The French capital is now the last host of this month’s fashion week schedule, and I’ve prepared a new guide to the best places in the city that you can go to relax, eat, and socialise  while on a break from the shows. In fact, while most of us will be busy shuttling from one runway to the next, I believe it’s important to also take a moment to experience all those things that one can only do when in the City of Light. So, be sure to leave a little space in your schedule to stroll down the city’s iconic avenues and to try the new eateries in La Ville-Lumière…

RESTAURANTS

Jeanne B            61, rue Lepic  75018 Paris

This neighbourhhood French gourmet bistro on 61 Rue Lepic is open around the clock, seven days a week. By the same owners, of the successful Jeanne A, which is situated on 42 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, Jeanne B pays more attention to its beautifully laid out dishes from flavourful artichokes and lobster cakes to marinated snails and other delicacies – which can be eaten there or to take away if your running late for a show.

Le Lili        19 Avenue Kléber   75116 Paris

In the newly opened Peninsula hotel, Le Lili is situated on the hotel’s roof and serves up some of the best Cantonease food in Paris. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a portrait of the first Chinese opera singer Lili, along with warm and stylish atmosphere and of course mouthwatering food.

 

Le Dali        228 Rue de Rivoli  75001 Paris

Michelin chef Alain Ducasse has teamed up with Christoph Santana to develop a new menu for the restaurant  Le Dali – located in the Paris hotel Le Meurice. Here you can sit and eat beautifully made French cuisine while sitting enjoying the interiors of Philippe Starck’s most recent project. 

 

Gontran Cherrier       22 rue Caulaincourt 75018 Paris

For fresh croissants, classic baguettes, unique cakes and other baked goods, Gontran Cherrier Artisan Boulangerie is the place to go as it continues to be the cherry on top of the baking world. 

Kong      1 rue du Pont neuf  75001 Paris

Set on the top floor of the flagship Kenzo store in front of the Pont Neuf, this Philippe Starck-designed bar-cum-restaurant attracts a fashionable crowd sipping cocktails on the terrace and dining in the spectacular domed restaurant. The equally fashionable door staff are intent on keeping it that way so be sure to dress the part.

PS: In one of the Parisian episodes of ‘Sex and the City’, Carrie is seen lunching at Kong…

Le Potager du Marais     24 Rue Rambuteau   75003 Paris

Arguably one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Paris, vegetarians and meat eaters alike flock here to chow down the organic fare.   The rustic dining space seats about 30 with chalkboard menus, stone walls and long communal tables. It’s not cheap, but they serve large portions of French classics – there are lots of options for vegans too – alongside an organic wine list. OMG! The friendly owner is often around to chat about his philosophy of eco-living if you’re keen to know more

Bob’s Juice Bar     15 Rue Lucien Sampaix  75010 Paris

After running around the streets of Paris, jumping from show to show, rejuvenate with a healthy protein shake from Bob’s Juice Bar, with a variety of delicious, raw energy options to keep you powering through the week. 

 

CULTURE 

Hedi Slimane: Sonic

Fondation Pierre Bergé – YSL Foundation     3 rue Léonce Reynaud  75116 Paris

Scheduled to run from September 18 through to January 11 2015, in collaboration with Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent Foundation – the current creative director Hedi Slimane will exhibit a collection of self-shot photography that celebrates his accomplishments as a photographer outside of his scope as a fashion designer.

Niki de Saint Phalle at the Grand Palais     3, avenue du Général Eisenhower  75008 Paris

At Paris’ Grand Palais, for the first time in 20 years, works from French sculptor, painter and filmmaker Niki de Saint Phalle will be on display, showcasing 200 pieces of unique art and proving why she was one of the pioneers of the feminist art movement. 

Bertrand Bonello, Résonances at the Centre Pompidou Place Georges-Pompidou  75004 Paris

At the famed Centre Pompidou, Bertrand Bonello the director of the recently debuted film Saint Laurent, has created a video installation in which the sounds and images of the past, present and future are all generated together in a rather spectacular manner. 

RELAX

Le Spa at the Hotel Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme      5 Rue de la Paix  75002 Paris

Restore your complexion with the hotel’s deep facial treatment as the spa has collaborated with Crème de la Mer – using its ‘Miracle Broth’ a revolution in cosmetic care – to balance, energise and nourish you.  The spa also includes a whirlpool bath, a steam room, a sauna, a gym fitted with the latest high-tech equipment, and four treatment booths.

 

Pilates at Le Klay         4 bis rue Saint Sauveur  75002 Paris

During Fashion Week, if you have an hour to spare, get your heart pumping with a 60-minute session of Pilates Fusion in the super stylish sports club Le Klay. 

Take also a look at my Ultimate Paris Shopping Guide here