Eat, Drink and Shop Paris

From: Cass Chapman   98 days 22 hours 29 minutes ago

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EAT:

By day, the Cojean Louvre is a lunchtime destination for the local fash-pack not to be missed (Louis Vuitton's head office is a stone's throw around the corner.) A Sex and the City cameo appearance put this spot on the map a few years ago but the food is the main motivation for going. Piping hot homemade soups and fresh Thai salads, organic yoghurts and hot healthy wraps are all served to a stunning crowd below bubble gum pink and spearmint green, 18th century chandeliers and stucco ceilings. If you're looking for some seriously good, authentic Parisian dinner in a spot where the locals return time and again, the Hotel du Nord is not to be missed. French music whistles gently through this classic Parisian bistro, mixing beautifully with the aroma of perfect Coq au Vin and moules. Not a place for watching the waistline but if you want maximum atmosphere with minimum tourists, this is your place.

Cojean

Louvre: 3 Place du Louvre, 75001. +33 140 130 680. www.cojean.fr Hotel du

Nord: 102 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010. +33 140 407 878. www.hoteldunord.org

PLAY:

Opening in only a matter of days and sure to become an instant winner is the Hotel du Nord owned Chacha Club. Serving a splendid array of cocktails seven days a week until a respectable 5am, Chacha Club is a bar-restaurant-club in the Louvre Rivoli district of the city that is opening to pump fantastic tunes in a quintessentially Parisian space of low, moody lighting, large wall to wall mirrors and leather seating. An already established, old school favourite for film stars and local artists alike is Les Bain Douches. Still swinging after 30 years, it is one of the few places with a restaurant and nightclub under one roof (which isn't as common in Paris as some other European cities,) an uber cool line-up of top musical guests and a following of fabulous fashionistas.

Chacha

Club: 47 rue Berger, 75001. +33 140 131 212. www.chachaclub.fr Les Bains

Douches: 7 rue du Bourg-l'abbe, 75003. +33 148 870 180

SLEEP:

Only recently opened and already pre-booked for every Paris fashion week in years to come, Le Bellechasse Hotel is Paris' most fabulous boutique hotel. Located in an old townhouse in the 7th arondissement, it was guaranteed success when Christian Lacroix agreed to head the interior design. His second Parisian project to date, each room is crafted with care, vibrant in colour and almost theatrical in decor. Lashings of satin, velvet one-off furniture pieces and heavy, thick bedding give this a boudoir feel and, being so close to the city's best galleries, restaurants and bars, it's a perfect option for weekends away.

You'll almost be hard pushed to pull yourself out for a night.....

Le Bellechasse Hotel: 8 Rue Bellchasse, 75007. +33 145 502 231.

www.lebellechasse.com

SHOP:

Paris is home to haute couture, seamless elegance and beautiful boutiques. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the enormity of the city and scope of shops but break the place down area by area, and it'll quickly become a walk in the park. Those with a love for all things vintage should head to the Saint-Ouen flea market.

Anyone able to flash the cash can while away hours on the endless Avenue des Champs Elysees where high street hits such as Zara stand respectively alongside the old school Diors and Chanels. For a quick designer fix of young, avant garde gear, Shine is a hotspot for every self-respecting rocker, model and well-heeled Parisian. Loaded with the best from Marc by Marc Jacobs and See by Chloe, True Religion and Balenciaga to name but a few, it's stuffed from floor to ceiling with delightful designer threads. Located in a former 19th century pharmacy, the location itself must be seen to be believed. Blending funky little boutiques such as Colette with Versace and YSL is another must, the Faubourg Saint-Honore district. A gorgeuosly Parisian treat has always been buying sumptuous Diptyque candles from the original location at 34 Boulevard Saint Germain, but dedicated fans must check out the new, slick, sleek and modern store in the Le Marais district. Designed by Olivier Lempereur and full of all the classic Fressia, Basil and Rose scented delights, this is a must for stocking up on bathside candlelight.

SHINE: 15

rue de Poiton. +33 148 058 010.

DIPTYQUE: 8 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, 75003. +33 148 0449 557.

www.diptyqueparis.com