But We're The Greatest. They'll Hang Us In The Louvre.



Bonjour! So this week Joe my boyfriend started the first leg of his tour with Noel Gallagher (how exciting) in Paris and of course I thought it would make me such an unsupportive girlfriend if I didn't tag along. Now I realise that on first impressions this might sound a touch glamorous but please let me clarify an eighteen hour journey from Manchester to Paris on a bus full of boys is categorically NOT exactly the height of luxury but it's an experience all the same (big thank you to Blossom's boys for welcoming me on board). I only stayed in Paris for a fleeting two days so I feel like I didn't exactly have all the time in the world to explore. That said I thought it would be nice to give you guys a quick recap on what I got up to.
I feel like somewhere along the way I seemed to have forgotten that Paris was just a hop, skip and a jump away. I've actually not paid this beautiful city a visit (work purposes not included) since I was 21 years old and on revisiting I'm appalled I left it so long! Paris is one of my favourite cities for wondering aimlessly. It's magical, little streets never grow old and there's always something new to discover. I actually asked you guys on Instagram which shops I should pop into around Paris and my word you had so many great suggestions! I'm so gutted I didn't just stay on for longer now because I didn't have nearly enough time to go round all your recommendations BUT I've made a little list and in the words of Arnold, "I'll be back" so thank you for being to helpful! Now let's get down to business with what exactly I got up to...

Where I stayed

I absolutely love The Hoxton in Holborn and I've seen so many beautiful photographs from their Paris hotel that it kind of seemed like a no brainer to stay there plus it turned out to be just a stone's throw away from The Olympia where Joe was playing! Hooray! It didn't disappoint in aesthetics, our room was beautiful and even if you're not staying at the hotel I would certainly recommend visiting the bar or cafe area for the velvet seating alone. The Hoxton was the gift that just kept on giving- Not only was it super convenient for Joe but it turned out to be pretty much on the doorstep to most of the shops I wanted to visit and as it's right, smack bang next to the inspiring Le Marais district (actually spans over the 3rd and 4th District with The Hoxton right in the middle of 2nd) so I could pretty much walk to most of the places I fancied mooching around. It's definitely the perfect accommodation for you if you're looking for a relaxed, care free stay in a quintessential Parisian location. It definitely offers the best of both worlds; From exploring off the beaten track or must see landmarks such as The Louvre and The Jardin Des Tuileries by foot.

What I ate

We actually had one of our meals in The Hoxton's own restaurant Rivie and it was delicious! Super convenient for us of course and they made a mean Old Fashioned for Joe so that's got to give them extra brownie points right? For breakfast we went to a gorgeous little cafe called Holybelly 5 in the 10th District. If you like pancakes, eggs and the best hash brown EVER than this is the place for you. It's got a really nice independent vibe to it, the food is extremely well made and at a super reasonable price! I'd like to go back to Paris again ASAP just for their eggs. For our second evening meal I actually revisited a restaurant I've been to before called Le Castiglione which is just on the corner of Place Vendome. I first paid this place a visit last year on a press trip and have been thinking about their French Onion soup ever since! Quite literally one of my all time favourite meals and a firm favourite of mine for places I would go to time and time again. 

Where I Visited

Like I said this is bitter sweet for me because I honestly didn't get a chance to explore that many places so I really had to prioritise! First on my list was the L'appartement Sezane because I'm such a huge fan of this brand and it pains me that we don't have a permanent store in the UK yet. The store was unsurprisingly absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit to get a real life for the brand. I absolutely loved the homeware section and I think it's pretty important we mention the fact there's a photo booth! I also paid Merci a visit which is one of my favourite stores of all time. I get asked about my rings a lot on Instagram, mainly my peace sign and heart stack... Well they started life at this glorious shop and they've never been off my finger since I purchase them for my 21st birthday. Merci is located in Le Marais along with so many great stores so it's definitely worth a mooch over to this area. There's a coffee shop to the front of the building which is a bookworms dream and an absolutely awesome collection of homeware upstairs. Next door to this store is APC, Acne, Sandro and The Frankie Shop is just around the corner... For all you ladies who like French style, this area is paradise!


What I wore

Outfit 1- Baby Blue Striped Jumper- Isabel Marant Itoile, Off White Wide Leg Jean- Me + Em, White Plimsoles- Superga, Cream Crochet Wooden Handle Bag- Topshop
Outfit 2- Green Ditsy Print Midi Wrap Dress- Rouje, Denim Tie Waist Jacket- Rouje, High Top Cream Plimsoles- Alexa Chung For Superga
Outfit 3- Embroidered Puff Sleeve Blouse- Rouje, Denim Tie Waist Pinafore Dress- ASOS
Outfit 4- Navy Button Down Midi Dress- TRF at Zara, Woven Raffia Pump- Miista, Woven Round Straw Bag- Rock N Rose

I really hope you enjoyed my short, snappy post on my equally short and snappy trip to Paris. Two days just wasn't enough but there's always next time... 

Adieu!

Sophia x

No comments:

Post a Comment