Five years ago, Paris-born Sara Brajovic founded Taramis Interiors, and her showroom in the city spotlights items she curates. Her eye for beauty and culture is shaped by a multitude of inspirations—from her childhood summers in the South of France to completing an education at London’s Kings College University—and in her boutique, an array of lighting, furniture, and art pieces exemplify that.
Whitewaller spoke with Brajovic about her favorite Parisian spots, from leafy parks and hidden shops to inspiring museums, curiosity-filled spaces, and restaurants that capture the city’s timeless charm.
WHITEWALL: Where is your favorite spot to find inspiration?
SARA BRAJOVIC: Parisian parks usually include; Temple of Sybill and the Medici Fountain. Inspiration is everywhere; just walking down the streets is like opening a history book. I source vintage design furniture and objects, and love to visit design galleries and shops in the 6ème around Rue de l’Université. Marche Paul Bert Serpette on weekends.
WW: Your favorite place to see art?
SB: As a history graduate, I appreciate Paris enormously as it is a permanent museum. If I had to choose, I am a big fan of Mobilier National /Galerie des Goblins. Otherwise, Musee de Cluny for Unicorn Tapestries, Musee des Arts Decoratifs, and the Museum of Modern Art.
“Inspiration is everywhere, just walking down the streets is like opening a history book.”
-Sara Brajovic
WW: Where is the best neighborhood vibe?
SB: I was born in the 16th and love the village vibe/residential vibe. My gallery/showroom is in the Triangle d‘Or 8eme and the bustling atmosphere is infectious, lots of great restaurants, specialty coffees, and art galleries. To start of the day, I pick up fresh flowers and coffee and spend the morning/afternoon working. I am close to the 16th and usually have lunch at Prunier.
WW: What is the best-kept secret in Paris?
SB: The library situated inside the Gothic style and a rare example of Medieval architecture in Paris—Hotel de Sens in the Marais. It specializes in Arts & Crafts, decorative arts, and has also books on ceramics and costume design. Festival 36 at Eglise Saint Eustache in the 1st arrondissement has some wonderful concerts in a very special setting. Deyrolle in the 6eme for some natural history curiosity.
WW: What is the best meal in Paris?
SB: Dinner Best steak au poivre/frites/mousse au chocolat: Le Voltaire and Les Gourmets de Ternes. For seafood, decor, and lunch, I love Prunier.
The Best of Paris According to Sara Brajovic:
1. Explore Paul Bert Serpette’s Antique Markets
Courtesy of Laurence Piron.
Located in the heart of the Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen, Paul Bert Serpette is surrounded by ten or so markets, which are eclectic locations offering antiques from all periods. Each has its own identity linked to its dealers and its architecture. From the labyrinthine alleys of the Marché Vernaison to the numerous stairs of the Marché Dauphine, discover the diversity of the rue des Rosiers, the world’s largest antiques center.
With a reputation as avant-garde, quick to spot new trends and forgotten creators, Paul Bert Serpette is a must for all professionals and bargain hunters. –Paul Bert Serpette
2. Discover the Treasures of the Mobilier National / Galerie des Gobelins
Courtesy of the Mobilier National /Galerie des Goblins.
The Mobilier National, a former furniture storage unit for the monarchy created in 1663 by Louis XIV and Colbert, is in charge of the furniture of the official palaces of the Republic: Palais de l’Elsyée, ministères… The Manufacture Nationale des Gobelins, whose history dates back to the 15th century, has occupied the current site since the 17th century. Guided tours are available. Production in the workshops never stop. In 1937, the two entities, as well as the manufactures of Beauvais (tapestries) and Savonnerie (carpets), are grouped together on the historic site of the Gobelins. The collections consist of around 200,000 pieces and have exceptional value in the Galerie des Gobelins (1914) where temporary exhibitions are also held including both ancient and contemporary creations. –Paris je t’aime
3. Peruse Books at the Bibliothèque Forney
Photograph by Jean-Baptiste Gurliat. Courtesy of Bibliothèque Forney.
Inside the Hotel de Sens, rare remains of medieval civil architecture in Paris, the Forney library has 23,000 volumes, as well as 50,000 exhibition catalogues, 4,000 newspaper titles and rich iconographic collections. The collections are dedicated to the decorative arts, the art and craft professions and their techniques, the fine arts and graphic arts, without forgetting fashion, advertising and design. –Paris je t’aime
4. Look at Taxidermy and Botany Deyrolle
Courtesy of Deyrolle.
Deyrolle is a Parisian institution where natural history and curiosity converge. Since 1831, it has fostered education through beautifully preserved taxidermy and botanical specimens. Housed in a historic mansion, the space invites discovery, encouraging visitors to engage with the natural world through science, storytelling, and wonder.
5. Walk Through Eglise Saint-Eustache
Photograph by Jean-Christophe BENOIST. Courtesy of artist.
The Eglise Saint-Eustache in the heart of Les Halles is one of the most visited churches in Paris. It is known for its unusually large dimensions, which make it seem more like a cathedral than a church, and the wealth of art works it houses. The church was built in 1532 and subsequently restored in 1840, and therefore uses a variety of styles: the façade is Gothic, while the interior is in the Renaissance and classical styles. The organ of Saint-Eustache is the biggest pipe organ in France, and its resident organist gives a free concert on Sunday afternoons. In keeping with its longstanding tradition of classical music, the church hosts performances all year round by symphony orchestras and choral ensembles such as Chœurs de Radio France and the Orchestre National de France; its concerts feature on the programme of prestigious festivals like the Festival d’Automne à Paris and Paris Quartier d’Été. –Paris je t’aime
6. Dine at Le Voltaire’s Classic Brasserie
Courtesy of Le Voltaire.
Courtesy of Le Voltaire.
With roots tracing back to the 19th century, Le Voltaire is steeped in Left Bank charm. Housed in the former building of the Enlightenment thinker himself, the brasserie offers classic French fare in an intimate space accented by fresh flowers and velvet-lined booths.
