Paris. It’s not a city, it’s a world.

“Paris exists to remind you that your dreams are real.” “You never forget your first trip to Paris.” “Just add three letters to Paris, and you have Paradise.” And so and so on. No other city in this world can claim to have endless quotes describing this beauty. And that’s ok. Because also for me: every single trip to the French capital is simply unforgettable. The way the Parisian dress, the way they cycle their baguette and cheese in the bicycle basket through town, the numerous delicious restaurants, bars and cafes with their unique woven chairs outside, their century old food culture and how they celebrate la belle vie, their sensitivity for design, fashion and interior.. Speaking of inspiration this city has it all.

I try to travel to Paris once a year, normally in January when the international interior design fair trade show Maison et Objet takes place. There I can meet some of my producers and suppliers all in one place. When in Paris, I love to stay in the city centre, ideally in the quarters Saint Germain or Marais, from where I can conquer all other arrondissements by foot (I love walking for hours in foreign cities). I am happy to share here a list of my favourite places and some new restaurants and cafes I discovered during my last stay and hope to inspire you herewith for your next trip.

CAFES & RESTAURANTS.

Partisan Cafe Artisanal. 36 Rue de Turbigo. 75003 Paris

Located perfectly just in-between the 2nd and 3rd arrondissement this café is the ideal power break stop for a delicious home brewed coffee and banana cake.

Cafe Foufou. 10 Rue Oberkampf. 75011 Paris

In the midst of my favorite French fashion brand shops, Mes Demoiselles Paris, Jerome Dreyfuss and Isabel Marant of course, I discovered Cafe Foufou because of its atypical coffee house chairs that caught my eye.

Fragments. 76 Rue de Tournelles. 75003 Paris

Just down the street from Cafe Foufou there is an all time classic not only known for the best coffee but also for the most delicious poached egg with avocado toast.

Septime La Cave & Clamato. 3 Rue Basfroi & 80 Rue de Charonne

First plenty of Cava (and some antipasti), then yummy yummy sea food. These two are your places to be in the 11th arrondissement.

Le Grand Bain. 14 Rue Denoyez. 75020 Paris

French cuisine at its best combined with a cozy, nonchalant atmosphere. And the champagne…

HOTEL RECOMMENDATION.

Les Bains. 7 Rue du Bourg l’Abbé. 75003 Paris

An old private bathhouse turned hotspot for the bohemians of the Belle Epoque turned famed night club turned design boutique hotel. You can literally feel the long history and energy of the storied past here. Vincent Bastie, Tristan Auer and Denis Montel put their signature behind the hotel’s today architecture and interior design including not only the rooms but also the restaurant, bar, private lounge, club and spa. Located in the heart of Le Marais, the property is hidden in Paris’ old aristocratic district, a trove of atmospheric streets and architectural splendors.

SHOPS.

Merci. 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais. 75503 Paris

Paris might have lost its iconic concept store Collette but it has won a new gem. A must go when in town collecting and offering the best of the world’s design in terms of fashion, living, stationary, cosmetics and kitchen supplies.