I’ve been going to Paris since I was a child, and despite braving cold winds, torrential rain, snow, slush and heatwaves to be there, Paris is always sunny in my memories. Bizarre, I hear you say. Yes, indeed, I really am afflicted by the rose-tinted-glasses syndrome, but, weather aside; there are some parts of Paris which will always, always be sunny in my eyes.
So here goes. My top five Paris love list.
1. La Durée. This is a relatively recent addition to the list, but a huge favourite. This luxury purveyor of “douceurs et gourmandises” is devilishly, delectably decadent, yet not as expensive as one would expect.
There are four La Durées in the city of Paris, yet my most enjoyable LD experience thus far occurred in the Saint Germain des Prés maison which is nestled on the corner of rue Bonaparte in the 6ème. Infinitely more spacious and comfortable than its busier counterpart on rue Royale, I was utterly mesmerised by the opulent murals of peacocks and exotic scenes as I sipped thé Eugénie whilst savouring every bite of my macaron framboise. If you’re feeling naughty, I would most definitely recommend the Ispahan, which can only be described as too-die-for good. A raspberry macaron filled with fresh whole raspberries and lychees, with rose-petal cream, and garnished with a rose petal.
2. Dinner chez Jim Haynes. For people wanting to experience an altogether more intellectual (less touristic) side of Paris, then this is the place to go. Every Sunday night since the 1970s, Jim has hosted an ‘open’ dinner party in his atelier. Anyone can attend –- all he requires is an email in advance to be ‘on the list’, and a contribution of 30 euros (more or less) for the dinner. Everywhere one turns, a deep, thoughtful and interesting conversation is occurring; friends are being made; contacts are being swapped. A wonderful way to feel the beating heart of Intelligent Paris.
3. Shakespeare and Company.
Again, a relatively recent find –- albeit a somewhat touristy addition. This has to be one of my favourite bookshops of all time. It is precisely what a bookshop should be – full to the brim of books, old and new, second hand, or never-been-read. Piles of books are stacked on floors, people are tucked away in every corner, reading, writing, observing, and even living in the bookshop (yes, really!). Someone is playing the piano while others sit and dream. A fabulous experience for my fellow bookworms, which makes Paris feel like a close-knit village.
4. Musée d’Orsay. My favourite museum in Paris. A stunning piece of architecture, bursting with Impressionists. Simply magical.
5. La Petite Epicerie de La Rue Mouffetard (N°4). This lovely little boutique on one of Paris’ oldest streets (rue Mouffetard) occupies a special place in my heart. Owned and run by my dear friend Stéphane, the shop is both aesthetically pleasing, and chocka-block with unusual products ranging from luxurious bath products and candles; to organic foodstuffs, curiously scrumptious jams, chutneys, oils, and children’s toys.
