I was not expecting to be in Paris for the Rugby World Cup final, but that’s what happened. The sizzle of excitement on the Eurostar was electric, and Freddie, a sweet young gentleman with lovely manners whom I was seated next to for the journey very kindly explained some of the key fundamentals. In exchange I was able to offer him some of my favourite places to visit in the city of light and love.
As many of you know, I love Paris in every season, it’s always such a treat to go. Some of the best times are when I’ve simply roamed the streets with no plans, soaking up the culture. I love Paris not only because the city buzzes due to the population density, but also because it champions creativity, which can be seen in the independent shops, bakeries, and restaurants that prevail.
From endless window shopping, pretty (and delicious) dishes at Pépite on Rue de Nemours, to delicacies from Pain de Sucre on Rue Rambuteau, granola and smoothies at Wild & The Moon, to breakfast rolls at Season, everything gratifies the senses.
Despite being a serial shopaholic, my only purchase was a set of gold-rimmed café au lait bowls from Madame Chantal at Antiquites Bonanni in Saint Ouen flea market. They are from Northern France, and Madame assured me that they are robust enough to be put around the dishwasher. I have a feeling I might regret that decision, so I’ll be rolling up my sleeves to hand wash these lovely little bowls.
My trip finished with an autumnal wander around Père Lachaise (I always visit Oscar Wilde and Bonne Maman) with Paul Verlaine’s Chanson d’automne reverberating around my head:
“I remember
The old days
And I cry;
And I go
In the ill wind
That carries me
Here, there,
Like the
Dead leaf.”
