inspiration: Irresistible Paris...

Salut mes chéries!

Today I am off to Paris with Anita from 'Castles Crowns and Cottages'.. (via her link-up series 'Irresistible Paris').

Paris is one of the most enchanting cities of the world, and in my opinion it is best experienced by foot!

So mes amies (and amis), pull on your ballet flats, adorn yourself in your best French stripes, and get ready to stroll down the streets of Paris! In fact toss your map in the nearest bin and allow yourself to get lost.. Really!

This is a city of joy, spontaneity, romance & passion, and as such you must simply feel, hear, smell and taste your way around. For behind every corner awaits a surprise, a reason to smile, and fall in love..! C'est la vie en rose..!

And there are so many things & areas to love in Paris! One of my favourites is Saint-Germain-des-Pr és in the 6th arrondissement. It's charming, chic, and also home to a number of wonderful galleries, cafés, shops, and boutique hotels.

Whilst you are there, you simply must visit the legendary 'La Hune' book store on 170 Boulevard Saint-Germain. You might just bump into Karl Lagerfeldt who happens to be a regular here..!

In fact buy yourself a yummy book from their mezzanine level (art books galore!), and take Karl next door to the lovely 'Café de Flore' (172 Boulevard Saint-Germain) for lunch or coffee..! This place is very charming, and so typically Parisian.

If you don't feel like lunch you could of course head over to the world famous Pierre Hermé's macaroon boutique on 72 rue Bonaparte! Mon Dieu, you will never want to leave once you enter this place.. You have been warned..!

If one macaroon salon is not enough, you will find the wonderful Laudrée conveniently located only a few shops down, at number 21 rue Bonaparte.. Sometimes more IS more, right!?! :)

By now we all have food on our minds so I might mention two other gastronomical favourites that are also located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés..

'Brasserie Lipp' (151 Boulevard Saint-Germain) is - as their website indeed insists - not a restaurant. Mais non! Instead it is an authentic 'brasserie' (!) where an eclectic mix of arty, sophisticated, intellectual, and chic patrons come to drink, write, talk, and of course enjoy the Alsatian food. Here you can linger for a while and the energy is always so tangible. I've been a few times and I love it!

If you feel like rubbing shoulders with local gallery owners, art students, and fabulous Parisian socialites alike, you should make your way over to 'La Palette' (43 Rue de Seine). NB! ..this quirky little gem is possibly 'the place' to have a drink (or a steamy mug of 'chocolat chaud' in Winter..). You may find it hard to get a table so call early and book!

Speaking of drinks. Unless you happen to be a Cointreau drinker, is there anything more Parisian than a 'Kir Royale'!?! It's the ultimate chic thing to order pre dinner. Or pre lunch for that matter.. We're in Paris after all..! ;)

There is another little spot in Paris where I LOVE to sip a glass of wine (or Champagne..!), and that is on the steps of 'Basilique du Sacré-Cœur', in Montmartre (one of Paris' 7 hills). Go as the sun sets and watch the 'City of Lights' live up to its name.. When the Eiffel Tower lights up I always get goose bumps. It's like a fairy tale!

Montmartre is a wonderful district with so much to offer. A must when going there is to climb the famous steps.. I know, I know it's a very 'touristy' thing to do, but it's so romantic ne c'est pas?! And once you're there you can reward yourself with the amazing view over Paris, and of course also a lovely big dinner at one of the quaint restaurants & bistros. There are so many to choose from!

Of course Montmartre also saw the exclusive launch of 'Le Cointreau Privée' in 2010. Has anyone been?
This private and fiercely discrete cocktail bar operated for a sole month (September-October) and opened it's exclusive burgundy doors to a select clientele only. Each member were distinguished by a special bracelet worn around the wrist..
I am not sure if they have reopened for 2011 but if they have, do try to get yourself a membership as this place is sure to offer a unique experience!

But to be honest, my preference is to simply stroll around and enjoy the bustling life & atmosphere in this crowded but simply charming area of Paris. Though it is very touristy (!!) there are still little gems like 'Un Zèbre à Montmartre' (38, rue Lepic) that offer something a little different to the traditional soup 'onion or 'Bœuf Bourguignon'. I think even Julia Child would approve.. ;)

Chèries there are so many other places I want to take you but we've been out all day and I am feeling a little sleepy..

I don't really mind at which of the wonderful little boutique hotels we have booked our rooms, as long as they have a deep bath in which I can soak my happy tired body (and feet..!). And of course also a roof-top terrace with a fabulous view of the city & the amazing Eiffel Tower. Is there any building that evokes more feelings..?!?

Bon nuit my dears, sleep tight and wake up bright eyed & bushy tailed, because tomorrow after breakfast I am taking you to the 'Berthillon' (on the wonderful oasis of Île Saint-Louis) for what I think is possibly the best ice cream (and sorbets) in ~~Paris~~ France!