MY GUIDE TO PARIS - #2

You will need… to download Visit Paris By Metro. Thank me later!

My insider tip is... Sunday is a very sleepy day in France so I will warn you, most things are shut. If you are in Paris on a Sunday - Plan ahead, there are plenty of museums and galleries to see and I have a great excursion for a Sunday below.

Images via Studio Arrc, Photography by Sophie Carr & Relating websites.

1. COLONEL 14, Avenue Richerand; A French owned and made furniture brand that specialises in soft timber, patterns and fresh colours. Visit their store to see their collection and also pieces from personal favorites HAY and Muuto.

2. MA COCOTTE LES PUCES  106, Rue des Rosiers - Saint-Ouen; A restaurant designed by Philippe Starck in Saint-Ouen, the heart of Paris's antique/flea markets (Paul Bert & Serpette Antique Markets). The interior therefore is an eclectic mix of books and furniture gathered from the surrounding markets, giving it a fantastically lived in and curious feel. As mentioned Paris (all of France) is very sleepy on Sunday's, so this is the perfect outing. Stroll the markets in the morning and then head to lunch. Warning - there is a non-book policy on weekends so you may have to wait for a seat.

3. HOTEL PARADIS 41, Rue des Petites-Écuries; Is a budget friendly design hotel. Those of you who know Paris know it doesn't come cheap, so this is worth a bookmark. Nestled into a back street in an emerging neighbourhood of Paris, its location is its selling point. Designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, it features her trademark of bold prints and mid-century furniture selections. Remember I did say the word 'budget' so don't expect 5 star treatment.

4. NORDIK MARKET 13, Rue Charlot; A Vintage Scandinavian gem in Le Marais. Stocked with the most perfectly curated selection from the 50s & 60s, as well as newer, original creations that you can’t find elsewhere in France. I love the atmosphere in this store, whether you are looking to buy furniture or a gift you will find it here.

5. HOLY BELLY 19, Rue Lucien Sampaix; A good hearty breakfast and good coffee - a seriosuly great combination in Paris - I am always on the lookout for eggs and good coffee. Again owned by Aussies, you can't go wrong!

6. LIBERTÉ 39, Rue des Vinaigriers; We all know Parisians are the 'God's of the baked good', there are hundreds of famed patisseries that are a must try in Paris, however this one is Slick! A somewhat stark and open plan layout with an incredible large marble counter that allows the pastries to become the centrepiece. Just a hop-skip-&-jump form Holybelly!

7. BOB'S JUICE BAR 15, Rue Lucien Sampaix; Craving a fresh juice and a vegetarian option? This is your go to, fresh pressed juices and an escape from butter and pastry! I haven't listed this for its interior, expect the bare-bones/minimal look, but well worth a visit if you want a day to detox! 

8. FRENCHIE BAR À VINS  5/6, Rue Du Nil; Ok where do I start! If you only have time to go to one of the Frenchie's, my pick is Frenchie Bar A Vins. You can't book and you may wait more than an hour for a table but it is well worth the wait for their antipasti inspired menu - I don't lie when I say my partner was close to shedding a tear at the taste of their ragu - C'était délicieux!

9. FISH CLUB 58, Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau; A fresh and inviting interior which will make you feel like you are sitting on a beach in the South of France, not sitting in the middle of bustling Paris.

10. BEEF CLUB 58, Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau; Only a few metres down from the Fish Club its worth the trip back for the moody interior filled with ikat upholstery and glossy subway tiles. My advice book at a table for dinner at 9pm, arrive at 8pm and go to their underground bar 'The Ballroom' - seriously great cocktails with true mixology experts.

11. MONSIEUR BLEU 20, Avenue de New York; I had the pleasure of experiencing this beauty with fellow 'Aussi' design favourite Simone Haag. Designed by my personal design crush - Joeseph Dirand, we were in ore of our surroundings as we sat at a window seat with an outlook to the Eiffle Tower! A true Parisian moment and impeccable service!

12. NOSE 20, Rue Bachaumont; The place to find a fragrance all of your very own. This perfume mecca has the power to select the perfect scent for you and your home determined by their Nose perfume diagnosis.

13. FRENCH TROTTERS 128, Rue Vieille du Temple; Exactly as the name implies -“French” and “globe-trotters” - bringing together an exclusive selection of French, Scandinavian, American and  Japanese products for both you and your home.

See part #1 here