Icing & Glitter
A Toronto-based fashion and lifestyle blog
Travel

Paris

Paris

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No matter how many times I visit Paris, I never tire of it. I didn’t expect to return there this year, but as chance would have it, I ended up going after all. While I’d previously visited Paris during spring and summer, I’d never been experienced it during fall, and was so happy I got the opportunity to, because I think it’s the best time of year to go! I enjoyed day after day of sunny, crisp fall weather, which was such a stark contrast to the dreary weather we’ve been getting in Toronto. I also found that the city was much less crowded than in the summer which also made the experience a lot more pleasant.

Where to stay: I personally love living in boutique hotels in Paris because I find they have a lot more character and charm than larger hotels. I also find that they allow one to have a more authentic experience in the city as they are often tucked away in less touristy areas. During my time in the city, I stayed in three wonderful boutique hotels, for each of which I’ve written a mini review for below.

The first was Grand Pigalle Hotel which was located in the 9th arrondissement, just steps from the Pigalle metro. Before I went to Paris, I’d spoken to a couple of friends who’d stayed at this hotel and I’d heard nothing but great things, so I was quite excited to visit. Words don’t do justice to how beautiful it is. I fell in love with the decor in my room, the beautiful tiles, and the flakey croissants they served at breakfast. My friends and I hung out at the lobby bar before dinner one night, and I truly felt like I’d entered another era, there was something so Gatsby-esque about it. The service here was top notch as well – the staff were friendly and so helpful with everything I needed.

The next hotel I stayed at was Hotel Monsieur. Out of all the places I stayed at, this had the most interesting story. The decor was inspired by Sacha Guitry, a prominent figure in the theatre scene in Paris in the early 1900s. The hotel, as you can probably tell from the name, had a masculine, yet luxe decor to it. There are 5 different kinds of rooms, all taking inspiration from the life of Sacha Guitry and the theatre scene in Paris. My room was lovely, it was warm and homey, and I loved that I had a balcony attached to it. The staff here were wonderful. They went out of their way to help me and were very knowledgeable about where to go and what to do in the city.

I spent my last night at Hotel Adele & Jules, a beautiful, Pinterest-worthy hotel also located in the 9th arrondissement. I loved this hotel right from the get-go because I was greeted by a bowl of candy as I was checking in, which truth be told, is the way to my heart. The room was absolutely stunning with a balcony that made me feel very Parisian indeed. It was also a few steps away from the Grand Boulevards metro, and was surrounded by great restaurants and cafes.

Where to eat: Ob-la-di for beautiful floors and avocado toast that gives North American ones a run for their money. Nomad’s for a quick lunch between shopping (get the tomato salad with burrata) in Saint Honore. Profiterole Cherie for profiteroles that’ll put everything else to shame (I mean it). Spring for their tasting menu – a little expensive but totally worth it. Boot Cafe for lattes. Tea at Le Lobby at The Peninsula for the best dessert – during October, it is pink themed to support Breast Cancer Awareness, also, their scones are unreal. Cafe Oberkampf for brunch – they have delicious avo toast, granola bowls, latte, and super friendly staff who I absolutely adored – basically I love the place. KB CafeShop for beautiful latte art and great coffee. Richer for dinner – I loved their fish and dessert. The Broken Arm for salmon toast, latte and people watching. Jacques Genin for dessert you’ll never forget. Cafe Kitsune for beautiful latte art and conversations with the friendly baristas.

What to do: I know I always say this, but walk everywhere, it’s the best way to see the city! I love Le Marais, it’s where you’ll find the coolest cafes, boutiques, and people. While wandering there, I’d always manage to stumble upon brands that I’d never even heard of but that had the coolest things. Make sure you check out Merci, it’s the iconic concept store with the red car out front. I also made my first trip to Colette during this trip – it is truly one of the coolest shops I’ve been to, a must-visit if you’re into fashion. For a beautiful view of the city go to Deli-Cieux at Printemps, it’s their rooftop restaurant and it truly has the most gorgeous panoramic view of the city. Thanks to my friend who lives in the city, I was also able to experience a very Parisian evening where we went from shop to shop buying cheese, bread, fruits, and everything else needed for a simple, yet delicious dinner in her beautiful apartment. Even if you don’t know someone in the city, I think it’s something you must do – I mean who doesn’t love fresh bread and cheese?

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My bedroom at Hotel Adele & Jules.

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Breakfast at Grand Pigalle Hotel.

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The view from my room at Grand Pigalle Hotel.

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My bedroom at Grand Pigalle Hotel.

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Pink themed tea at Le Lobby.

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The setting at Le Lobby.

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Another shot of tea at Le Lobby.

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51 Comments

  2. Nevena Krstic
    October 22, 2016 / 5:16 pm

    Beautiful photos! Paris looks amazing! 🙂 xx

  3. Julia (The Velvet Runway)
    October 22, 2016 / 5:25 pm

    Such beautiful photos and great recommendations.
    I love Le Marais and I agree it’s always better to walk as you see so much more!
    The pink-themed tea at the lobby looks amazing and the setting is so beautiful too!
    Thanks for sharing this
    Julia x
    http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

  4. Kasie Chelanne
    October 22, 2016 / 6:40 pm

    These photos take me back! I agree that fall is the best time to go to Paris, it just has such a different feel to it. I’m a huge fan of Cafe Oberkampf!

  6. Yiota
    October 22, 2016 / 7:02 pm

    I have never been to Paris and I want to travel there so bad! Thanks for your recommendations and love your photos, that little red car is adorable!

    Yiota
    PinkDaisyLoves

  11. Susanne - Bag at you
    October 22, 2016 / 8:23 pm

    Paris is the best and I have to admit that you captured your stay so beautiful!! Absolutely love this article! Can’t wait to go back!! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com

  12. Cielo
    October 22, 2016 / 10:10 pm

    Fantastic photos! Paris is my dream destination!

    – Cielo
    Mermaid in Heels

  13. Amy Arnold
    October 22, 2016 / 10:51 pm

    I am living vicariously through you! I’ve never been but want to go so badly. These photos are amazing!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  14. Antonia Ortega
    October 22, 2016 / 11:31 pm

    I’m dying to go to Paris! Is was of my biggest dreams.
    Loved your post.
    xx

  15. Harija
    October 23, 2016 / 12:39 am

    Great photos and love your recommendation of places to see/visit in Paris.
    Hope to meet you in person during a fashion event in Toronto 🙂
    Thanks for the support and thoughtful words on my recent post, I deeply appreciate it!!
    MyLyfeMyStory

  16. Didier
    October 23, 2016 / 5:39 am

    The photos are beyond gorgeous and Paris is such a dream city to visit!

    -Didier

  17. Raysa Garcia
    October 23, 2016 / 5:48 am

    AMAZINGGGGG photos! The food , everything looks beyond words.
    Xx, Raysa

  18. Adrika
    October 23, 2016 / 6:47 am

    beautiful photos!
    NEW BLOG ! please follow me : YOUNG BLOG

  22. Andreea Birsan
    October 23, 2016 / 1:00 pm

    Paris is so beautiful! There are so many things to do over there, and so many gorgeous places to see. Have a lovely day! x

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

  24. Monika
    October 23, 2016 / 6:22 pm

    These photos are so idyllic! Love the decor in both the hotel rooms – especially the first one!

    -M

    Violet Roots || Instagram

  27. Anouk
    October 23, 2016 / 7:09 pm

    I love the hotel you picked! This post really makes me want to go back to Paris soon.

    LUXESSED

  30. Tatjana
    October 24, 2016 / 6:52 am

    Such beautiful photography Siffat!
    You make me want to give this city a second chance.
    Have a great week my darling.
    Cheers,
    T.
    https://tbymallano.com/

  32. Kelly K
    October 24, 2016 / 12:41 pm

    Steven and I are planning a trip to Paris next fall so I loved reading this post! It will be most first time going! Looks beyond gorgeous!

    http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com

  33. Cara
    October 24, 2016 / 2:09 pm

    Oh my god these photos are UNREAL, I love Paris sososo much and you’ve just captured how magical it is perfectly! I’m definitely bookmarking this for next time I go so I can go to some of the places you recommended! x
    britishmermaid.blogspot.co.uk

  34. The Fashion Folks
    October 24, 2016 / 4:31 pm

    Such a lovely capture of Paris and how to embrace the city. So true that one never gets tired of it, and walking everywhere is the best way to experience it! Also, lovely photos that represents the city perfectly! Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

  36. Agatha
    October 24, 2016 / 5:54 pm

    Great insight about visiting Paris! Love the photos!

  37. Jessi Malay
    October 24, 2016 / 9:38 pm

    This post makes me miss Paris so much babe!! Love all these photos ..so beautiful! I also love staying in boutique hotels in Europe, they are so much more interesting and beautiful 🙂 Love Cafe Oberkampf too <3

    XO, Jessi
    http://www.mywhitet.com/6-denim-trends-you-need-this-fall/

  39. Edye
    October 25, 2016 / 2:04 am

    Now I have a serious case of wanderlust 😉 Looks like an amazing place!

    Blessings,
    Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.com

  40. Yasmin
    October 25, 2016 / 4:06 am

    I wish my friends had time for a trip to Paris! That last hotel looks amazing. Love all the blue. And these images are so Instagram worthy 🙂

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

  42. cvetybaby
    October 25, 2016 / 7:46 am

    One of my fave places in Europe! Beautiful article and photos!
    xx
    cvetybaby.com

  47. Kelsey&Kenecha
    October 26, 2016 / 1:04 am

    So beautiful! Love the photos. Thanks for the travel guide. 🙂

  48. Katrina Fernandez
    October 26, 2016 / 5:20 am

    Such a beautiful place, I dream to go there someday. Thanks for sharing this tips, I find this informative.

    xoxo, Katrina | Instagram: @katrinaisha
    Check out Banggood

  50. Neslihan
    October 28, 2016 / 10:39 am

    Paris is always a good idea! Love your photos!!
    You need to visit Rivoli, for shopping!
    Have a lovely day!

    http://www.stayclassi.com

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