Friday 11 March 2016

La Ville Lumière - PARIS

Anne H here, reporting on a fabulous trip to Paris, from where I have just returned, with my daughter Lizzy.  This is definitely the most beautiful city in the world and somewhere I fall in love with just a little bit more each time I visit.  

I thought I would share with you, not just a couple of outfits, but some of the places we visited to shop, eat and drink and of course, sightsee.  We were there at the same time the Paris fashion shows were on so the city was teeming with amazingly dressed women and quite a few men besides!

GREAT EATERIES AND CAFES 

Chez Fernand on 9 Rue Christine in Saint-Germain is a restaurant I have visited before and it did not disappoint on my return.  They serve what is possibly the best boeuf bourguignon I have ever tasted, in lively, unpretentious surroundings. 

Paris Restaurant Chez FernandWe enjoyed a lovely lunch at La Cidrerie du Marais on 4 Rue de Sevigne in the Marais.  They offer incredible savoury and sweet crepes and I enjoyed one of each washed down with sweet cider.... might not be the best for the waistline but worth the gain. 


Paris restaurant Cidre CreperieParis restaurant Cidre Creperie

Cafes did not go unnoticed either.  Amongst those we visited of note would be Le Cafe Marly in the courtyard of the Louvre, overlooking Pei's pyramid, where we enjoyed a cappuccino and croissant, both of which were great but the pastry was a little too dainty for my liking.Paris Cafe Le Cafe Marly


For an unbelievable hot chocolate make a stop at Jean Paul Hevin on Rue Saint Honore where the patisseries and chocolates are beyond your wildest dreams.  We chose a hot chocolate with raspbery coulis.  You are under strict instructions to not stir the drink - in fact you are not even given a spoon, so strict is the regime - so you drink the chocolate through the raspberry sauce.  Amazing!

Paris cafe Jean Paul Hevin

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

We certainly made the most of the delights of Paris shopping and made sure to visit our favourite shopping streets and areas.  These included Saint Germain to pop into COS but more importantly to take in Le Bon Marche.  This bills itself as the first ever modern department store and includes luxury fashion boutiques, accessories, furniture, an incredible shoe section and of course beauty.  But it also reflects a strong creative vibe and includes an Iris Apfel exhibition and most dramatically artist Ai Weiwei who has employed Chinese kite making skills to create mythical creatures as shown here in front of the escalators - which are rather beautiful in their own right.
Paris Shopping Le Bon Marche

It is impossible to spend time in Paris and not walk miles, but you see so much more of the city by doing so and it really does not seem like hard work. We made sure to take in some of the high-end designer stores on Rue Saint Honore, Rue du Faubourg and Ave Montaigne and they did not disappoint for making us lust over amazing shoes, handbags and clothes.
While on Rue Saint Honore we made sure to pop into Collette, a real cult concept store stocking an array of merchandise and including the Water Bar in the basement which stocks more than 90 water brands.

We also spent time in the Marais where there are some trendy boutiques and concept stores mixed with major chains, including an amazing Uniqlo. All interspersed with some of the hippest (I think that is a word) bars and restaurants in town.

We made a special stop at Shakespeare and Company on the recommendation of our hosts. This is an English-language bookstore on the banks of the Seine, overlooking Notre-Dame and is definitely worth making the effort to visit with rooms packed with books and atmosphere. And there is a lovely cafe as well - perfect for savouring a cup of coffee while enjoying your book purchase.


Paris shopping Shakespeare & Co

Paris shopping Shakespeare & Co

WALK, WALK, WALK

There really is no better way to experience Paris than on foot. Turn a corner and you are confronted by the iconic Eiffel Tower in all it's glory.  The medieval beauty of the narrow streets in the Latin Quarter and Marais delights, but walk a little further and you experience Haussmann's Paris in all its neo-classical beauty.  


Paris Eiffel Tower




Paris architecture

Paris architecture

Paris Iconic Metro sign

... AND A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUTFITS 

Yes,  as promised I will touch on a couple of my outfits.  One that I wore and one that I purchased.

First up features a coat from La Redoute  from designer Coralie Marabelle and available in the sale.  The scarf and jumper are from COS and jeans from 7 for all mankind. 


Paris fashion outfit

Paris fashion outfit


And featuring a Uniqlo purchase with a jumper from their Lemaire collection and georgette printed blouse .
Uniqlo



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