This was my fifth visit to the city of lights and I love how familiar it now feels, yet there is always something new to discover. Five nights is not nearly enough if it is your first visit, maybe not even if its your fifth, however it is truly perfect for a girls rendezvous of shopping, exploring art, dining and finding inspiration at every turn!
Such good fun was had on this trip with my mum and thought I would share some new spots we discovered.
Day 1
When selecting where we would stay I couldn't help but be drawn back to Hotel Duc de Saint Simon.
After enjoying a few nights stay on my last visit I knew it was the perfect location for my mom and I.
The staff and interiors are charming and theres a sense of warmth as if you are staying in someone's home.
I always feel like time is wasted if you don't enjoy the first day upon arrival.
After checking in and getting settled we ventured out to find some lunch.
I was reminded of La Maison de Truffe, a wonderful spot to indulge in all things truffle, one dish more decadent then the next. We opted for an artichoke salad and smoked salmon with yuzu cream to ease our way in to what would be many days of indulging. Once we refuelled with a little café, we set out to wander Galeries Lafayette, picked up pastries from one of my favourites, Yann Couvreur (citron coconut tart- yes please!) and popped into the famous mustard boutique from Dijon I think most know and love, Maille. They have special edition Dijon's available on tap and many wonderful spreads, mustards and aioli's to try and purchase.
For dinner I booked a newer bistro I had read about, Alfred located in the 1st arr.
Really cozy and yet could be romantic, the food was classic comfort and the cocktails were perfect.
Day 2
We set out on day 2 with the intention of hitting some of my favourite boutiques and shops to share with my mom.
We started with coffee and a little pastry at Noir Cafe in the 6th.
After a good dose of people watching and listening to the entertainment of the baristi, we set out to La Grande Epicerie, a wonderful fine food store where we picked up fruit, yogurts, and some nibbles.
Also some goodies to bring home, and if you are wondering, yes, I brought home beurre!
We found ourselves at Le Bon Marche, where I swear the hours pass easily from the fragrance department, to footwear, candles and clothing. It was an amazing time to shop in Paris as there were so many wonderful deals too!
I picked up a few pieces and candles from French designers I recently discovered.
After a little quick change back at the hotel we set out to The Peninsula Paris.
We were treated to a wonderful afternoon tea experience.
Held in Le Lobby, a beautifully restored space exuding elegance, no detail was missed from the tabletop to the preparations. This was my first afternoon tea ever in Paris, and it is always so interesting to see how different each city interprets the experience. In pure French style, the pastries were the star of the show, with the savouries just as decadent.
A heartfelt thank you to The Peninsula Paris for a welcoming and exquisite afternoon.
The evening was complete with dinner at Allard, filled with good enthusiasm from the servers, amazing French traditional items like escargot, and frog legs. The boeuf au poivre and duck with olives are not to be missed!
Day 3
We started the day looking for a good source of caffeine which led us into a sweet little shop close by the hotel, only to realize after ordering that it was a gluten free cafe. I have nothing against alternative baking, however, I am in France, and I am not celiac so why would I eat a gluten free croissant?
After finishing our coffees, we grabbed a taxi and headed to Villepinte, the park exposition space that held the
Maison e Objet show. A home design show that is held every year, twice a year showing off the best of the best.
I was intrigued to see what is trending in the home space and learn more about the offerings in this industry I am eager to explore more of.
After a long day, we headed back into the city and luckily had reservations set at Ralph's.
I feel like Ralph Lauren can really do no wrong, the food at all the establishments has always been on point and the atmosphere is perfection.
Day 4
After a busy few days, we eased into the day in search of some good viennoiseries (breakfast pastries) with a side of coffee of course, my mom is the queen of caffeine in the morning.
I landed on Pierre Hermes' Cafe.
It was so lovely to be served a pastry when often you causally eat pastries like this out of the bag on the street.
Afterwards we headed to Musée Rodin, a museum I have yet to visit in Paris and my goal was to explore at least one new one on this visit. It was spectacular! I have always been a fan of Rodin's untraditional approach to sculpture, but seeing them up close in the most magnificent spaces filled with light was such a treat. The museum is a work of art itself, at one time Rodin's home that later he donated to the French state to hold his works.
The gardens too are not to be missed, I can only imagine the beauty of them in the spring and summer months, yet I did find a few rose buds still in bloom. Just magical!
Our next stop was Buly, the oh so romantic magical apothecary shop with impeccable packaging and personalization.
I had purchased for my mum in the past and I knew she would love the experience of the boutique.
We hopped into a taxi and headed to Place de Vosges. My favourite square in Paris.
It was amazing to see even in the winter the way the light hit the buildings.
We took a seat at Carette, ordered the most decadent hot cocoa with chantilly cream alongside a bowl of oeufs brouillés.
We walked off the decadence around Le Marais popping in and out of boutiques.
Dinner was booked at Le Chardenoux, one of the most beautiful bistros by Chef Cyril Lignac.
I dream about the mussels au gratin, and yes, the cheeseburger.
We ended the evening at Bar Les Ambassadeurs, located within the remodelled Hôtel de Crillon, a palace dating back to the late 18th century on Place de la Concorde. A must see !
Day 5
On our last day, we ventured out to Marché aux Puces- Saint Ouen.
This was my third visit to the market and as always it is overwhelming and beautiful all at the same time.
I love what is old, to me it is always inspiring and ultimately new.
I shared in my previous post here, some of my favourite shops to wander all of which are located in Marché Paul Bert.
We took a drive down to Montmartre, to Hotel Particulier where we warmed up with glasses of wine and a lovely lunch.
The space is très chic filled with Parisians and travellers.
For a little something sweet we popped into Patisserie Gilles Marchal, known for his madeleines, he has won many awards...so of course I had to check out if it was worth the hype!
Probably one of the best madeleines I have had in Paris as often madeleines dry out easily and are best eaten straightaway from the oven. The lemon thyme was my pick!
After spending some time in Montmartre, we headed back to the 6th to pick up some treasures to bring home, and when I say that know I mean cheese, baguettes and pastries.
I found another fromagerie, Pierre Alexandre, that was small and humble.
Pierre, the owner was filled with knowledge and gracefully vaccum sealed the packages for us.
Our last dinner was at Golden Poppy, a new restaurant that opened in an enchanting hotel La Fantaisie in the 9th arr.
A room filled with sunshine yellow walls, floral brocade banquettes and whimsical tree in the centre of the space with poppies emerging. The food was surprising and feast for the palette by Chef Dominique Crenn, who holds a 3 star Michelin at her San Fransisco restaurant. The hotel was so beautiful, a garden lovers dream really, we decided to stay for another glass of champagne after dinner in the bar because when in France!
On the morning before our flight I ventured to Cyril Lignac's Patisserie for a baguette, croissants, and our favourite kougan aman while my mum wanted to pick up some macarons at of course, Pierre Herme.
Lets just say our family was very excited for us to return with so many goodies!
Another Paris trip for the books, and I am so grateful for an amazing week away with my mom.
We enjoyed so many beautiful moments together and will always hold our travels close to my heart.
Paris, à bientôt!
xx
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