“The report of my death was an exaggeration” – Samuel Clemens

Parisians love to smoke: Spanish monarchy might have brought tobacco to the Old World, but the French perfected the art of lighting up. While you could smoke a cigar, in the superb restaurant of the Palais de Tokyo Museum in December, something unheard of in the States, mere weeks before a January smoking ban went into effect, it remains to be seen whether Parisians forever lower their smokes without a fight — or at least some truly French-caliber grumbling.

In the meantime, there are a few places to be recommended for the cigar-lover in Paris. Bonne Fumée.

Cigar Stores

1. A LA CIVETTE
157, rue Saint Honoré
Tel.: 33 (0)1 42 96 04 99
Proprietor: Norbert Blanc
Note: There is a stunning lounge upstairs; sometimes, if you ask nicely, you can enjoy its hospitality.

2. LEMAIRE PARIS
59 Avenue Victor Hugo
Tel.: 33 (0)1 75 68
Proprietor: Philippe Pougat
maison-lemaire.com

3. BOUTIQUE 22
22 Avenue Victor Hugo
Tel.: 33 (0)1 45 01 81 41
Proprietor: Francis Mathieu
boutique22.fr
Note: A classic Parisian cigar store, but also classically cliché in their attitude and rather capacity for rudeness — even towards the French-speaking tourist. Worth a visit, but buy from LEMAIRE down the street.

4. CAVE A CIGARES
Publicis Drugstore
133 ave des Champs Elysées
Tel.: 33 (0)1 44 43 76 28
publicisdrugstore.com
Note: A real Parisian insiders’ cigar boutique, with a remarkable selection of cigars and accessories.

5. TABAC GEORGE V
22 Avenue George V
Tel.: 33 (0)1 45 01 81 41
Proprietor: Mrs. and Mr. Sermet
Note: Small but well-stocked – and right across from the Four Seasons Hotel George V.

6. CIGAR ACCESSORY
BOUTIQUE Elie Bleu
Galerie Royale
8 bis rue Boissy d’Anglas
Tel.: 33 (0)1 48 99 64 64
Manager: Franck Gaudry
eliebleu.com

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