It apparently was extremely ‘en vogue’ this year to leave the Thalys as it was and go to Paris by car. by car If you drive a Renault Twingo that sponsors Holland’s Next Topmodel (so fashion) that has the hashtag #EverywhereTwingo (so suitable for city trips) and is also so conveniently arranged that you can transport a Billy bookcase from Ikea in it (so good for transporting souvenirs), then that calls for a visit. Paris.

The last time I went to Paris by car was quite a while ago. I had just gotten my driver's license, funny enough when a Renault 5 was under my butt and freedom was floating through my nose. After that, I must have been to Paris a hundred times. Twice a year to see the fashion shows, at least once a year for a shot of romance, then easily a few press trips or launches (that of Lieke and Jetteke van Lexmond was one to never forget) per year and during my Marie Claire days, I was there every month for a meeting. I dare say I know my way around quite well.

That's why Twingo and I are taking you on our fashion tour. During Fashion Week (last week of September, beginning of October and last week of February and beginning of March), Paris is a village. If you follow my spots, I’m sure you’ll spot Kim, Kanye, Carine, Anna, Mario, Grace, and some top models. Seatbelts fastened, here we go.

Le Bon Marché, the finest department store in Paris. Moreover, the walk there is perfect if you, like me, are staying in the Saint Germain area. You pass by the Gap (always nice for kids' stuff and some basics) and a lovely Paul&Joe store. Don’t skip the supermarket in Bon Marché. The pasta, for example, is like art, so beautiful. This way, Paris lives on a little longer in your own home.

Café de Flore, real Parisiennes don’t sit at Les Deux Magots, mais non. They sit at Flore. The smokers reside on the terrace and otherwise you sit inside. No matter how nice the greenhouse is, when you sit there, everything screams ‘tourist’ at you and we don’t want that, do we?

Ladurée, since it’s in American guidebooks and there are those types with high-waisted jeans and those sunglasses that can be flipped up, it’s a bit less chic but it remains the most delicious and the most beautiful.

Café Ruc, especially after the Louis Vuitton show (which is always held on the last day of fashion week nearby in the cours carré of the Louvre), it’s a parade of models there.

Le Meurice, on Monday afternoons during fashion week, the editors-in-chief of all Marie Claire countries meet here. Tea is served in a porcelain cup with a saucer, a scone is enjoyed or a delicious little cake. If you look to the left, it could just be that Kanye is sitting next to you. Or Alber Elbaz walks in. I find it the most delightful hotel in Paris and I have also slept there once. What a treat. If you want to pamper yourself intensely, get your hair done in the salon of Christophe Robin.

Grand Palais, there is regularly a beautiful exhibition but four times a year this palace belongs to Chanel where their prêt-à-porter and couture collections are shown. Highlights.

By the way, did you know that

• you don’t have to pay parking fees in August and on holidays?
• the Renault Twingo was showered with compliments by proud French people? “C’est sympa, ça!” “C’est toute nouveau?” and even Carine Roitfeld complimented me with a “C’est chique”.
• just a little more Twingo twirling but that turning circle is incredibly small, for De Flore, near le Bon Marché, I could really park it anywhere.

What are you waiting for, start your engines and just go.