In My Hood: Out and About in Le Sentier, Paris

I've been living in Paris for more than 30 years, and a lot of neighborhoods in the city have changed very little in that time. Not so for Sentier. In recent years, a number of technology companies have set up shop here. Where textile companies used to manufacture their goods, the future of the Internet is being developed.  

Le Sentier in Transition: Start-Ups and Tradition

The new neighbors have (re)invigorated the neighborhood, such as on Rue du Nil, where I like to stock up on fresh food at the shops of the sustainable agricultural community Terroirs d'Avenir. Whether it's crispy croissants from the boulangerie, tasty goat's cheese from the fromagerie, or a dried sausage from the boucherie, everything is locally produced and freshly prepared.  

Sentier is super central, but still not very touristy. Parisians live and work here. You can meet them for lunch in one of the many brasseries. Here, they don't put any appointments in their diaries between noon and 2 pm. During this time it's worth paying a visit to Dubillot, which specializes in classic French cuisine. Here you can enjoy a glass of red wine with your lunch.  

Le Sentier: Hotspot for Culture and Entertainment

As a fashion designer, cultural influences are very important to me. I draw inspiration from the changing exhibitions and events at the Gaîté Lyrique. This former theater, now a cultural center for digital arts and culture, is on par with many of Paris's famous cultural institutions - except the lines are much shorter.  

There is plenty of culture and entertainment in our district. At the classic Grand Rex movie theater for instance, it's easy to forget everyday life - and has been for almost 100 years. After the movies, I like to go for a drink at Chez Jeannette. This 1940s-style bar is the place to meet the city's creative types. Current sounds provide the acoustic background for conversations about the latest trends. The night doesn't end until closing time.

Everyone is welcome to visit our Pétrone boutique on Rue Poissonnière. We are committed to a local and responsible approach to the production of our collections: French design, Portuguese tailoring and as much as possible European materials.

If there is time, we enjoy the great cultural and entertainment program in our neighborhood. Watching a movie at the Grand Rex is a great way to forget the worries of everyday life. An unforgettable movie experience for almost 100 years.

Afterwards, I like to go for a drink at Chez Jeannette. This 1940s-style bar is the place to meet the city's creative types. The latest trends are discussed here until closing time and the latest sounds are swayed to.

The great thing about living here is that I can walk to where I need to go. A tip for visitors: Wear sneakers - the cobblestones of Paris and high heels are not the best of friends.

About

Marion Dubuc is, together with her partner Nicolas Hernandez, co-founder of the French fashion brand Pétrone. She grew up in Paris and spent the first 30 years of her life there. She has lived in Le Sentier for six years: a neighborhood that has changed a lot in recent years between textile wholesalers and start-ups. Although Marion also spends a lot of time in the southwest of France and in Portugal for work, she always enjoys coming back to "her neighborhood" because it is so lively.

Fashion and History in Le Sentier, Paris – More Tips from the Lufthansa Editorial Team

1. Mini fashion capital: it is home to numerous young designers and fashion start-ups.
2. Textile history: the district was once the center of Parisian fabric manufacturing.
3. Explore authentic cafés: charming local hangouts away from tourist paths.
4. Central location: from Le Sentier you can reach Les Halles, Marais, or the Seine in minutes.