Paris - Pourquoi Pas?

I’m endlessly enamoured with all things French and am most definitely a Francophile.

Perhaps it stems from my earliest childhood memories and vague sensibilities of grand boulevards, architecture and pastries. Whatever the reason, I always love to visit Paris. 

I've been fortunate enough to visit Paris on several occasions on different budgets and at different times of my life - single, married with children and most recently on a shopping/foodie expedition with girlfriends. Here are some of my tried and tested suggestions of places to stay and things to do.

For sleeping

It sounds basic but first work out the area (arrondisement) that suits you and your budget. You may have to compromise on location for a nicer place and bear in mind that most hotel rooms are small and expensive. Good value hotels include:

• recently renovated Hotel Jules, not far from Gare Du Nord: www.hoteljules.com
• Odeon Saint-Germain, 13 Rue Saint-Sulpice is in a great location and is very smart: www.paris-hotel-odeon.com
• Pavillon De La Reine, a 17^th century mansion converted into to 56-room luxe hotel is a little gem with character:  www.pavillon-de-la-reine.com

Alternatively, opt for an apartment like I do.  Apartments are not only affordable but allow you greater space and freedom. Only downside is that some apartments require minimum night stays but that just gives you an excuse to stay longer in Paris. The most reliable sites I've booked through are www.specialapartments.com and www.parisaddress.com.

For eating

You are completely spoilt for choice when it comes to food in Paris.  My personal favourites include:

• Josephine Chez Dumonet (117 Rue de Cherche-Midi, Paris): classic French fare served with due care in a cosy little restaurant.  My meal there was truly delicious and it’s pretty fun when the Chef comes and shares a drink with you at your table.
• Le Voltaire (27 quai Voltaire, Paris) so named because the philosopher once lived in this building, is a classic French establishment. Always busy and food consistently superbly cooked.  Great value for money.
• Chartier (7 rue du Faubourg Montmartre, Paris), dating back from 1896 this cosy place serves up traditional French fare cooked well at very modest prices. Waiters are brisk but can be charmed.  
• Le Cinq (at George V Four Seasons 31 Avenue, George V, 75008 Paris­): Two Michelin star fine dining in exquisite surroundings with exceptional service. Definite wow factor that will cost you a pretty penny.

For something different

• Take a cycling tour with Paris Charms & Secrets:  meet at Place Vendome and ride along the cobbled streets of Paris on an electric bicycle, probably not for the faint-hearted though:  www.parischarmssecrets.com. Ask for this amazing girl called Milana, she’s brilliant and multi-lingual.
• Take a half-day lesson on how to make macaroons: classes are taught in English so fear not: www.cooknwithclass.com
• Take a tour of the city’s vintage boutiques with Ooh La La Vintage:  www.oohlalavintage.com or visit the quirky named 'Thanx God I’m a VIP' vintage shop on Rue de Lancry, 75010.
• Try an underground supper club –  Lunch  in the Loft, hosted by Miss Lunch or otherwise La Petite Cuisine a Paris, hosted by Rachel Khoo.

For viewing

The obvious vantage points to enjoy views of Paris are the Eiffel Tower, the bell towers of the Notre Dame and the Sacre Coeur.  However, my personal favourites are:

• Le Déli-Cieux, a restaurant with views to die for at Le Printemps: www.printemps.com
• Montparnasse: Take a lift straight to the top, with no queues to an open-air deck with views of the Eiffel Tower and stunning Paris, priceless view for 11 Euros: www.tourmontparnasse56.com

For pampering

• Splash out for a blow-dry at Salon Madeleine Contano, it’s not just a blowdry but a truly decadent experience, expect a Lanvin satin kimono instead of those cheap black robes: www.madeleinecofano.com
• Treat yourself to a facial in the hands of experts at La Maison De Beaute Carita: www.maisondebeautecarita.fr.