A Date With Paris

I've visited Paris many a times before - but never alone. With family, on a girls trip with friends, but never solely on my own. On my own terms, and to see, do visit, the Paris that I alone want to experience. So that's what this was.

That and the chance to practise the (little) French I can speak since starting to learn. And this Paris, did not disappoint!

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On Food

Now if there's one thing I love, its french cuisine. Butter, cheese, pastries! But i'm also obsessed with my green juices, and wellness shakes. So finding somewhere that manages to combine the two of these, in my books, is a dream. Enter ECHO Paris....

Think classic french (cheese), meets Californian wellness. Fantastic coffee and range of drinks, Turmeric Golden Latte's, Turmeric & Ginger Wellness Shot, and what was an incredible Maple Cinnamon Hot Chocolate. And the food was actually to-die-for!

Considering I was still digesting my breakfast from KITCHEN, I managed to still make space for their classic cheese toastie with chorizo and a side of kale cesear salad.

By far worth the trip on the Eurostar again just for this!

And for an editorial on the story behind Echo, checkout this article by The Socialite Family.

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On Beauty & Body

My next great find was just around the corner from MERCI (another reason to fall in love with this particular arrondissement - Aime. A natural beauty and skincare brand that's you can also find at Liberty London, that focuses on inner wellness for outer beauty. Unfortunately I didn't book a facial ahead for my visit (I wanted to be pretty free/flexible with my day) - but definitely will next time I visit.

Find out more about the brand here.

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On Fashion & Art

Just by chance the Christian Louboutin exhibition opened the day before my date with Paris (amid Paris Fashion week) - so of course, this was a must, and it did not disappoint! The exhibition runs till July. So do visit if you get a chance.

And if you do, you might be, as I was, pleasantly surprised by the Fountain just outside Palais de la Porte Doree which feels more LA than Paris.... but hey!

One thing that has been on my list to visit from previous trips to Paris, was the infamous concept store Merci. With Fashion, Home and a cute old book store attached, it was worth the visit. Perfect for a leisurely browse, the beautiful, very french entrance to the store and a chance to sit, drink, and people watch in the cafe.

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One Top Tip

If possible plan your day to eat outside of the busiest hours, even on a weekday (Wednesday) i was fortunate enough to have a late breakfast at KITCHEN before seeing the exhibition at 12pm, and a late lunch at ECHO Paris (2:30pm), and so avoided the busiest periods, which make a difference especially for a day trip. Not having to wait for a table, being able to enjoy the ambience rather than it being full. I didn't plan this, but will definitely be travelling this way for future city breaks.

Bisous