January 8th, 2009
j’adore paris
Like she was dipped in the sugar plum fairy’s dust, Paris sparkled as we skipped through her streets on our pre-Christmas mini break.
Stay
Handily located only steps from the Bon Marché it doesn’t get much better than Le Placide. A true boutique hotel, this 12-room gem is small, private and chic. The rooms are unexpectedly spacious (minimal and white with splashes of Kenzo accents) and the breakfast (artisanal breads, pastries, soft cheeses, cured meats and jams) is a tasty start to the day. From €290 per night. 6 rue Saint Placide, Paris, France. www.leplacidehotel.com
Shop
From big name brands to unusual indie labels, shopping in Paris is an experience like no other. Once you’ve fawned over those Frette towels and Goyard vanities, take a stroll over to Cire Trudon for a whiff of the most exquisite candles you’ll ever burn. Established in 1643, this exclusive wax boutique provides candles to churches and castles across France. Leave a corner in your Longchamp for at least one. We’re burning the wonderful ‘Ernesto’—woody, wintery and warm. 78 Rue de Seine, Paris, France. http://ciretrudon.com
Eat
At famous Parisian brasserie Relais de l'Entrecôte there is only one decision to make: bleu, saignant, à point or bien cuit. Steak is the only thing on the menu and you can expect plenty of it. The frites are divine as is the tarragon sauce your meat swims in. Various locations, www.relaisentrecote.fr
Drink
Enjoy a warm tisane and lemon macaroons or a glass of bubbles at the Hotel Costes. It’s moodily lit and very chic—the perfect post-shopping pit stop. 239 Rue Saint Honoré, Paris. www.hotelcostes.com
For more Paris tips and photos, see Toronto's Editors' Diary.
