My whirlwind through Paris…I spent four magical days in Paris as part of a creative collaboration with Snap Traveller and squeezed every drop out of this wonderful city (and quite a few champagne bottles). Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing a bit of my adventures, highlighting the places I stayed, the things I have seen and the overall one of kind experience that is Paris.
My journey starts with my stay at the remarkable Le 123 Sebastopol Hotel. The design of the hotel is unique, as it is inspired by the classic cinema of yesteryear. If the design is not enough the service is top notch across the board. I immediately felt comfortable and pampered.
Each floor is a homage to leaders in film and French cinema. Notable names like Jean-Paul Belmondo, Claude Lelouch, Danièle Thompson, Jaoui and Bacri, Elsa Zylberstein and the Italian music composer Ennio Morricone are represented as part of the unique decor of the hotel. Located only 10 minutes walking distance from the Pompidou Centre, the Opera and the Marais neighborhoods, is the perfect spot if you want to be in the heart of Paris without feeling like a tourist.
SHOPPING
Being in Paris and not shopping would be a deadly sin. I managed to spend time at some of my favourite shops. I browsed through fashion boutiques, lingerie shops and perfumeries. Each of these deserve a visit when you’re in Paris. (More to come in our Paris City Guide II).
Located in the trendy Rue Montorgueil neighborhood Espace Kiliwatch offers a great selection of vintage fashion findings and new clothing for hipster lovers with a touch of French style.
Merci is one of the most avant-garde concept stores in Paris in the uber-cool Oberkampf neighborhood. The atmosphere is cozy to the point that once you are inside you never want to leave. It’s set up that way with an intimate tearoom and reading area. From iconic and established brands to local emerging designers, you definitely won’t leave Merci with empty hands.
Doll House situated in the Marais, specializes in lingerie and sex accessories. Among their sophisticated lingerie brands, you can find also Maison Close (separate post here), one of my favourite French brands.
Louise Feuillere makes made-to-measure luxurious lingerie and corsets. Despite its obvious charms, one of the real draws is to hear from its owner and namesake, Louise Feuillère. She is a vibrant and entertaining woman and I spent hours in her atelier in Rue Des Dames listening to her stories. (I will dedicate an entire post to this adventure!).
If you are looking for a unique fragrance, Serge Lutens – Les Salon Du Palais Royal is a must in Paris. Serge Lutens is one of the most prominent names in the perfume market, thanks to his opulent and whimsical unisex scents.
ENTERTAINMENT
French cuisine is amazing and its reputation is global so who would have thought I would have ended up having a stellar Japanese meal. I had dinner at Happa Tei in Rue Sainte-Anne close to the Opera. This restaurant is a Parisian pearl. If you are an Okonomiyaki or Takoyaki enthusiast you will feel like you are in Osaka. It was a great culinary experience that I would highly recommend.
Paris is not only fashion and romance but also offers prime entertainment most notably in the artform of cabaret. I spent my first night at the Moulin Rouge and it was a night I will never forget. The evening was filled with champagne, Can Can dancers and the bright plumage of feathers. I had the chance to interview Fanny Rabasse, PR manager of the Moulin Rouge (interview coming soon) and see the renowned show “Le Feerie”.
Paris by night might seem like a cliche but that is only until you experience it. Take the Paris metro to the Trocadéro station and from there you can view the majesty of the illuminated Tour Eiffel.
