Sunday 22 January 2012

TRAVEL // Paris, je t'aime

Paris is a love affair that will last a lifetime. I could never get bored of hopping on the Eurostar and then about 2 hours later, stepping off the train hearing that all familiar bah-bah-bah-bah sound announcing arrivals / departures at Gare du Nord. 


At silly o’clock in the morning, I boarded the Eurostar equipped with a French inspired breakfast and a very apt book


Arrived at the hotel in Paris expecting a bog standard room (which in Paris is usually tiny and like living in a broom cupboard) but was pleasantly surprised by an unexpected upgrade to an Executive room.


All excitable, I skipped down the (very pretty) corridors in search of the room.

Nothing could have prepared me for this. I was speechless.

Every last detail was beautiful.


Ever since losing my single bed at home and gaining a double, I can only sleep in doubles now – they’re just so comfy!


Bathroom was a little weird though. There was a blind so anyone in the bedroom could look in at you showering ~kinky~ … and oddly enough, the blind couldn’t be controlled by the person showering – full control went to whoever was in the room.


Thierry Mugler shower goodies!


The Executive key card also gave you exclusive access to the roof. Coming out of the lift, I could already see the Eiffel Tower


There were amazing views of Paris


Notre Dame - only a stones throw away!


Then time for a well deserved 3 course lunch. Warm goats cheese salad to start.


Followed by red wine (cheaper than soft drinks - no joke!) and one of the best beef bourguignons I’ve ever had in my entire life


With mousse au chocolat to finish


Feeling very full, it was then time to start finding some Christmas markets


One was even pumping out real ice / snow!


And you could hire shoes to go walking on it!


One stall was selling the cutest jewellery


I loved the patterns on their bracelets


Then moved on to the Champs-Elysees


Which had massive woks of food


And very pretty lights that I may have to track down and buy next year!


Back in the room, Thierry Mugler pampered me and I made full use of the freebies


The next morning, ventured on to admire Notre Dame’s architecture


Then went in search of a third Christmas market


Here, the cognac and liquors stall caught my eye. After some cheeking tastings, I bought two bottles of liquor - one biscuit and the other chocolate flavoured 


Feeling quite tipsy and in need of sobering up, had a lovely Corsican inspired hot sandwich with chicken and lots of peppers


The speciality Christmas decorations stores in Paris were amazing


I could have spent hours there


Time was running out, so I visited the Louvre


Alas, then it was time to head back to the Eurostar and check in. So that was my trip to Paris in a nutshell. I can’t wait to go back... à bientôt Paris!

30 comments:

  1. Oooooooo fab pics hun, hotel looks amazing looks like you had a wonderful time. What was the hotel called hun? for future reference good to get a recommendation.

    Mwah xoxo

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    1. I love Paris! Lovely photos, your hotel looked fab :) x

      hellosunshine26.blogspot.com

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    2. It was a Holiday Inn believe it or not! The standard rooms are quite different I imagine - I was just very lucky to get that room! I can't remember the exact name, there are so many Holiday Inns in Paris, but I'll look it up x x

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  2. Wow, looks like you had a great time, defo made me crave a trip to Paris! Your hotel looks great and I love Christmas markets, i wish they could be all year round!

    Georgie <3

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    1. Ahhhhh me too! But then if they were here all year round, they might get a bit less special... (although I don't think they ever could, hehe!) x x

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  3. Sounds like you had an amazing time, I'm so jealous! I've never been to Paris but I'd love to go one day. The views from the hotel roof are stunning and I love the decor of the room itself!

    Gillian x
    elevatormusik.blogspot.com

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    1. Ahhhhh you should go one day! Paris is not to everyone's taste, mind. I always love it, but some people think it's overrated. Every so often, Eurostar does some really good deals! x x

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  4. Wow that hotel seems perfectly placed for exploring Paris (and Mugler bath goodies definitely make up for the weird bathroom set-up!) - what was the name of it?!

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    1. It was a Holiday Inn believe it or not! I can't remember the name offhand - and there are soooo many of them scattered around - but I'll look it up! x x

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    2. Amazing - it looks really *boutique*, not at all like a typical Holiday Inn.. will have to investigate because it seems so ideally located! xx

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  5. Lovely photographs! I wish I was visiting France :)

    Stacie xo
    Curious Damsel

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  6. Ooh jealous! This looks so lovely! Wonderful blog, thank you for all of your sweet comments on mine! I really like how you write and am now following you darling.

    Mona x

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  7. I love all your photos, it definitely looks like you found an amazing place to stay! I haven't been to Paris many times, this is making me really want to go back! xxx

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  8. This post has given me a serious case of wanderlust! I am dying to go abroad, Ive never left the uk :( Its definitely about time! xxx

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  9. Love all of the photos! (Just in answer to your comment - i know you didn't ask a question - but i stuck the lace on moleskin, so it would be really easy to make!)

    Pip x

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  10. Oh my god it looks so gorgeous.
    You have no idea how jealous I am.

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  11. OMG I'm so jealous!! Looks like your having the most amazing time. All that good looks delish nom nom nom :) xx

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  12. wow what stunning photos! Looks amazing! lovely post,x

    love,x
    http://elliebeaa.blogspot.com

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  13. Love this. I'm hoping to go in Easter for a long weekend. I've never been before. Even though it's just across the channel. The hotel you stayed in looks lovely. I've always wanted to go to the Louvre. Wouldn't mind going to Disney for the day while i'm there too :P

    xx

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  14. Paris is one of my favourite places in the world, these are beautiful photos xx

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  15. Perfect photos, they make me feel so nostalgic to go back to Paris <3
    http://cupcakesandtreacle.blogspot.com/

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  16. Oh wow! Jealous ain't the word. xx

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  17. I am so jealous! I've been to Paris once and I can't wait to get back there - it's the most beautiful city! <3
    I'm following :)

    Ellen xx

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  18. I loved Paris when I went there! Everything seems so perfect in your photos.

    Shall we follow each other? I'm following you.

    WWW.FASHIONWHIT.COM

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  19. This looks amazing.

    I've been waiting to read Lunch in Paris for ages. Let me know what you thought of it!

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