Rozy's Favorite Parisian Picks

Today I am leaving you with a guest blog from one of my closest friends in Paris, Mademoiselle Rosalyn Trotter (you may have seen her here as Rozy).  Rozy is the author of the blog:  Rosalyn.  She is also an avid fashion follower, designer, and sewing machine pro.  She does customized designs and is always just whipping things up for herself and friends here in Paris-truth be known, I'm rather jealous!  She graduated with her degree in Fashion and Textile Retail Management and has done some specialized work at some of the top retailers in London.  Not only does she have an eye for design, color, and accessorizing, but she's a pretty awesome friend to have around too.  I love her take on Paris and her bubbly "always pink" approach to life, and I wanted to share that with all of you!  So pop on over to her blog and give her a visit!!

So everyone knows, when you visit Paris for the first time, there are several must see landmarks: The Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, The Louvre…

So when Maggie kindly asked me to be a guest blogger on the ‘The Sweetness of Life in Paris’ I started to think about the discoveries I have made since living in the city of lights. 

Off the beaten track if you will. 

The unobvious hot spots and the places which have given me the greatest joy over the past few months.

Allow me to introduce to you my top 10 Parisian discoveries:

Musée de Montmartre

Amongst the big famous museums of Paris, such as the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin, there are a few smaller museums which are worth a look. In Montmartre you’re spoilt for choice, but my personal favourite is Musée de Montmartre. There’s something about le Butte (as the French call it) which has a magical, mysterious atmosphere and it’s brought to life in this small museum which was once the home of artist Auguste Renoir. From tales of absinthe and the famous Lapin Agile you are swept through the world of bohemian Paris, and the art work that reflects the time. 

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12/14, rue Cortot 75018 Paris

Paris Metro party

From a post modern era of partying, to the new. So technically this is more of an expat event than a Parisian way of life, but I recently discovered an alternative to the sweaty, overpriced Parisian clubs – The Metro! These events are organised by the couch surfing group. On a given date every few months, hundred’s of 20 something expats cram themselves on to a metro train and ride the route – fancy dress, cheap drinks, portable sound systems blaring out over the crowed, even an emcee to keep up the energy. With little to no room to move you have to be in the party mindset, but if you’re ever in Paris and hear about this party night, I urge you to go, for the novelty factor if nothing else!

RA

The great thing about being in mainland Europe, is it is so easy to explore the surrounding countries by train. And what’s even better is when you discover your favourite part of these new places can be found in Paris too! On a recent trip to Antwerp I came across a concept store called RA. Showcasing Avant Garde designer collections such as Creatures of the Wind and Meadham Kirchhoff. Recently RA moved over to Paris. Darkly intense with a sense of being metaphorically underground, the collection is playful, exquisite and as far removed from Parisian Chic as you could imagine. While you may not wish to spend your holiday money here, this store is definitely worth a visit.

14 rue de la Corderie, 75003.

Miss Cupcake

As much as I adore French patisseries, there’s something familiar and homely about fresh baked cakes piled high with soft butter cream icing, don’t you think? Miss Cupcake, set on the corner of a cobbled street in Montmartre, provides this little taste of home. Fresh from the oven cupcakes in flavours of your dreams! Chocolate and peanut butter; Orange blossom; Raspberry and white chocolate; Green tea…

22 rue de la Vieuville, 75018

Des Petite Hauts
This is by far my most favourite Parisian boutique chain. There are stores dotted all over the city in the major shopping areas. The boutiques are fresh and light, showcasing girly clothing and accessories, made from the finest fabrics. They focus on cute prints and motifs, pastel colours and chiffon and cashmere a-plenty. Every trip to the store is a delight. Not to mention some desirable discounting during the seasonal Soldes.

http://www.despetitshauts.com/

Chez Marie
When I have visitors to Paris the one thing they always want advice on is ‘where is good to eat?’ I always take them straight to this gorgeous little restaurant in Montmartre, Chez Marie. A tiny venue of maybe 8 tables, serving traditional French cuisine such as French onion soup, escargot and crème brulée. And with three course set menus at 12€ 15€ and 19€ it’s a joy for the taste buds and the bank account!

27 Rue Gabrielle, 75018, Paris.

Père Lachaise
The graveyard at Père Lachaise is often included on Parisian tourist guides, as a slightly unusual way of passing an afternoon. I have to say, having ventured out on Halloween it was a very pleasant experience. On a bright, clear day the area is very pretty and strolling along the paths past the tombs and graves is ever so less morbid than it sounds. And of course there are the few familiar names laid to rest here: Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison and Édith Piaf to name but a few.

Metro Gambetta or Père Lachaise.

Jardin du Luxembourg
There are many beautiful gardens to enjoy in Paris but my most favorite has to be Luxembourg. One of the largest parks in the centre of the city, exploding with bright flower beds, fountains, sculptures, a sailing boat pond, over looked by the Eiffel Tower, it is the most beautiful place to spend a warm summers day.

RER B Luxembourg.

Champ de Mars
I know this is not an unusual Paris location, it is probably the top reason people travel to the city, but it would be wrong to miss this location off my list. The Champ de Mars grass area leading up to the foot of La Tour Eiffel is my most treasured spots and holds many a memory (most of which include wonderful Maggie too!) From lighting sparklers to celebrate British Bonfire night, seeing in 2012, to many a say and night sat with a bottle of wine, fabulous company, gazing up at the magnificent Tour. And when it twinkles after dark you just can’t help but join in with crowd’s cheers!

Metro École Militaire.

Paris, Je t’aime!