My Perfect Day in Paris with Lina Nordin Gee

Lina Nordin Gee is a Swede in Paris who wears many hats. An accomplished fashion designer, she infuses her unique combination of Parisian chic and Scandi minimalism into the ethos of her accessories label, Deuxième Studios.

Lina has lived in five countries, speaks three languages, and is always up to something new and exciting. When not designing beautiful shoes and bags, or exploring the best of Paris with her husband, Oliver (of the Earful Tower), she picks up her paints and brushes to indulge her artistic side. During the lockdown, her daily watercolors of Paris took social media by storm. Following le confinement, Lina updated her Etsy shop with prints and other products. Currently, she is working on an exciting new project with Oliver (albeit for a slightly younger crowd – stay tuned!).

We caught up with the charming Parisienne at the end of summer, and got a glimpse into her busy creative life in the buzzing 18^th arrondissement.  Lina Nordin Gee’s perfect day in Paris involves lots of coffee, shopping trips around Montmartre, and breathtaking views of Paris from the top.

Brunch, coffee, and more coffee

“For my perfect Paris day, I wouldn’t wake up too early (I’m not really a morning person). I love breakfasts that turn into lunches, so I would head out for brunch. I would go to Papilles in the Pigalle area, near where I live. They have really amazing pancakes. I would then walk across to the fantastic terrace at KB Coffee Roasters for a flat white; they’re among the best in town.”

A vintage-inspired afternoon

“I would wander around the neighborhood for a little bit and pop into a couple of my favorite vintage shops. I really like Célia Darling and Rose Market. I am inspired by the yesteryears in general, so I really enjoy looking at art and vintage pieces from bygone eras.

Currently, I’m into Le Corbusier, abstract shapes, and the Riviera from the 50s and 60s. Some of these vintage shops capture that vibe and aesthetic very well. I would also go to Marché Saint-Pierre, where I love looking at fabrics. If it’s a weekend, I’d make a stop at the Marché aux Puces, near rue des Martyrs, to find some cool antiques and curiosities.

I would then go home for a while. We live on the fifth floor in a tiny little Montmartre apartment. I like to sit by the window, gather my thoughts, and probably do some sketching. When you’re an entrepreneur you’re always and never working. So even if it’s a weekend, I’d probably find myself doing some kind of work.”

Rooftop views, a romantic sunset, and the perfect Paris dinner

“In the evening, I would meet up with a friend for an apéro somewhere on rue des Abbesses for some people-watching – it’s quiet but still busy enough to be interesting. If the weather is good, I’d pop up to the rooftop bar of the Terrass Hotel. You can see all of Paris from up there and it’s often surprisingly empty. Not a lot of people know about it.

Then I would walk up to Sacré-Coeur for a perfect sunset view. You often find people in love, enchanted tourists… There’s something really magical about that place in the evenings.

To top off my perfect day in Paris, I’d take a gamble on a new-looking restaurant in Pigalle or Montmartre. I’m always looking for cool new bars and eateries. You never really know what you’re going to get, and I find that quite exciting. Of course, for the perfect day, we’d have to hope it turned out to be a good restaurant. But, if you’ve got the right company and you’re in Paris, you’re almost guaranteed a memorable experience no matter where you go.”

Lina’s perfect day in Paris addresses

• Papilles Coffeehouse & Restaurant, 77 Rue Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75009 Paris
• KB Coffee Roasters, 53 Avenue Trudaine, 75009 Paris
• Célia Darling, 5 Rue Henry Monnier, 75009 Paris
• RoseMarket, 19 Rue Milton, 75009 Paris
• Marché Saint-Pierre, 2 Rue Charles Nodier, 75018 Paris
• Terrass Hotel, 12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris

Lina Nordin Gee is a Paris-based designer and illustrator. Check out some of her stunning creations at her Etsy shop and online boutique, Deuxième Studios. You can also connect with Lina on Instagram to stay updated on her latest projects.   

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Related Links

• Looking for more perfect days in Paris? Check out my perfect day with Messy Nessy
• Find out more about living in Lina’s neighborhood, Montmartre.
• Want to get out of the big city? Try a short trip to the Loire Valley.

Written by Devyani Aggarwal 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.