Family Best Time >> Travel

Brazil:the good addresses of Rio Fashion #2

We go to Pharmacia Granado

Why ? Because their artisanal soaps, made since 1870 and scented with ylang-ylang, acai or Brazil nuts, make pretty gifts at low prices for girlfriends and we love their packaging as much as the retro decoration of the shop.

Rua General Artigas, 470, Loja A. Leblon. Phone. :+55 21 3231 6759, www.granado.com.br.

Cool down at Astor

Well settled in the shade of the terrace of this brasserie, facing Ipanema beach, we have a front row seat to watch the surfers pass by with boards under their arms, girls in bathing suits, families on bikes...

Avenida Vieira Souto, 110. Ipanema. Phone. :+55 21 2523 0085, www.barastor.com.br.

Lose track of time at Zaza Bistro Tropical

We love ! A stone's throw from Ipanema beach, you can sit under the fans, on the terrace, or upstairs on the benches of this typical old house. And what do we eat? Fusion food in a cool atmosphere:Moroccan pastillas, samosas, vegetarian dishes, Thai cuisine...

Rua Joana Angélica, 40. Ipanema. Phone. :+55 21 2247 9102, www.zazabistro.com.br.

Let's have a drink at Garota de Ipanema

Just one, because it's become a bit of a tourist trap. But one anyway because it is here that the most famous bossa nova song was born, "a garota de Ipanema" (the girl from Ipanema), written by Vinicius de Moraes and Tom Jobim to celebrate the beauty of a neighborhood carioca... Alternatively, we try the Garota da Urca, its little sister, at the foot of the Sugar Loaf, with a breathtaking view of Corcovado and the illuminated city.

Rua Vinicius de Moraes, 49. Tel. :+55 21 2523 3787, www.garotadeipanema.com.br. And Garota da Urca, Av. João Luiz Alves, 56. Urca. Phone. :+55 21 2541 5040.

Choose your bikini at Salinas or Lenny

Two compulsory pieces (the topless is prohibited), even if they are mini, mini. Afterwards, it's as you want:a touch of humor at Salinas, a touch of chic at Lenny. And if you really can't decide, you can always buy your two-piece directly on the beach, from one of the many street vendors.

Salinas, www.salinascompras.com.br. Lenny, www.lennyswimwear.com.

We go out to Copacabana Palace

Because this hotel inspired by the palaces of the Côte d'Azur is legendary. Because it has lost none of its splendor despite competition from the Fasano hotel next door, styled by Starck, and because it's at the Bar do Copa that the most beautiful fashion evenings take place weekend. Of course, you can also sleep there and, like Gisèle, lap the lengths in her quasi-Olympic swimming pool.

Avenida Atlantica, 1702. Tel. :+55 21 2548 7070, www.copacabanapalace.com.br.

We sweat at Studio RJ

A club open just above the Astor brewery, facing the beach, with almost daily concerts by new Brazilian artists (Otto…) and DJs.

Av. Vieira Souto, 110. Arpoador. Phone. :+55 21 2523 1204, www.studiorj.org.

We venture to Bar do Mineiro

A botequim (popular bar) perfect on Saturday evening for a beer, a taste of fejoada, a mix of beans and meat, or cabbage, tomato or cheese fritters, before going to party in the maze of the Lapa district next.

Rua Pascoal Carlos Magno, 99. Santa Teresa. Phone. :+55 21 2221 9227.

We're robbing Havaianas

Because their flip-flops are three times cheaper there than in France and we couldn't find a better way to tread the cobblestones or the sand!

Rua Farme de Amoedo, 76A. Ipanema. Phone. :+55 21 2267 7395, www.havaines.com.br.

We escape to Victor Dzenk

Parrots, tribal tattoos... Inspired by the Amazonian forest, the prints of this former Esmod student are a permanent invitation to travel.

Rue Anibal de Mendonça, 171. Ipanema. Phone. :+55 21 2259 2224, www.victordzenk.com.

Thanks to ABIT, the Brazilian Federation of Textile and Clothing Industries, and to Texbrasil, its export assistance program for the Brazilian fashion industry.