Lick A Window

PASSIONS | by VALERIE GRIFFITH

DELICIOUS ONLINE WINDOW SHOPPING IN PARIS.

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Faire du lèche-vitrines, literally “window licking,” is the French expression for window shopping. It’s what Parisians do in their free time – they stroll, stop, stare and dream. Women, men, even dogs do it. I once saw a chic petite chien, paws glued to window, salivating over a foie gras display.

If you’ve ever wandered the streets of Paris, you will perfectly understand the sentiment. From designer boutiques to patisseries, Paris’ windows dazzle. They’re playful, sensual, outrageous and exquisite. Like everything else French, window design is an art form and faire du lèche-vitrines expresses both an appreciation and desire for what is so beautifully displayed.

Can’t be in Paris at the moment? Do a little window licking online. Like their brick-and-mortar versions, these web destinations are by turns beautiful, très cool and inscrutable.

Here are four to sample. Before you surf, be aware of a couple of things: Most of the sites use Flash (download and install if you don’t already have it); let your intuition be your guide – these sites are highly interactive so click around and see what happens. There’s often an English version available; look for the British flag. French sites often are accompanied by looped music. If you find it annoying, turn off or mute the sound.

• Patrick Roger. Chocolate artist.
• Chantal Thomass. Lingerie goddess.
• Christian Louboutin. Shoe impresario.
• Musée du quai Branly. Museum of indigenous art.