April 5, 2012

Content

Do you like this?

Doni Belau sitting in a Paris café. Photograph by Anthony & Audrey Brock

I was recently at an party, telling an acquaintance about a woman who started up an all-things-Paris based website that tout le monde is talking about and has become de rigueur as a pre-trip visit.

“You mean Doni Belau?” the acquaintance cut in. “Girls’ Guide to Paris?”

That little exchange reveals how quickly this start-up website, GirlsGuidetoParis.com, has become the go-to place for anyone planning a trip to Paris or France who wants to know about the best or newest stores, restaurants, hotels and much more. And because “April in Paris” is such a natural – not to mention a song – this is the perfect month to introduce you to Doni Belau, who is known as much for her taste in eclectic decor as she is for her knowledge of and fascination with the City of Lights.

“I started Girls’ Guide in 2009, with the idea of creating a community of Paris-lovers. We now have 300,000 readers a year and 35,000 others each month who are checking us out for the first time,” Belau says.

Girls’ Guide is not a typical travel guide.

“Think of it as a bunch of friends who know all the ins and outs and are sharing their favorite places with you,” Belau says. “You’ll find information and reviews on everything from soaps to perfumes, chocolates to wine. Our virtual army of Parisian scouts writes about anything of interest.”

Readers can visit GirlsGuidetoParis.com, or they can sign up for a monthly newsletter that contains recipes, wines-of-the-month, and special deals and offers.

Not only have Belau and her team visited and sampled everything they write about, they welcome readers’ opinions and tips as well.

What Francophile or fashionista wouldn’t want to know when Hermès holds its rare sale on its signature scarves, or when a great new boutique has appeared? Or find out which hotel is offering astounding price breaks to members of the brand-new Girls’ Guide travel club?

Even if you aren’t planning a trip but want to shop for the latest fashions, fads and decor without leaving your home, Girls’ Guide is a great resource. For instance, I learned about a fabulous store in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area called Blanc D’Ivoire, where you can buy stylish baby bedding or sophisticated tableware and oodles of other home accessories. Thanks to the Girls’ Guide and my laptop, I don’t even need to get out of bed to buy a sumptuous silk French quilt at blancdivoire.com.