While quicker to get to than a lot of places in the UK, Paris feels a world away from London. While its cliche to say, there is definitely a romance about it...at least for a visitor. One thing I noticed on this short visit more so than previous ones was how the city manages to thrive with independent stores. While London has been colonised by Prets, convenience supermarkets and other multi-chain operations, I am always surprised by how toy stores, second hand book shops, green grocers and the ubiquitous boulangeries are not forced out by the deep pocketed in the centre.
Stay
Grand Pigalle Hotel. I was surprised how reasonable the rates were at this hotel for what you get. Great Location in the 9th arrondisment. You can walk to Garde de Nord in 10-15 mins. Modern art deco design with lots of tassels, brass and burgundies. It's also close to Rue de Martyrs which is a foodie haven.
29 Rue Victor Massé
Eat
Right next to the Grand Pigalle Hotel. Great selection of natural wines and buzzy ambiance. Seems easier to get into than the New York Buvette.
28 Rue Henry Monnier
Inexplicably we were originally heading for pancakes for breakfast in Paris! I heard so many good things about Holybely but was secretly glad when we got told there was a 45 minute wait. After a recommendation we headed over to Du pain et des idees after getting take away coffees from Holybely as it was 2 minutes around the corner and had the most delicious breakfast of an assortment of French pastries in crisp spring sunshine.
34 Rue Yves Toudic
"This place was pure Parisian decadence. Velvet and burgundies."
All the staff looked like they had just come off the catwalk. It was buzzing and felt like the place to be. Great people watching, Russian oligarchs, Young families, Japanese fashion bloggers, glamorous elderly couples. It's not for everyone, expensive, a bit pretentious but if you want to be transported into a different world for an evening this is the place to be. Dress to impress.
239-241 Rue Saint Honoré
StoneyClove Bakery: An American style bakery serving cookies, and pies which I had seen a recommendation for. Great for picking up treats to fuel you through a day of pounding the pavements.
71, Rue Greneta
Go
EMPREINTES : A lovely light and airy space which showcases the work of French artisans. Lots of lovely pottery and ceramics in an expertly curated space.
5 Rue de Picardie
The Sezane Apartment: Womanswear line housed in a beautiful building. It has the whole lifestyle ethos going on with clothing alongside general merchandise in a chic setting.
1 Rue Saint-Fiacre
Nose: A perfume lovers haven right next to Hotel Bachaumont which is also a great boutique hotel in the 2nd.
20 Rue Bachaumont
L'Atelier Singulier : A pop up housing a range of French artisans from leather bags to porcelain and jewellery
Atelier Couronees: A small concept design store.
6 Rue du Château d'Eau
Other places
Holiday: One of our new brands has a picture perfect cafe in the 16th I was keen to get to but just did not have the time.
192 avenue de Versailles
Clamato: A seafood restaurant with no reservations.
80 Rue de Charonne
Des Gars dan la Cuisine : A recommended restaurant in the Marais.
72 Rue Vieille du Temple