Alain Passard's Arpège restaurant in the prestigious 7th.

Padlocks of love on the Ponts des Arts before they were removed this past summer.

Île St Louis, with Notre Dame in the background.

I can’t believe the last time I was in Paris was December 2015! My sister had just moved to London a month before and I went over from Calgary to spend the holidays with her. My friend Mark and I planned a quick side trip to Paris for two nights. This was the first time staying there in a (small) hotel. I had only ever stayed in airbnb’s, so it was fun to use Mr and Mrs Smith Website to book. Hotel Verneuil was super cute and charming, and since I have stayed there they have done a massive update. This post has been sitting in the archives for so long, and needed to get out! It’s been some time so I am feeling critical on these photos but nonetheless I hope it brings you inspiration to travel again or remind you of fond memories of when you last visited Paris! A lot of people I know do not like Paris at all, but I think that it can be a fun and special place to visit for a short time. Quick trips are the best, as is having a plan. It will help you avoid stress and keep decision making to a minimum so that you can just enjoy the city and soak in the French or should I say PARISIAN culture. Santé! 🥖🧀🍷

This was was my sixth visit to the city of lights. I have managed to come up with some favourite spots over the years, although they are mostly centred in the Saint Germain area. This is a light list as it's always such a balance between trying new places and making time to visit those that you have enjoyed in the past. If you are visiting for the first time however, my advice would be to do your research and carefully choose where you decide to eat. Usually, the classic looking restaurants around any main tourist attraction are to avoid. There are plenty of good websites out there to research some great dining. Two favourites of mine for reference are Le Fooding and The Paris Kitchen. There are also plenty of bloggers/chefs out there with tremendous suggestions on their site. Try Dorie Greenspan (love her French Cookbook), and David Lebovitz. As well as all the classic cooking mags like Epicurious, Food & Wine, Conde Nast Traveller.

Here are a few of my food and drink suggestions for the 6th Arrondisment. All of these are all pretty casual dining but very good.

Avant Comptoir 9 Carrefour de l'Odéon, 75006

Right next door to Yves Camdeborde's Le Comptoir is Avant Comptoir, a spanish style wine and tapas bar with standing room only.

Poilâne & Cuisine de Bar 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 +33 1 4548 4249

One of my favourite bakeries to go to when in Paris and great place for a tasty and light lunch. Open faced tartines are the specialty here. Was introduced to this restaurant from this blog post by David Lebovitz. When I was living in SW London over the winter and summer I was over the moon that Poilâne has a London outpost in Belgravia. Chaussons aux pommel tous les jours! 🙃

Fish La Boisonnerie 69 Rue de Seine 75006 +33 1 4354 3469

La Grande Cremerie 8 Rue Grégoire de Tours 75006 +33 1 4326 0909

Organic and natural wine bar serving cheese and charcuterie in a rustic and casual setting.

BREIZH Café Créperie 109 Rue du Vielle Temple, 75003 +33 1 4272 1377

Pierre Hermé 72 Rue de Bonaparte 75006 +33 1 4354 4777

Everyone has their opinion on best patisseries in Paris. And then best macaron. My personal fave is the mosaic macaron with flavours of pistachio, cinnamon, and cherry from Pierre Hermé. If you are not a fan of macarons, do go for the amazing patisseries selection. The canelé I tried from here on my last visit was unreal. So good! You must go here and see just how serious the French take their sweets. :)

Afternoon tea or Apero at Le George V Four Seasons 31 Avenue George V 75008 +33 1 4952 7000

You don't have to spend a fortune staying here to enjoy its incredible luxury. (Although that would be amazing, I must say…) My way of enjoying these incredibly beautiful hotels is to spring for a glass of Champagne in the lounge. Sit and linger with your drink and take it all in. Then maybe order a second! 😉🥂