Sam went to Paris for work in October and very kindly took me with him. It was our second time in Paris in the space of a few months, so I was thrilled to be back. I knew I would be occupying myself the whole time but where better to entertain yourself than in the City of Love?!
We stayed in Montmartre, one of my favourite arrondissments, or districts. With its cobblestone streets, charming cafes, and romantic vibe, it feels like the authentic Paris you imagine. The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is located there as well as the Moulin Rouge and Le Chat Noir, one of the first Cabaret clubs in Paris.
Friday
We set off for Bristol Airport early and worked there all day before our late afternoon flight. It’s times like these that I am grateful for hybrid working! After a short flight, we settled into our hotel and wandered around the area for the evening. I’ve seen Moulin Rouge in the daylight but never the night, so it was exciting to see it all lit up. After dinner in a local bistro, we went to bed – I was really looking forward to exploring the next day!
Saturday
Sam set off early for work, so I got ready at a leisurely pace and strolled around Montmartre for the morning. I like to get my bearings when I first arrive somewhere, so I had no set plans. I had a passionfruit macaron in Pierre Hermé – as soon as I could and wandered around the art galleries and cafés.
I stopped for brunch at Hardware Societe café, which was minutes away from the magnificent Sacré-Coeur. I had prawn grebiche with a matcha latte and an espresso. Perfect!
Then, I went to the picturesque Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Cabaret Au Lapin Agile, one of the traditional cabarets in Paris since 1860. A pitstop at Sweet Rawmance and I finished the day by wandering around the Tuileries where I stumbled upon outdoor art exhibitions from Art Basel. Double Heart by Gaetano Pesce was my favourite!
Sunday
I started the day at Palais-Royal, which isn’t far from the Louvre. It’s full of gorgeous boutiques (including the exquisite Rianna & Nina), the Michelin-starred Le Grand Vefour and lush gardens. It offers peace and quiet in central Paris and is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. After a matcha latte at Café Kitsune, I wandered around GANNI and Essentiel Antwerp. Both brands are divine, and it would be a DREAM to have a few pieces in my wardrobe!
After a recommendation from the girls at GANNI, I browsed gorgeous skincare at Oh My Cream and had dinner at Salon de Thé Sébastien Gaudard. A gorgeous afternoon!
Monday
Before leaving for the airport, I called in for an espresso at Halle Saint-Pierre and did some homeware shopping at The Woods Gallery. I adore quirky interiors and they stocked some of my favourite designers including Seletti, Toilet Paper and David Shrigley so I was over the moon! The gallery was also next door to APC, so I was extra pleased!