PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
Lately I’ve been dreaming of Paris. Not just in the last month or so but for the last 3 years. When travel was restricted, and during both my pregnancies, I didn’t think of beach life and tropical fruit so much as fantasized about pacing the streets of Paris. I’ve been lucky to visit a number of times over the years - the last time was 2019 with a weekend away with Nick and his mum to see Joan Baez live as a surprise for her birthday. It was gorgeous even in the rain.
Two of my besties, Naomi and Sjaniel, recently traveled (separately) to Paris and both are on the same page as me when it comes to making the most of a city trip - and for us that means interesting eats, curated shops and perusable vintage (that you probably can’t take home in your suitcase but still it’s good fun falling in love with pieces and then lamenting). Sjaniel is also a natural make up artist and Paris is home to some fantastic holistic brands so I’ve asked them both for their hot tips from their well researched itinerary plus what they found on the ground…
TO STAY
First up is the Hotel Wallace is a 4-star hotel in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. It has recently been renovated from top to toe in a retro-chic Italian style and features 45 rooms and suites, and perhaps most notably a rooftop terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a great spot for those looking for a stylish yet comfortable hotel in a central location in Paris.
If you are looking for a hideaway away from the sounds of the city, Hotel Hoy is the one to head for. A self-termed ‘lifestyle hotel’ they offer everything from mini floristry courses (thanks to an in-house floristry studio), a yoga studio and holistic therapies. Unlike traditional hotels, Hotel Hoy has thoughtfully designed their rooms with the planet and guests wellbeing in mind. An example of this is by thoughtfully replacing your traditional flat screen TV on the wall with a stretching bar attached a yoga sequence card for the morning (energetic) and for the evening (relaxing) helping to promote restful sleep.
TO EAT
Since its opening in 2016, plant-based cafe Wild and Moon has taken Paris by storm. Now with multiple locations, you can find delicious healthy food for breakfast, lunch and dinner for a hearty boost amid the delicious (and often sometimes rich) French delicacies.
For a slice of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine in the city, tucked away in the Le Marais neighbourhood is L’as Du Fallafel. While there may sometimes be a queue, it is worth the wait, for the warm and freshly made falafel wraps, shawarma and kebabs made freshly in front of you.
For those looking for more of a traditional French bistro, Les Confreres offers classic French cuisine but with a fresh and seasonal twist (and of course top French wines). Inside you can expect a lively atmosphere, flavourful plates and friendly warm service from beginning to end.
On those days when you want to rest your feet and just soak up the ambience around you, Komorebi is where we would recommend. Don’t be fooled by its small shop frontage, inside you can expect petite bites to enjoy with your coffee such as fresh lemon and yuzu tartlets, and small chocolate tarts with Kinako cream, among just some of the star options from their bakery.
No trip to Paris is complete without tasting traditional French pastries. If you are gluten-free, you don’t need to miss out thanks to Noglu, an award-winning gluten-free bakery as seen in the New York Times, Grazia and Elle. Everything is made with care and full of colour and flavour, from their summer tartlets to classic pain au chocolat.
If it’s a hot day in the city, Plaq has to be a stop on your itinerary. They offer the la creme de la creme of artisan chocolate in the city, and also happen to make vegan ice cream alongside a selection of gourmet sorbets.
Whether you are a die-hard Match fan or simply like it for a mid-afternoon pick me this cafe offers true ceremonial grade Matcha in a multitude of forms. From the classic Matcha Latte to Matcha cakes, if you are a Matcha-lover we would highly recommend you check out this spot.
La Recyclerie is a unique and innovative space in Paris that combines a café-cantine, a repair workshop, a farm, and an event space. It is located in an old railway depot in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. The café-canteen serves up delicious and locally-sourced food freshly made every day, with a focus on sustainable practices. And on weekends, in the event space, there are a variety of events on offer, from concerts to workshops to farmers markets.
Septime La Cave is a wine bar and restaurant located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris and the sister establishment of the Michelin-starred restaurant Septime. What makes this place special is the wine list, which has over 500 wines from all over the world. The focus is on natural wines, which are made with minimal intervention from the winemaker. If you like us and love biodynamic wine with a delicious selection of small plates, be sure to check this spot out.
TO DO
Absolution is a hotspot for all things natural and organic beauty in Paris. The spa offers a variety of treatments, including facials, body treatments, and massages. The treatments are all designed to be holistic and to promote overall well-being. The spa also offers a range of workshops and classes, where you can learn more about Absolution's products and philosophy. Each of their treatments can be customised better help and optimise your skin’s health.
Belleyme Galeries is a beauty and wellness concept store located in the Marais district of Paris. It was founded in 2018 by Marie Belleyme, a former investment banker, who wanted to create a space that would promote a holistic approach to beauty and well-being. From superfood powders to adaptogens to treatments, they also offer infrared sauna sessions for the ultimate calming hideaway in the city.
TO VISIT
Apart from all the usual tourist attractions (the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur etc..), we loved….
The Musée de la Vie Romantique is a museum in Paris that is dedicated to the Romantic period of art and literature. It is located in the heart of the city, in the Nouvelle Athènes district. The museum is housed in a beautiful building that was once owned by the painter Ary Scheffer.
Les Puces de Vanves is a flea market located in Vanves, a suburb of Paris, France. It is the largest flea market in Paris and one of the largest in Europe. The market is divided into two parts: Vanves Nord and Vanves Sud. Vanves Nord is open on Saturdays and Sundays, while Vanves Sud is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It’s a great place to find everything from vintage clothes, antiques, and collectibles to jewellery, to books and art.
Paul Bert Serpette is a large antique market, and a must-visit for any antique lover, with over 350 dealers selling everything from jewellery to art. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 7pm, and it is divided into two sections, one for the more traditional vintage pieces and the other for more modern and retro pieces.
TO SHOP
Emmaüs Paris is a non-profit organization that works to help people in need, where you can buy donated items at a fraction of their original retail price. The proceeds from these sales go to support Emmaüs Paris's programs, which help people get back on their feet. Inside, you can expect everything from furniture, clothing, and more.
Chez Sarah is a vintage clothing store located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. It is often considered a ‘hidden gem’ thanks to its location tucked away in a small street. While prices can vary, it is still worth browsing even just for the opportunity to admire some rare vintage gems in person.
Liao et Fille is a spot for unique handmade jewellery, with each piece designed to be simple and understated. The brand offers a wide variety of necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets, and they have something to suit every style.
Ecocentric is a great place to find high-quality, natural, and organic beauty products. The store is also committed to sustainability and offers a variety of eco-friendly products such as Tata Harper and RMS alongside other organic French beauty brands. Overall, it is a great place for a relaxing yet chic shopping experience.
Avril is another spot which offers a wide range of natural and organic cosmetics at affordable prices. While it may be more affordable than others, it’s a great spot to discover some new organic brands that are only available in France.
Boutique Marais-Savon de Marseille
No trip to Paris would be complete without a trip to Boutique Marais-Savon de Marseille. What makes Marseille soap special is that it is made without colouring, perfume or synthetic additives. In comparison to normal soap, it is known for its long-lasting lather. Inside, you can also find a variety of Marseille soaps, including traditional bars of soap, liquid soaps, and soaps for specific skin types.
Mas du Roseau offers traditional French soap using a recipe that dates back generations. Using this recipe, they now offer everything from detergent to a range for men. All of their products are high quality and do not comprise ingredients or performance.
Officine Universelle Buly 1803
With a history that dates back to 1803, Officine Universelle Buly 1803 offers high-quality beauty products for hair, face, hair and more, but is perhaps best known for its unique perfumes. To this day they have honoured the original recipes and still make their products with no alcohol and stepping into their boutique is like stepping back in time to traditional French perfumeries.