The French are never ‘de trop’. They have a natural frugality that turns its ‘retroussé’ nose up at mindless spending. Spending less is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity, but the French, and the Parisians in particular, demand the best. No wonder La Vallée Village fits in so beautifully, sitting just 35 minutes east of the centre of Paris, in the heart of Brie country and on the doorstep of the Champagne region, with the daily Cityrama shuttle that transfers you effortlessly from the centre of Paris to La Vallée Village door to door.
The Village’s pretty Ile-de-France architecture houses over 95 luxury outlet boutiques with year-round reductions of 33% to 60%* on some of France’s most revered designer names – not to mention some of the most deluxe international labels. “Only the most prestigious brands can be present in the pedestrianised streets of La Vallée,” agrees Air France Madame. This Village is so cultured it even has its own art gallery, exhibiting original works of contemporary French and international artists, namely François Boisrond, a founder of the early 1980s Figuration Libre movement; the young French photographer Nicolas Henry; American painter James Brown; modern figurative painter Erró, and painter and sculptor Richard Texier.
Every ‘Parisienne’ worth her salt has a plain, crisp white shirt by Anne Fontaine in her wardrobe, immune to the fickle wind of fashion and wholly versatile. Kenzo has chosen to have its first ever outlet at La Vallée Village because it’s all about the company you keep and, in this case, slick Agnès b. and Lalique – the ultimate in decorative glassware – have chosen La Vallée Village to house their only outlets in Europe. Iconic fashion giant Christian Lacroix, one of a dwindling number of designers still committed to the art of true haute couture, also has his only European outlet boutique here.
The Parisian S.T. Dupont boutique offers classic writing accessories here, Comptoir des Cotonniers, usually modelled by mother-and-daughter pairings its enduring chic to appeal to all generations, and Lancel meets every luggage need with durability and style. Zadig & Voltaire is the on-trend casual look, while Marithé + François Girbaud’s selection offers urban chic for the younger shoppers, and Bonpoint’s collections always delight both child and parent. Dunhill will brighten up any bored man-shopper with its classic suits and Façonnable, too, impress with its French three-piece checks. Among the Italians here are Armani and Salvatore Ferragamo, a subtle master of timeless accessories.
Children tend to loathe shopping but there is no reason why this shouldn’t be a family trip. Bribe them with babyccinos at Starbucks, then whisk them off to
Disneyland® Resort Paris, which is literally next door to La Vallée Village, with Sleeping Beauty Castle and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™. And the magic can continue round the clock if you stay in the Disneyland® Hotel where the enchantment of Disney® never ends, and from where the Village’s shuttle can safely return all the family with its newly acquired bargains.
Paris itself is rightly renowned as one of the most romantic cities in the world. Around every corner is an intimate café, a beautiful boulevard, a pretty park or an ornate monument. The Hôtel de Crillon is a sight to behold. Sitting right by the Champs-Élysées on the Place de la Concorde, it is truly palatial in its splendour. For a little more discretion and the smart budget option, the Hôtel Daniel is an elegant townhouse hotel in prime position just off the sweeping Avenue Montaigne.
Some of the French hauteur might just rub off on you when you leave Paris with a wardrobe to rival the chicest Parisienne’s. And, like the Parisians, you can be smart both inside and out with a visit to La Vallée Village.
