Kasia Dietz is an American Paris-based designer and writer who grew up looking at life through a creative lens thanks to her artist mother and writer father. Kasia is from the Hamptons in New York and lived in New York City for over 10 years before embarking on a journey around the world. She returned to New York, energized by her travels, where she met her future husband on Soho’s Prince Street. Kasia jokes when she tells me, “Where better to meet a prince?”

Kasia began dreaming of designing handbags when she was working in the advertisement industry in New York City. After moving to Paris to join her Italian partner, Kasia noticed that there was “a lack of casual yet elegant everyday bags: totes that can be used for both market shopping and strolling the stylish boulevards of Paris.” Kasia launched her first handbag collections in 2010, and Kasia Dietz handbags was born.

I caught up with Kasia (from the comfort of our own homes, of course) to get a closer look at her perfect day in Paris, which includes coffee, delicious eats, shopping, and a few museums you won’t want to miss.

Start with Coffee, End with Chocolate
“Even before moving to Paris, I considered myself a Rive Droite girl, particularly drawn to my Haut Marais neighborhood. I’m a big coffee, or rather café crème, drinker. My go-to locales include Loustic and Partisan. A favorite gastronomic lunch spot where I take special visitors or enjoy dining solo is the restaurant Glou. And when a nostalgic mood strikes, Le Petit Marché near Place des Vosges is a classic, reminding me of my early years in Paris. Plus, the moelleux au chocolat is heavenly!
If I felt like wandering over to Saint-Germain-des-Près in the 6th for lunch or weekend brunch, Treize au Jardin serves up the best Southern American cuisine, biscuits and all. The Luxembourg Gardens across the street from their lush terrace makes for the ideal post-meal stroll. For a casual dinner, a selection of sharing plates at Freddy’s in Saint-Germain makes for a perfect evening.”

A Little Bit of Shopping
“Favorite local designers whose timeless clothing I’ve been collecting for years include Erotokritos, Koshka Paris, and Anika Lena Skärström. My perfect day includes stopping to chat with these artisans and discovering their latest collections in between visits to my favorite vintage shops which include Citizen Concept Store and Seven Boys & Girls. There’s nothing like French vintage!”

Paris is the Perfect City for a Stroll

“Have I mentioned yet how much I adore my Haut Marais? It’s the ‘secret’ gardens like Square Georges Cain and Jardin Lazare-Rachline along Rue Payenne that will forever enchant me. My perfect day includes a stroll through the Marais to Île Saint-Louis, where I’ll sit in my spot along Quai d’Orléans with a view of Notre Dame and stare deep into the ever-changing sky while dreaming up ideas for new bags. If weather permits, it’s all about picnicking with friends or meeting for an apéro and live jazz at Peniche Marcounet. The perfect day continues by biking along the river with my husband and stopping for crêpes at our favorite family-run food truck before ending the evening watching the sunset from the rooftop of Fluctuart, a floating urban art museum.”

Can’t-Miss Museums
“Exhibitions at the Picasso Museum always feed my soul, as does a visit to the Musée de la Vie Romantique, where intellectuals and artists the likes of Georges Sand and Fredrick Chopin gathered. For creative inspiration, I stop by the Pompidou to visit favorite artists including Sonia Delaunay and Paul Klee. The recent Christo exhibition was particularly moving as I had the chance to interview this revered artist about his Paris work shortly before his passing.”

Life Goes on Under Lockdown
“Lockdown life keeps me busy writing about past travels while dreaming about those I long to take. I’m also in the midst of designing new bag collections. But I can’t wait to sit at a cafe terrace over a glass of wine!”
Kasia’s Perfect Day in Paris Addresses
- Loustic, 40 Rue Chapon, 75003 Paris
- Partisan Café, 36 Rue de Turbigo, 75003 Paris
- Glou, 101 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75003 Paris
- Le Petit Marché, 9 Rue de Béarn, 75003 Paris
- Treize au Jardin, 5 Rue de Médicis, 75006 Paris
- Freddy’s, 54 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
- Erotokritos, 109 Boulevard Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris
- Koshka Mashka, 36 Rue de Poitou, 75003 Paris
- Anika Lena Skärström, 16 Rue du Pont aux Choux, 75003 Paris
- Citizen Concept Store, 8 Rue du Roi Doré, 75003 Paris
- Seven Boys & Girls, 7 Rue du Pont aux Choux, 75003 Paris
- Peniche Marcounet, Port des Célestins, Quai de l’Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris
- Fluctuart, 2 port du Gros Caillou, 75007 Paris
- Picasso Museum, 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
- Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris
- Le Centre Pompidou, Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
New York-born Kasia Dietz is a Paris-based designer and travel writer who shares her adventures on the award-winning blog Love in the City of Light. Discover her limited edition handbags in her online boutique and mention CODE: HIPPARIS for 10% off your next purchase.
You can travel around the world through her published work. You can also connect with Kasia on Instagram to stay updated on her latest projects, including her virtual fashion club and custom shopping tours.
Related Links
- Interested in French interior design? Here are seven ways to bring France into your home.
- Check out some of where to find luxury second-hand clothing in Paris!
- Love the My Perfect Day series? Take a look at Lina Nordin Gee’s Perfect Day in Paris!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thanks for supporting the blog in this way so we can continue to provide you with fabulous content. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Written by Molli McConnell for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Haven In for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long-term or buy in France or Italy? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates.
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