Romantic, historic, and less than two-and-a-half hours away from London on the train...
No, we're not talking about Bognor Regis — we're talking about Paris, duh! And, now is the time to steal a weekend away from your social calendar, for we've planned your mini city break, and it's got youshopping, sipping, and dining like a local — with not a tourist in sight, we promise.First stop St Pancras, next stop, Paris!
Eat & Drink...
As the home of haute cuisine, you can't pass through Paris without experiencing its fine dining. Agape Substance offers exactly that, with exquisite presentation, culinary mastery, and the freshest possible ingredients. Beware, at 100 Euros a pop, it's bound to give your pocket a pinch, but you're not going to forget it.
AGAPE SUBSTANCE, 66 RUE MAZARINE, 75006 PARIS; +33 1 43 29 33 83.
After setting up some of the coolest bars across Europe, the guys behind the Experimental Cocktail Club founded their own fish bar in Paris. Set over two floors, The Fish Club serves up all sorts of exotic seafood on fancy slates with interesting sides — such as popcorn and sweet potatoes.With its interesting decor, and open kitchen, it's worth stopping in for a cocktail, even if you're not the biggest fan of fish.
THE FISH CLUB, 58 RUE JEAN JACQUES, ROUSSEAU, 75001 PARIS; +33 1 40 26 68 75.
Screw the diet, 'cause the pastries at Angelina are worth the Eurostar fare alone. Lighter than air, sweeter than heaven, and far too good to have just one. May we suggest the millefeuille.
ANGELINA, 226 RUE DE RIVOLI, 75001 PARIS; +33 1 42 60 82 00.
Breakfast in America
If the scent of freshly baked croissants gets old (seriously it can happen) then hot foot it to Breakfast in America. The authentic American diner was founded by Craig Carlsen and has been serving pancakes, omelettes, and bagels since 2003. Tuck in.
BREAKFAST IN AMERICA, 17 RUE DES ECOLES, 75005 PARIS; 01 43 54 50 28.
Café de Flore
If you want to experience the Art Deco elegance of a true Parisian coffee house, then look no further than Café de Flore. This institution has been serving some of the city’s most luminous minds since 1885. An hour or two spent watching the world go by while sitting on the café’s iconic red leather seats is time well spent.
CAFÉ DE FLORE, 172 BOULEVARD SAINT-GERMAIN, 75006 PARIS; 01 45 48 55.
L’As Du Fallafel
For a quick bite between shopping sprees head to the Marais for the most delicious falafel this side of Israel. The wraps are as big as the queues are long. Well worth the wait though.
L’AS DU FALLAFEL, 34 RUE DES ROSIERS, 75004 PARIS; 01 48 87 63 60.
La Famille
If cocktail hour is your favourite time of the day, may we suggest hoofing it to La Famille? This mini-me restaurant (there’s only a dozen tables) is tucked away in Montmartre and serves cocktails that will knock your socks off. In a good way.
LA FAMILLE, 41 RUE DES TROIS FRERES, PARIS; 01 42 52 11 12.
We rather wish our flat looked like the quaint boho interiors of Chez Janou. Dozens of posters, prints, and faded mirrors line the walls and a circular bar is a whirl of activity – sending bottles of wine and cups of coffee all around the room.
The food is traditional and very tasty. What lingers in our mind is the chocolate mousse that is brought to your table in a vast bowl, which you help yourself too. Very, very moreish.
CHEZ JANOU, 2 RUE ROGER VERLOMME, 75003 PARIS; 01 42 72 28 41.
If you want to experience a truly authentic Parisian lunch, look no further than Chez Paul. This restaurant has been trading since the early part of the last century and serves up delicious examples of classic cuisine. Think: steak tartar and whole roast chicken. Plus, the restaurant is opposite the Isabel Marant store, prime position to continue your shopping spree once your appetite is sated.
CHEZ PAUL, 13 RUE DE CHARONNE, 75011 PARIS.
See...
Architecturally astounding with stained-glass windows, the Île de la Cité's Sainte-Chapelle is seriously worthy of a look in. It is considered one of the great feats of Gothic architecture, so make sure this is the one sight you see on the tourist trai l— and prepare to be underwhelmed by every other building, ever.
SAINT-CHAPELLE, 8 BOULEVARD DU PALAIS, 75001 PARIS; +33 1 53 40 60 80.
Pont des Arts Bridge
The Pont des Arts Bridge is arguably one of the prettiest things in Paris. Coined the "Love Lock" bridge, couples have, for years, been confessing their love for one another (and Paris), through the medium of a padlock. Now riddled with metal locks etched with initials, the bridge has become quite the spectacle — well they do call it the "City of Love"after all.
PONT DES ARTS, QUAI DU LOUVRE, PLACE DE L'INSTITUT, 75006 PARIS; +33 1 40 46 75 06.
You'd better pack an extra empty suitcase, for you won't be leaving Marché aux Puces empty handed. A flea market, crammed with bric-a-brac, antiques, vintage fashion, and tiny trinkets. Sure, there's plenty of tat, but there's definite treasure there, too. Don't give up.
MARCHÉ AUX PUCES, 140 RUE DES ROSIERS, 93400 SAINT-OUEN, PARIS; +33 1 43 59 87 47.
Open Air Cinema
Pack a picnic and head to the Parc de la Villette to the city’s open-air cinema. Grab a deck chair and experience watching a movie right in the heart of Paris. The programme runs till August 28 and features a variety of films and animations. Be warned that not all of them will have English subtitles.
OPEN-AIR CINEMA, PARC DE LA VILLETTE, 211 AVENUE JEAN-JAURES, 75019 PARIS; 01 40 03 75 75.
Le Cimetière des Chiens
Père Lachaise cemetery is all well and good but if you want to see something truly special, a 25-minute metro ride will take you to the world’s oldest pet cemetery. There is no Stephen King-esque creepiness to this place; rather it is a testament to the everlasting bond between a man or woman and their beloved pet. Lions, racehorses, and even celebrity canines are buried here (remember Rin Tin Tin?) Well worth a visit.
LE CIMETIÈRE DES CHIENS, 4, PONT DE CLICHY, 92600 ASNIÈRES-SUR-SEINE.
Shop...
Galeries Lafayette is the department store in Paris. Prepare to put aside a few hours to get lost between the department store's ten floors. That's right. We said TEN. Grand architecturally, but even grander with its stock, it's full to bursting with luxury labels, diamonds, and expensive eau de toilettes. A Parisian shopping spree isn't complete without it.
GALERIES LAFAYETTE, 40 BOULEVARD HAUSSMANN, 75009 PARIS; +33 1 42 82 34 56.
Up there with the world's coolest concept stores, Colette is flying the flag for France. As well as stocking the likes of A.P.C, Isabel Marant, and Olympia Le-Tan, it's also got the most cutting edge in beauty, music, comics, and more. Don't miss out. COLETTE, 213 RUE SAINT-HONORÉ, 75001 PARIS; +33 1 55 35 33 90.
Your favourite candles in your boudoir were born and bred right here. Justify giving in to your temptations at the Diptyque flagship — these are totally authentic souvenirs. DIPTYQUE PARIS, 34 BOULEVARD SAINT-GERMAIN, 75005 PARIS; +33 1 43 26 77 44.
Coiffeur Vintage
Right next to the L’As du Fallafel shop is Coiffeur Vintage, a bijoux store selling a delightful array of secondhand gems of the Americana variety. From denim cutoffs to cowboy boots, and colourful tea dresses, the shop is always fun to have a rummage in. COIFFEUR VINTAGE, 32 RUE DES ROSIERS, 75004, PARIS.
If money is no object and vintage Balenciaga your kryptonite, may we suggest a visit to Didier Ludot? The vintage store has stock that the V&A museum would be more than happy to get their hands on. So, this isn’t the place to score a deal, but it is worth seeing the incredible dresses and accessories up close and personal.
DIDIER LUDOT, 20 GALERE DE MONTPENSIER, 75001 PARIS; 01 42 96 06 56.
By Terry
Terry de Gunzburg is one of France’s leading makeup artists: For a time she was responsible for YSL’s makeup range, which included the now-legendary Touche Éclat. The store that bears her name is like walking into someone’s very fancy apartment. The makeup’s super-light formulas and flattering colour-ways are addictive. We dare you not to overhaul your beauty routine while you are there.
BY TERRY, 10 AVENUE VICTOR HUGO, 75016 PARIS; 01 55 73 00 73.
Guerlain
We’ve developed a new saying about Paris. One cannot leave the city without a new scent. Seriously, this is the city that practically invented perfume and it is almost a crime not to explore the many olfactory avenues it has to offer. Guerlain is one of the oldest and most important perfumes houses in Paris. Each time we visit, we rush straight to the brand’s flagship store to sniff our way around the numerous lotions and potions on offer. From the latest arrival to the cologne Napoleon wore, it is a treat for all the senses.
GUERLAIN, 68 CHAMPS-ELYSEES, PARIS; 01 45 62 52 57.
Sleep...
Steeped in art, this hotel, nestled in a quiet garden in the middle of the busy Montmartre, is full of kitsch and personality — in that luxury, art-house kind of way. Comprised of only a handful of suites, each one has been individually designed with a different theme, but don't worry, decadence runs throughout.
HOTEL PARTICULIER MONTMARTRE, PAVILLON D, 23 AVENUE JUNOT, 75018 PARIS; +33 1 53 41 81 40.
Oops! Hostel
Can't afford the luxury option for your living arrangements? No matter. Oops! hostel has fast become Paris' most talked about budget option, thanks to its convenient location, attentive hospitality, and contemporary artsy interiors. OOPS! HOSTEL, 50 AVENUE DES GOBELINS, 75013 PARIS; +33 1 47 07 47 00.
Hotel La Belle Juliette, located in St Germain, is an elegant abode, filled with luxury trimmings and a warm ambiance. Along with a spa and the salon de thé, it boasts a swanky restaurant, a pool, and iMacs in all the rooms. Enjoy! HOTEL LA BELLE JULIETTE, 92 RUE DU CHERCHE-MIDI, 75006 PARIS; +33 1 42 22 97 40.
SEE ALSO: The City Of Paris Is Trying To Convince Locals To Be Nicer To Tourists