I’ve always wanted to do Paris at Christmas time so a last minute ticket booked on the Eurostar was all it took and we landed pretty much a day later. I’ve never experienced Paris in full Christmas swing before with all it’s lights sparkling it was definitely magical.
We stayed at Hotel Flanelles in the Atelier Suite which had such a cool vibe to it but cosy at the same time! With a log fire to keep us warm and a sky window that opened out to the stars it was very romantic but equally just as fun for a girls weekend!
Hotel Flanelles is situated in the most ideal location! I would start off by saying it’s right next door to one of the most iconic Parisian landmarks the Arc De Triumph. However I just want to tell you that it was so close to all the shops that you could literally step into Dior.
So on the agenda was a birthday to celebrate so we headed on a big night out – which I’d never really done before in Paris. We were recommended Matignon and Raspoutine for a wild night. We started our first night at a place called Kong.
It’s one of my favourite places to go for food and cocktails, you may even recognise it from that Sex And The City episode where Carrie meets the Russians ex-wife! Just outside is the Carrie and Big bridge so if you did want to reenact any of SATC it’s a fab place to go. If you head to the bridge on the hour you get to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle too!
On the second evening we opted for a lovely dinner and cocktail situation at Pink Mamma. I’d been recommended it by so many people and it was definitely an interesting location for dinner. It’s a speakeasy so you’re deluded into thinking you’re walking into a freezer with animal carcasses (I know this bit was a tad rough) but open a big metal door and you’re suddenly in the cosiest cocktail bar.
The cocktails are made like potions as well so… Harry Potter eat your heart out – I was sold. The restaurant itself is three floors and was full even on a Sunday evening so definitely get there early if you want a table.
One of my favourite spots is Le Café Marly where you can have a hot chocolate overlooking the louvre being very typically french. I say hot chocolate and not tea because by this point I’d given up on a good brew in France.
If you’re after that totally Instagrammable shot of the Eiffel tower you need to head to the cliche Rue de l’Universite just east of it and you will be amongst many a tourist trying to get THAT SHOT – as seen here!
However if you want a clear shot head North East of the tower – it’s a secret spot and you can get a clear view!
Keep posted for more Paris tips as I’m heading back very soon!
See what we got up to on our stay in Paris!
