A weekend in... Paris
A weekend rendezvous in Paris never gets old. What’s nicer and easier than catching a morning Eurostar from King’s Cross and arriving in time for a leisurely breakfast and a day of wandering art exhibitions and world-famous museums, chi-chi independent shops, patisserie pit-stops and the magical streets of your favourite arrondissements?
Where to stay:
In this town, when it comes to hotels you’re spoilt for choice - if you’re on a limitless budget. For the rest of us, in recent years Paris has seen a new breed of stylish hotel come to town, offering a cool alternative to the “grands dames” classic luxury hotels that once dominated the city. A favourite is Grands Boulevards Hotel from the Experimental Group. The 50 ever-so-chic bedrooms, great rooftop terrace bar and simple restaurant deliver just the type of effortless cool, good value and convenience you want from a city hotel. www.grandsboulevardshotel.com
Where to wander:
The best way to enjoy Paris is to wander on foot with not too a prescriptive agenda in mind. Some of our favourite places to wend our way to are:
Palais de Tokyo - stripped-back, cavernous gallery space dedicated to ground-breaking and often challenging modern and contemporary art. Also worth stopping for are the cafe and restaurants which draw a cool arty crowd, and the excellent bookstore showcasing work from international publishers. There’s also a club - Yoyo - which provides a minimalist concrete backdrop to everything from vibrant contemporary music club nights to fashion shows and film screenings. Take a pic in the retro photo booth for a cute souvenir! www.palaisdetokyo.com
Centre Pompidou - 20th-century architectural marvel designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. Always worth a visit. Currently housing the brilliant Bacon: Books and Painting, an exploration into the influence of literature in Francis Bacon’s paintings - until 20th January 2020. www.centrepompidou.fr
Jardin des Tuileries - whether or not you visit the Louvre, where these gardens begin, the Jardin des Tuileries is a gorgeous spot to stroll, to sit and people-watch, and pontificate life - or where to get your next croissant. Best enjoyed early in the morning before the crowds, but it’s a beautiful spot any time of day.
Marche aux puces de Saint-Ouen - the area just north of central Paris is home to the biggest vintage flea market in Europe. Rummage through streets full of shops selling vintage clothing, mid century modern furniture, photography and art, neon signs and pinball machines plus endless stalls of bric a brac, army surplus, old records - shoppers can find everything from second-hand trinkets to serious French antiques here. Get the metro to Garibaldi and the market is a few minutes walk from the station.
Where to shop:
Our favourite place for shopping is the Marais, for both its independent shops and a great selection of French and international brands. Two favourite shops to visit:
Merci - a concept store in the Marais, Merci is the place to head for super stylish homeware, gifts, stationery, beauty, accessories and a want-it-all fashion department. There’s also a canteen and a cute cafe inside a book-lined library. www.merci-merci.com
La Blouse de Lyon - formerly an industry store selling traditional French workwear, La Blouse de Lyon has new owners who have updated the offering with the consumer in mind. However, they’ve kept the dna of the original store and the high quality of the garments on sale. You’ll find the perfect French blue painters jacket or effortlessly cool dungarees here. 21 Rue Gérando.
Where to eat & drink:
It’s almost impossible to choose favourite restaurants in Paris but the following should definitely go on your “Paris List”:
Clamato - a seafood lovers dream and the perfect spot for dinner when you want somewhere special but with a relaxed vibe. Clamato is the little sister to the also-brilliant Septime, next door. We loved sitting at the counter where you can watch the action and feast on icy platters of oysters, clams and crab. Best taramasalata we have ever tasted! www.clamato-charonne.fr - Clamato doesn’t take reservations but, if there isn’t a table when you get there, they have a lovely wine bar around the corner…
Septime La Cave - brilliant little wine bar inside what was once an old shoe repair shop. The snug walls are lined with tempting bottles - choose one or better yet, try a few wines by the glass. Serves tasty tapas-style snacks too. www.septime-lacave.fr
L’as du Fallafel - said to be the best falafel in town, this institution in the heart of what was once Paris’s most vibrant Jewish neighbourhood, is addictive. Probably the best falafel we’ve eaten EVER - they have a bit of a cult following with celebrity guests including Lenny Kravitz, Pharrell, Owen Wilson and Chris Hemsworth! 32-34 Rue des Rosiers.
Liberte - neon strip lighting and bare walls leave you to focus on what you came here for. Ridiculously delicious baked goods. Liberte sells an array of bread, cakes, biscuits and patisserie with excellent coffee and some tables by the large windows to sit and devour. www.libertepatisserieboulangerie.com
