'Paris'

No, this is not a blog about the heiress from Bel Air, it’s about one of my favourite cities. I also attend the IMCAS conferences in Paris (january) every other year.

I have been fortunate enough to have visited the place  almost every year since 1998, so I am quite familiar with the “City of Light”. Many times for Conferences, and many for friendly visits.

Like everything, I try to simplify my life, and discover my areas and really get to know them well. Fortunately I have have great friends in Paris, whom over the years have distilled a Parisian sense within me, rather than just French.

I am  1/4 French, this heritage is via my maternal grandmother who was a French Hugenot to Cape Town.

• Here are my little snippets of a very passionate, identity driven Paris, who prides itself on heritage, and authenticity.

Hotels- Plaza Athenee, Le Meurice, or Hotel D’Aubusson and Hotel de Crillon.

Restaurants- one must eat! In comparison to Australia, Paris doesn’t really do “fusion”. There is generally the whole cuisine, and no blending with others, but as always there are exceptions.

So, will it be French or non- French, noting that there is so much diversity in French food, that one will still be able to eat only French in a 10 day break, and not get bored. In general the brasserie style places will deliver excellent fare.

In no particular order- Les Ombres, Jules Verne, Tsukizi, Le Train Bleu, El Mansouria, Mama Shelter and then there’s Ze Kitchen Galerie, which is a fusion with Japanese/Thai.

Your local brassierie can easily dish up a simple elegant feast too, oh yes stay away from Maxims, and be wary of Costes and Buddha Bar.

Desserts- all French love desserts! So welcome to heaven at Laduree( long queues), Pierre Herme( long queues), Sadaharu Aoki, Lenotre, and La Parisserie des Reves.

La Bague de Kenza- Algerian cakes.

At your local supermarket, try as many different fridge desserts as possible, eg La Laitiere- Secret de Mousse.

Its all about taste and refinement, don’t worry about the calories, you will walk them off in Paris!

Shopping- its all about the boutique! Avoid Galleries Lafayette, but if you must go to a department store( une Grande Magazin) try Le Bon Marche( cafe is nice too).

So areas you should try- Le Marais, which straddles 3/4th, open sundays, and closed mondays and St.Germain des Pres.

Some notable boutiques-

Mariage Freres- amazing teas since 1864.

Cire Trudon, oldest chandler( candle maker) company continuously open since 1643, amazing candles, they have made candles for Napoleon etc.

Thierry Mugler, beautiful mens wear, great staff, thanks Jean-Paul and Sophie.

Shakespeare and Co- for books, just opposite Notre Dame.

Cameras- rue Beaumarchais (11).

Merci- a wonderful 3 level shop, set in an old warehouse, where all profits are donated to charity.

Museums- Louvre-atleast 3hours, Musee D’Orsay, Carnavalet -a history of Paris, Rodin – a lovely gardin, Picasso, L’Orangerie, Quay Branley- note the restaurant Les Ombres, Fondation Henri Cartier Bresson- for photography, Musee Victor Hugo- set along the lovely Place des Vosges.

Parks- Monceau, and  Luxembourg has nice sailing boats for children, both big and small.

Outside of Paris- Versailles. Outstanding free spaces only 20mins outside Paris, upcoming artist- Xavier Veilhan, with his amazing futuristic steel carriage and horses, from september to december.

So just as passion reigns in Paris, so too does it at FRESHface Clinic- we do things because we love doing them!

Feel free to email me on any travel questions for Paris at wayne@freshfaceclinic.com.au