no apparent reason. All I want to do is buy gorgeous shoes and the shopkeepers are so arrogant that I practically have to beg to spend money. Of course I do beg -- and I do (eventually) receive. After my last jaunt I came home with six pairs of gorgeous footwear." How has Michelle transformed her Paris shopping experience? By finding Chic Shopping Paris, that's how!

Other Chic Shopping Paris choices:

Très Tasty Tour

Chic Shopping Paris' Très Tasty Tour introduces you to the finest names in French gastronomy. Visiting both food and wine shops, you will discover the finest regional products that you can't find at home -- croissants and éclairs for now, foie gras and truffles to take home. This tour includes visits to several gourmet and chocolate shops, specialty home shops, tastings, and more. A pause ("break") is taken in a cafés near the Madeleine. Experience the French joie de vivre and taste the best of Paris with Chic Shopping Paris.

*new!* Très Tasty Deluxe

Join Chic Shopping Paris for a new wine tasting experience along with Olivier from Ô Chateau! They are pleased to announce this new partnership to take your TrèsTasty tour to the next level, and pair it with a wonderful wine tasting. Start your Très Tasty Tour with a Cheese and Wine Tasting for an additional 71 euros, or end it with Ô Chateau's French Wine Discovery (35 euros) or Plaisirs du Vin (44 euros) tasting. Note that when you book your wine tasting experience along with your TrèsTasty tour, you'll receive 10 per cent off the regular rates from Ô Chateau. It's fun, instructive, and oh-so tasty!

Unique Boutique Tour

Looking for something that screams "got this in Paris!"? The Unique Boutique tour is for you. Let Chic Shopping Paris help you find your way through the labyrinth of tiny rues to discover some of the most charming shops -- from antique posters to St. Tropez sandals, vintage silver to gourmet olive oil, even a shop specializing only in white blouses -- très chic! This tour offers a wide range of shops from home deco to accessories to gift items. Chic Shopping Paris, with your interests in mind, will help you find the perfect items to take Paris home in your bag. A pause ("break") is taken in a quaint local café.

Chic and Cheap Tour

The Chic and Cheap Tour is one of the few Chic Shopping Paris tours that focuses mainly on clothing. The tour is designed to help clients discover the great resale shops, or "depot ventes" in Paris to find the designer labels -- without the designer price tags. Clients will find gently used prêt-a-porter and accessories by all the big labels: Chanel, Hermes, Vuitton, Dior, and many more -- in a pleasant neighbourhood usually overlooked by tourists.

Oh la la! Outlets Tour

The Oh la la! Outlets tour takes place just outside the city, about 30 minutes from Paris, in a well-stocked outlet mall, complete with all the well-known French brands. Offering a hands-on shopping companion and ease of transportation, Chic Shopping Paris helps clients discover a myriad of great French and European labels at a minimum of 33 per cent off their original prices. From designer kid's clothes by Tartine et Chocolat to Haviland china to beautiful linens at Anne de Solene and chic shoes at Ferragamo, the Oh la la! Outlet tour will help clients save money on fabulous French finds. Clothing, shoes and bags, accessories, arts de la table, home deco, and more -- it's all on this new tour.

Sunday Shopping Tour

Many visitors to Paris have no idea that most shops are closed on Sunday -- making gift-buying very limited if you've left all your shopping until the weekend! You could go to the touristy Champs-Elysées with the rest of the monde, or come with Chic Shopping Paris and discover a truly chic quartier. This tour is designed to make the most of your Sunday afternoon, introducing you to a wide array of shops in a quaint Parisian neighbourhood. They'll share with you Chic Shopping Paris' favourite shops, helping you choose the perfect souvenir for someone back home, or just for yourself. From clothing and jewellery to edible goodies and vintage art, it's all on this tour. A pause ("break") is taken in one of the charmant cafés in the neighbourhood.

Shabby Chic Tour

Love the shabby chic look? This tour will take you to the most chic and charming boutiques, brimming with linens, furniture, home accessories, and more. They will introduce you to shops offering the always-in-demand French Country-style housewares and accessories direct from much-loved Provence. Let Chic Shopping Paris help you transform your home into your very own shabby chic château. A pause ("break") is taken in one of the elegant cafés in the neighbourhood.

The Chic Bébé Tour

Parisian babies are chic before birth -- that's probably because their moms are dressed so smartly when they are pregnant! This tour helps you make the most out of your new role as a mother. They'll help you find great pregnancy clothes, the perfect layette, toys, and baby couture. The Chic Bébé Tour will help new parents (or grandparents!) find everything for a new baby, mom, and big brother or sister. A pause ("break") is taken in one of the elegant cafés in the neighbourhood.

The Arts and Antiques Tour

This tour is designed to offer clients an insider's look at the famous Puces (Flea Markets) where treasures abound -- from Louis XIV furniture to early Vuitton travel accessories. From mirrors to art to vintage jewellery, silver, and more, the Puces is the perfect place to find something memorable. Let Chic Shopping Paris help you get the best deal on that perfect Parisian treasure or collectable. (Please note: This tour is available Saturday and Sunday only. Prices vary according to length of tour.)

We originally found Rebecca Magniant's Chic Shopping Paris on the internet; or you can e-mail her directly at: info@chicshoppingparis.com. There's a ready-made page for e-mailing, too, plus good old Maman Bell: 011.336.14.56.23.11 (from North America) or 06.14.56.23.11 (Within Paris).

As if she weren't busy enough with new baby Lucie, Rebecca now has a free newsletter to help you plan ahead for Paris. Visit this link to sign up. She is even maintaining a a blog to keep you updated, right to the minute!