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It’s true, I love Paris. A city of beautiful architecture, gorgeous
food and super chic people. I will even
put up with the obligatory Parisian pomp for a weekend in this fabulous
city. I have visited Paris more times
than I can remember for both business and pleasure, and each stay I have had a
wonderful time. After every visit I
return home to Blighty with a distinct desire to become more ‘French like’ both
in my outlook on life, with my fashion choices (throw me a Hermes scarf and
Chanel 2:55 pronto!), and also with my desire to only eat teeny tiny food
potions and to stay away from carbs completely!
How Parisian women stay looking so svelte and fabulous whilst there is a
Laduree on most corners is beyond me. It
must come down to self-discipline, which I am definitely lacking when it comes
to cakes, macaroons and anything in between.
However this desire to become more ‘French like’ usually disappears as
soon as I return on to our fair shores and dive in for a Chinese take away and
Kitkat Chunky on my route back home. However
it is lovely to dream…
Paris is definitely a city in which I can
wander around for hours, resting frequently for a Café au Lait whilst watching
the stylish folks glide by. Bliss. Here are Butterfly Lane top picks for a
fabulous break in the city of lights…
Where to stay?
I most recently stayed at the uber cool and modern Philip Starck
hotel, Mama Shelter. As you would expect
from a Starck design, it is extremely quirky.
Batman masks as lamps, stylish artwork hanging on the wall and
installation art hanging from the ceilings.
Along with the funky interior design it is high tech too. With Apple Macs everywhere, even on the
ceiling in the bathrooms showing silent black and white movies! It was
so refreshing to stay in such cool boutique hotel without any pretentiousness;
the staff are so friendly and welcoming.
The bar and restaurant inside the hotel is
one of the best in Paris, so be aware you must book in advance to secure a
table. People travel from all around the
city to eat there. The cocktails are
divine (great bar snacks too!) and I would suggest ordering the well presented fish and chip….just amazing!
Although the whole menu is completely tempting. There is a great outdoor terrace too to enjoy on summer nights...
Villa D’Estrees, St Germain
Now if it’s location that you’re after then
this stunning boutique hotel is for you.
This chic hotel lies on a cute Parisian cobbled street, walk outside the
front door; turn to your right to see the Seine, and turn to your left to walk
in to the hussle of stylish St Germain. With decadent Parisian interiors, dark
furniture and gold gilted walls, this small hotel is a feast for the eyes.
Tourist Spots:
I normally hate
to stick to the usual tour guides and dislike heading to the obvious attractions
(a trait that I have picked up from the boyfriend, he is a stickler for ‘going
off the beaten track’ to say the least), but in Paris it is silly to miss out
on anything. Every corner you turn has a
stunning building or piece of history, and I would have been devastated to miss
out on my favourite two Parisian tourist hubs.
The Eiffle
Tower. No matter how many times I see
the Eiffel Tower it still send tingles down my spine, as it is such an iconic
landmark. It looks especially beautiful
when twinkling with thousands of fairy lights in the evening. So why not grab a bottle of Prosecco, find a
spot on the gardens and watch the light show!
Just magical.
Le Louvre, the home of Paris Fashion Week past and present, the Louvre is a spectacular
sight, just stunning. The glass pyramid
that protrudes the courtyard may have Parisians divided, but I think it’s a
wonderful contrast to the historic surroundings. Remember to pop in to Le Café Marly, that
overlooks the courtyard for brunch, it is particularly special.
The two afore
mentioned tourists spots are unmissable but Butterfly Lane has to suggest the
following touristy visits as well:
A walk down the
Seine looking at the street art whilst eating baguettes
Ice cream at Isle
de Cite
Shopping in Le
Murat
All a must!
Butterfly Lane’s favourite part of town:
This might well be a obvious choice but I just love St Germain. The cobbled streets, chic shops, Cafe Flore, need I go on? In my 'fashion buyer' days this was the area where all the fashion houses head offices were, Herve Ledger, BCBG, Paul Smith, so this area has fashion running through it. Head there for a stylish day out.
Shopping:
Pop in to Flamant for some beautiful home accessories, their products are simple, chic, and without any fuss. We love!
We love this shop! Full of amazing kitchen ware, dining sets, and decorative accessories, it screams French chic. A real must when you are in the city.
Colette
For top-notch fashion you must pop in to
Colette. The price tags are high but
it’s just lovely to walk around this stunning boutique and admire the
creations. From clothing to books,
make-up and so much more, Colette is the premier shop for fashion design in
Paris. They are always looking to push
the next best thing, it’s super hip and you can find some really unusual pieces.
Finish your busy day of shopping and sight
seeing with some amazing food and cocktails…
Restaurants
Le Chateaubriand, 129 Avenue Parmentier
This restaurant was voted in the top ten in the world in 2011, so firstly, you must book in advance. The boyfriend booked a table weeks in advance and we arrived excited to eat the famous 'deconstructed' cuisine. Unfortunately, when we arrived there was a mix-up, something to do with a Mr Davies in New York and my very own Mr Davies, our table had gone! I must say that the staff were amazing (they must have seen the disappointment slapped across our faces), so we sat in the buzzing bar next door and devoured a bottle of vin, until they could squeeze us in.
It was so worth our wait, we opted for the tasting menu, nine courses of amazing food, along with a drink to match every course. We were there a long time, and all-in-all it was fabulously decadent! The self-taught Basque chef, Inaki Aizpitarte, runs the stylish restaurant with the adventurous menu. The restaurant is all about the food, no fancy soft furnishings, wooden tables are all you're getting. Along with amazing food and great service, that's what Le Chateaubriand is all about. No pomp or ceremony on the menu! I seriously recommend this restaurant and you might just be able to do a bit of celeb spotting too!
Pershing
Hall is one of Paris’s hippest hotels, with a fashionable restaurant, full of
fashionable diners. Stood swankily in the centre of the Golden Triangle, it
makes powerful first impression. You enter through a dramatic colour-changing
tunnel leading to a luxurious lobby dominated by an amazing floor-to-ceiling
garden, which really makes this restaurant stand out. Eat simple gourmet dishes
or in the afternoon the patio becomes a place for afternoon tea, coffee and decadent
desserts. Come nightfall, the cosy bar buzzes with ubercoolness. I suggest that after dinner; stretch your
legs and wander down the street for cocktails at the Plaza, with the Eiffle
Tower twinkling in the background. What a night!
By Day
By Night
If you have any Paris travel,
food or shopping tips, let us know! We
always want to discover new things!
Bon Voyage…X
Hi! Great tips! I've been at Porto, great place to have a week-end. My hotel was Infante Sagres Hotel and I saw great ambience. And great furniture from http://www.bocadolobo.com/ you have to check it ;)
ReplyDeleteContinue the great work! and the great trips!
Thanks for the tips William. That hotel looks amazing, as does the furniture collection! I will have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteGreat info, thanks so much for sharing,
ReplyDeleteSimply Awesome! Great info, thanks so much for sharing,
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed!
ReplyDeleteParis simply awesome,
ReplyDelete