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3 April 2013

LOVE FROM PARIS: WHISTLE STOP GUIDE & HIDDEN GEMS

A weekend away to Paris seemed like the perfect getaway from London so almost two weeks ago, my friend, Amber & I packed our bags and jumped on the Eurostar, in desperate need of a short break from our lives back home here in London. Paris is one of my favourite cities having spent at least one week of every summer there ever since I was a little girl. It's tradition and one that will never grow old. If you've never been, go. If you already have, I don't think you need me to tell you to go again!

Merci, 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais

Merci is a gorgeously hidden boutique in the Marais area. Much like Anthropologie, it offers everything from furniture, jewellery, stationery, fashion, home décor, perfumes and even a haberdashery. Its adjoining café knows no bounds to being the perfect haven. With rows upon rows of books to delve into and a selection of light salads and delicious cakes to choose from, one could not ask for a better place to escape from all worries.
 
 
 
 
Paris Haute Couture Exhibition, Hôtel de Ville

 
Open until the 6th of July at Hôtel de Ville, the Paris Haute Couture Exhibition is a must-see. Showcasing the most beautiful and exquisite designs chosen from the Galliera museum, it pays tribute to some of the most creatively gifted artists of our time including Lanvin, Patou, Chanel, Rochas, Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Lacroix and more. Haute Couture epitome set as the crown jewel of Parisian culture and fashion, this exhibition is not to be missed!
 
 
 
 
Angelina, 226 Rue de Rivoli
 
 
 
Set just a few paces from the historic Place de la Concorde & the Louvre on Rue de Rivoli, Angelina's impressive grandeur and air of grace is hard not to be in awe of. The beauty of the tea room is met with its equally divine pastries. Their infamous signature hot chocolate, L'Africain, served on a silver tray with cream separate must be tried and tasted. Once a favourite of famous people like Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel, it has now become one of mine.
 
 
 
 

La Petite Place & Meert, 16 Rue du Parc Royal

On Rue Vieille-du-Temple and Rue des Francs-Bourgeois in the Marais, you'll find many independent boutiques housing chic and elegant apparel French sophisticates are so well-known for. Not to mention Victor Hugo's apartment, writer of Les Misérables, at Place des Vosges is only a two-minute walk away. Around the area, the streets are lined with typically charming cafés like La Petite Place and just across the road from this café, is the most delightful confectionery, Meert. Renowned for their waffles which are baked by Meert specialists in the shop and endless choices of white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, pralines, ganaches, orangettes, mendiants or griottines decorating the shop’s shelves, Meert is definitely a hidden gem!