My guide to Paris
I’ve been going to Paris for work trips for many years, and finally, recently, went for fun. It’s the most magical city in the world in my opinion, full of windy cobbled streets to discover, history, art, culture…and the food! Well that deserves a whole article in itself. So here are my top chic hangouts…
Walk as much as you can, it’s one of those cities where you’ll stumble upon cute cafes and little galleries at every turn. The best area to wander through is St Germain. Start with breakfast at Cafe Flore or Les
Deux Magots almost next door. This is where super famous writers and painters used to hang out, including Hemingway, Picasso and Albert Camus. If you’ve never had a croque monsieur before, try one.
Do shop in the pharmacies here, they have the BEST brands at a quarter of the price than outside of France. I love Caudelie’s Beauty Elixir and Vichy night cream.
Check out the Musee D’Orsee down there too, before hopping on a boat tour. This is my favourite way to see the city, and learn about the stunning architecture everywhere.
Stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, right by Place de la Concorde where the first lady to make high heels fashionable, Marie Antoinette, was executed. Stop in at Angelina on Rue de Rivoli, for the richest, most delicious hot choc in paris. Wind up the backstreets behind it to Rue de Cambon, go inside Chanel and peek up the mirrored staircase to her old apartment. This is where she sat watching her fashion shows, perched on the top step but looking downstairs in the mirror, too shy to go down and greet the press.
Tea (or cocktails…) at hotel Costes is so elegant, it’s a fashion week staple and one of Kate Moss’ favourite bars to hang out.
Get up super early and visit Sacre Coeur (going early means you avoid the crowds) and wander around Montmartre
Square after. It feels like being on a film set, but is cute nonetheless. Don’t miss Notre Dame too, it’s overwhelmingly stunning, and if you veer off-path and check out the backstreets, you’ll find some beautiful, ancient homes and restaurants. Speaking of food, here are my top spots for…
Lunch:
*Castiglione best cheeseburgers in the world
*Entrecote in St Germain, for the best steak frites
*La Perouse, on the river, is about as romantic as a restaurant can get. Red velvet curtains, dark wood panels and oil paintings line your own private dining room. Yes, your OWN dining room! Legend has it that kings and princes once took their whores there, and there are scratches on the mirrors where they checked to see if their diamonds were in fact real. But lunch is a LOT easier on the wallet than dinner, it’s a different menu, but just as delicious.
* Georges at the Pompidou Center
Modern and chic, Carrie Bradshaw had a meal up here in THAT episode! Located at the top of the Pompidou center, you can see just about all of Paris from up here.
Tea
*La Duree in Rue Royale, famous for its macaroon
*Le Meurice – so grand and extravagant, you’ll feel like the Queen
*Mariage Freres in the Marais, like stepping back in time, the kind of place to write a poem or muse on the beauty of life!
Cocktails
*Le Bar, Plaza Athenee. My absolute hotspot is the bar inside the Plaza Athenee Hotel. Walk through the shiny marble and gold lobby, turn down the long elegant corridor (and if it’s Christmas time, you’ll see the ice rink in the courtyard to the left) and then check out the dark, moody, modern bar. The cocktail menu is presented to you on an Ipad, go for the house signature blend, the Black Mojito, and then just people-watch for a while. The length of this room’s cosy couches and high stools is full of interesting, fashionable people having laughs or secret trysts, I love it here.
Dinner
*La Derriere, for anyone with an appreciation for modern art and eclectic, cool décor, this place is for you.
*Chez Robert et Louise, in the Marais. Log fires, stone floors and old wooden doors, this has the feel of a country pub with a really friendly staff.
*Chez Andre, a really typically French, bustling and always-busy brasserie.
*Les Ombres, sit on the terrace of Paris’ new primitive arts museum,
the Musée du Quai Branly, and soak up unbelievable views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower.
* Le Coupe Chou
Located on the left bank, this charming old 15th century house is cosy, quiet and just about my favourite place for a date. Expect traditional cuisine (I had snails!) and lovely warm candlelight all night.
