GUEST POST: Bonjour Paris

As this post goes live, my mum and I will be taking off for a few days in the beautiful French capital. And here is the first of two guest posts from two of my favourite bloggers whilst I'm away. This one from an American Girl In Paris, Haleigh of Bardot in Blue:

Bon voyage Emily and bonjour Paris! What more could a girl wish for than a trip to the city of lights? In such a spectacular city, there is no shortage of things one has on their itinerary and between all the museums you feel obliged to see it's all to easy to miss out on what is truly great about Paris... exploring, eating, people watching, and of course shopping! When Emily told me about her upcoming trip to Paris and invited me to share with her and the rest of you some of my favorite spots, I was more than happy to share some pieces of my Paris! This is by no means an all inclusive guide, but rather specially tailored tips specially for the Sugar & Spice type girl from your friend in Paris, Bardot in Blue.

 - GOOD EATS, SWEETS, AND PICK ME UPS! -

Dèrriere, 69 Rue des Gravilliers 3eme

A charming and whimsical restaurant for the light at heart and serious about food. Feels a bit like John Malkovich invited you over to his house for dinner. Play ping pong between courses or head upstairs to the fumoir (smoking room) that has a secret entrance disguised by a mirrored wardrobe you’ll have to step through to travel there. You can even dine sitting in bed. Reservations recommended. 

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Relais de la Butte, 18 Rue Ravignan 18eme

Enjoy Montmartre without ending up at a tasteless tourist trap. On summer evenings I head up to this restaurant’s terrace to enjoy the sunset over Paris while having a glass of rosé. Once night falls I order dinner and enjoy my company and the accordion and cellists that pass by playing La Vie en Rose. The terrace cannot be reserved so arrive 45 minutes before sunset to ensure that you will be settled in and sipping some wine as the sun goes down. 

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Käramell, 15 Rue des Martyrs 9eme

Swedish candy store located at the foot of Montmartre. Chewy, soft, sweet, sour, whatever you desire, they have it. Fill up an assorted bag and burn some calories on an uphill walk to Le Sacre Coeur.  There you can eat your candies with some good company and a nice view. My sister turned me on to this little spot and it’s a great outing with a friend or date on a sunny day.

www.karamell.fr 

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Pierre Hermé, 72 Rue Bonaparte 6eme – 4 rue Cambon 1ere

I have to give my sister credit for enlightening me and introducing me to Pierre. While Laduree is the oldest and most famous of the macaron artisans, Pierre Hermé brings fine art to the macaron with his more exotic and brave flavors. Each of his fillings has a base of white chocolate ganache that makes them extra smooth and creamy. Buy a box at the one in the 6eme and savor them at the Jardin du Luxembourg or  pick some upin 1ere at enjoy them in the Tuileries. 

www.pierreherme.com 

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Mariage Frères, 30 Rue du Bourg Tibourg 4eme – 13 Rue des Grands Augustins 6eme – 250 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré 8eme

This comptoir de thé has been around since 1856, and you can surely taste that they know what they are doing. They don’t just have a menu of tea, they have a whole book (available for purchase) of the finest teas originating from all over the globe. Charming young french men in pristine white coats will show you to a table in the skylighted tea room or help you select the perfect blend to take home with you from the tea bar. I attempt to try a new flavor each time I go, but I often find myself returning to my favorites: Marco Polo, Rouge Provence, and Earl Grey Blu. 

www.mariagefreres.com 

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Laduree, 16 Rue Royale 1ere – 21 Rue Bonaparte 6eme – 75 Avenue des Champs Elysées 8eme

As touristy as it may be, Parisien business men and ladies who lunch still find themselves dining here after all this time. After nearly two years of living in Paris I still enjoy it and often find myself at one of their many locations. All things girly, French, and Marie Antoinette seem to attract me so this is certainly no wonder. Each location has its own charm but the original in the 6th with its Asian inspired tea room is the one I find most magical. If I am not having the Marie Antoinette tea with a rose religieuse patisserie, I have a rich hot chocolate. Don’t worry though, if you don’t have a sweet tooth you can get fresh salads and sandwiches with the usual espresso allongé. 

www.laduree.com

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- SHOP TILL YOU DROP! -

Fifi Chachnil, 231 Rue Saint-Honoré 1ere

The French are known the world over for their fine lingerie. Fifi Chachnil certainly lives up to all those expectations, and wildly exceeds them. Tucked away from peeakaboo window shoppers in a quite courtyard of this chic shopping street, stumbling into the boutique’s sea of pastels, frills and satin is every girly girl’s dream. Fifi is not to be missed. 

www.fifichachnil.com 

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Manoush

Manoush, 75 Rue Vieille du Temple 4eme – 16 Avenue Montaigne 8eme

The first time I came to Paris I established an instant love affair with Manoush.   In fact, each time I bring home something new my boyfriend automatically assumes it’s from Manoush.  Manoush  means gypsy in French, and the creator of the label lives in Morroco. She mixes the inspiration of her surroundings with her feminine French origins to come up with her adorable collections. While there are many locations in Paris, my local Marais Manoush is my favorite followed by their location on the ultra upscale Avenue Montaigne. J’adore! 

www.manoush.com 

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Joy, 38 Rue Roi de Sicile 4eme

Very pretty things. All things girly, light, beautiful and fun. Shop Sonia Rykiel, See by Chloe, Fred Perry and other preppy labels. Don’t miss their jewelry case filled with adorable ornaments from my favorite Bijoux de Sophie. 

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Suncoo, 52 Rue Roi de Sicile 4eme

Recently opened in the Marais, this tiny and adorable boutique has the cutest and most unique pieces. Half of the store is adorable little dresses, blouses, and heels by the brand while the other half is precious little items for the home. The style is a mix of Japanese cuteness and Parisian chic. If you are looking for something really special, and also affordable stop by Suncoo, you will love it! 

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Alexandra Sofja, 218 Boulevard Saint Germain 7eme

This little shop is magical. Imagine Mary Poppins inspired umbrellas and girlie accessories piled high for you to feast your eyes on. It’s exactly the time of incredible and unique boutique you imagine yourself stumbling upon when in Paris. Also a great place to pick up a very special souvenir. 

www.alexandrasofjer.com 

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Porte de Vanves Flea Market, Avenue Georges Lafenestre & Avenue Marc Sangnier 14eme

While it can seem hard to find a deal at a flea market these days in Paris, there are still affordable treasures to be found at the Porte de Vanves Flea Market. This is my favorite flea and many of my favorite treasures found throughout my apartment come from this market. Open Saturdays (mornings) and Sundays (all day). 

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- PLACES TO BE OR JUST TO SEE - 

Parc des Buttes Chaumont, 1 Place Armand Carrel 19eme

Some people might think Buttes Chaumont is a bit out of the way, but I personally think its worth the metro ride. I have shared afternoons in this park with many friends and my sister. My favorite memory there is from last spring when I and three friends packed up our art supplies and blankets. We sunbathed, played music, and worked on oil pastels all afternoon. There is a tall island in the middle of the lake with a lookout perched upon a rock where you can take in a panaromic view of Paris, with plenty of green hills surrounding for everyone to lounge. 

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Le Sacre Coeur, Butte du Montmartre 18eme

One of the best views in Paris. If you daydream like Amelie of living your life out on the cobble stones streets in this most charming area of Paris, wondering about the lives of other and people watching, you must spent at east an afternoon here. Definitely not to be missed. 

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Ile Saint Louis, 4eme

This is my favorite place in Paris. I spend Sunday along the river here, eating at the cafes, people watching, and dreaming of living on this island in the middle of my beloved city. Ile Saint Louis is truly the beating heart of Paris, just the way you pictured the city to be, everything you dreamed, and then some more. 

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XOXO Haleigh @ Bardot in Blue

NOTE: All the images in this post were taken by and remain the property of Bardot in Blue.