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Hotels, Paris

A Great Stay at La Clef Tour Eiffel Paris

December 12, 2016 by cheriecity

Whenever I go to Paris, I dream of living like a local in a cute little Parisian apartment. Recently, my dream came true when I stayed at La Clef Tour Eiffel, a wonderful collection of luxury serviced apartments by Ascott The Residence.

Location

Located in the elegant 16th arrondissement, La Clef Tour Eiffel is in a prime position on Avenue Kléber, close to the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro, Palais de Chaillot and the Seine. It’s also quite a cultural hub, surrounded by the city’s best museums and galleries, as well as chic terrace cafes, designer boutiques and quaint boulangeries.

La Clef Tour Eiffel is one of The Ascott group’s two luxury properties in Paris – the other occupies an equally prestigious spot near the Louvre and La Clef Champs-Élysées is set to open in 2018.

Check-In

On arrival, La Clef Tour Eiffel appears grand yet understated and has a secure key card entrance. We were warmly greeted at check in and enjoyed a pot of tea in the sprawling marble lobby lounge before heading up to our Parisian apartment.

The lobby has a relaxed atmosphere with comfy seating, coffee table books and games for that homely feel. Running through the public areas is a fashion and movie theme with interesting artworks and scultpures. There is also a self-service hot drinks machine, so you can stay cosy with complimentary premium tea and coffee 24-hours a day.

The Apartment

Our Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment on the third floor was absolutely heavenly. It has a chic Parisian style with soft grey wood panelling, parquet floor, high ceilings and signature Haussmannian windows that open on to Avenue Kléber.

The living room boasts contemporary furnishings such as a large LCD TV, dining table with two chairs, writing desk, wool sofa, coffee table and a plush designer rug. The high-tech, gleaming kitchen has just what you need to prepare simple meals, decked out with a large fridge, microwave, cooking utencils, a full set of china, Nespresso machine with espresso capsules and a kettle with plenty of tea.

We were very kindly welcomed with bottles of still and sparkling water, Alain Milliat fresh juices and the most delicious Jean-Paul Hévin chocolate – exactly what my dream Parisian apartment would be stocked with.

We found the bedroom cosy and tranquil with another LCDTV, fitted wardrobes, a luxurious queen bed with high quality linen and lavender pillow mist.

Past a sliding door in the bedroom is the stunning grey mosaic-tiled bathroom with an enormous walk-in shower, double sink, a proper hairdryer, a full set of L’Occitane verbena bathroom products (complete with three mini hand creams in different scents) and bathrobe and slippers.

Exploring Paris

After settling in, we headed to the nearby Avenue Wilson food market to drool over the farm-fresh produce, gourmet delicacies and pretty flowers. Our lunch plan included the famous rotisserie chicken and potatoes, but it was so popular that it had run out by the time we arrived. However, there was no shortage of tasty dishes at this market, so instead, we shared a hearty Beef Bourguignon.

Either side of the market are my favourite institutions in Paris – the Palais de Tokyo and fashion museum the Palais Galliera. The Palais de Tokyo was packed full (it was Saturday, after all), so we had just enough time to pop in to the bookshop before heading back to La Clef for tea time.

Afternoon Tea

A perk of staying at La Clef Tour Eiffel is the amazing tea time, which is complimentary for all guests and is served from 3pm to 5pm in the lounge. We expected a simple treat but the offering was seriously Marie-Antoinette level!

We grazed on dainty mini macarons, home-made candied fruit loaf cake, mini croissants and the most exquisite petits fours including financiers, eclairs, clafoutis and madeleines. While hotel tea time is becoming a trend in Paris, this level of luxury is rare and really, it should be a dealbreaker when choosing where to stay.

After warming up over afternoon tea, we headed back out to Les Villages de Noël. This glorious Christmas market brings a touch of festive sparkle to the Champs-Élysées with wooden huts offering everything from hand-crafted products from regions of France to mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

We couldn’t resist picking up some authentic Bordelais canelés to munch on later back at our apartment – as if we hadn’t consumed enough baked goods already that day!

The grand Concorde square looked so Christmassy with the historic buildings and ferris wheel illuminated, and we rediscovered romantic Paris with a stroll along the Seine. We usually spend time searching for hidden gems in the city’s hip (and not always so pretty) neighbourhoods, but this time it was fun to remember what made us fall in love with Paris.

Dinner at Cafe Kléber

Of course, a classic day out in Paris should end with a traditional French supper of Steak Frites. We went to Cafe Kléber, a typically Parisian brasserie with a nice family atmosphere and charming old school waiters, conveniently on the corner of our street. The food was pretty good and really hit the spot when liberally doused with a yummy Béarnaise sauce.

If you don’t want to venture too far out for dinner, there are some good choices around Avenue Kléber such as Monsieur Bleu at Palais de Tokyo, flashy hotspot Le Coq and Carette for its tempting cakes. Or right on the doorstep, there’s Hexagone, Chef Mathieu Pacaud’s acclaimed and beautifully-designed gastronomic restaurant.

Breakfast

Even though La Clef is a serviced apartment concept rather than a hotel, guests can enjoy a prepared breakfast in the lounge. The breakfast buffet is generous and very high quality with the usual hot items, fresh baguette, mini pastries, candied fruit muffins, cereal, luxury farm yoghurts, French cheeses, charcuterie and a choice of tiny jams and sauces.

Our time at La Clef Tour Eiffel was truly indulgent and memorable and I’m convinced that it’s one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy a short or extended stay in Paris. From the dedicated staff to the relaxed atmosphere and stylish design, La Clef Tour Eiffel has it all!

For more information and booking, visit: www.the-ascott.com

Cherie City was a guest of La Clef Tour Eiffel

All photos by Cherie City

France, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Paris

A Luxury Stay at Shangri-La Paris

December 9, 2013 by cheriecity

Shangri-La Paris is one of the city’s most refined new luxury hotels, combining French elegance with warm Asian hospitality.

The five star hotel occupies the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, and was previously known as Palais Iéna.

Location

Nestled discreetly in the prestigious, leafy 16th arrondissement, Shangri-La Paris is on the doorstep of cultural delights such as the Trocadero, Palais de Tokyo, Galliera Museum, Musée national des arts asiatiques Guimet and the Avenue Wilson food market.

It’s also conveniently close to the Seine, Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées and the designer stores on the chic Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V.

Design

The mansion house has been thoughtfully restored with many of it original features revived and the interiors have been designed by the inimitable Pierre-Yves Rochon. The stately marble lobby is decorated with elegant chandeliers, Ming Dynasty vases, integrated monograms of Prince Roland Bonaparte and elaborate floral displays – during our stay there were large vases of vibrant sunflowers.

The lobby leads seamlessly to the grand staircase and private salons where tea and exquisite cakes and are served in refined surroundings.

If there are no private events being held, it’s worth walking up the staircase for a peek at the opulent Louis XIV style Grand Salon with its gold-leaf appliqué walls, the mahogany panelled Salle à Manger and the feminine Salon de Famille with its ceiling painted with an orb of sphinxes and plants. Close your eyes for a moment and it feels like the Château de Versailles has arrived in the heart of Paris.

The south-facing hotel features 101 rooms and suites, including the impressive Suite Shangri-La with its dazzling interiors and outdoor terrace boasting breath-taking panoramas of the city. This summer, the hotel opened a brand new botanically inspired Garden Wing with 20 rooms and suites overlooking a perfectly landscaped garden and courtyard.

The Room

My beautiful Eiffel Premier room was very spacious and elegant, designed in an ‘Empire meets luxury minimalist’ style, in a palette of blue, white and ecru. Its custom-made furnishings have luxurious textures such as silk-threaded wallpaper, soft velvet seats, crystal hardware and an elaborate patterned carpet.

For true authenticity, Pierre-Yves Rochon researched archive documents and photos of the original Palais Iéna interiors and translated the motifs and fixture for a contemporary luxury hotel.

Room features include a large LCD TV with cable and movie channels, executive writing desk complete with stationary drawer, a comfy seating area and free wifi. At the entrance to the room is a separate drawer unit with a Nespresso machine, a kettle with a selection of fine teas, a well-stocked minibar and refined china cups and saucers.

A Welcome Treat

I was welcomed with a fine bottle of Château Le Borderon Haut-Médoc 2009 and a fruit bowl, placed next to the prettiest flowers that brightened the room.

The Terrace

The highlight of staying in an Eiffel Premier Room is the expansive terrace with sun loungers and a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. What could be more magical than enjoying a glass of Champagne on the terrace while watching the evening Eiffel Tower light show?

The walk-in wardrobe is a wonderful feature, with extensive storage space, a floor-to-ceiling mirror and a vanity desk. I made use of the complimentary shoe shine service, leaving my shoes in a basket in the wardrobe and returning later to find them looking fresh and renewed.

I found the king-size bed extremely comfortable, covered in sumptuous linen with a silk-trimmed throw and blue cushions. At evening turndown, complimentary bottles of mineral water were placed by the bed with a Shangri-La bookmark and the room was prepared for sleeping.

The Bathroom

The elegant marble bathroom with heated floors features a rainfall shower, deep soaking tub, double sink, a mist-free mirror with flat-screen TV and a drawer filled with bathroom essentials. There are plenty of large, fluffy towels, face cloths and plush embroidered bathrobes and slippers.

The bathroom is stocked with a generous amount of BVLGARI White Tea bathroom amenities plus bath salts and a reed diffuser with the Shangri-La signature scent – a blend of vanilla, sandal, musk, bergamot and tea spiced with ginger.

Breakfast in La Bauhinia

In the morning, we enjoyed breakfast served in La Bauhinia, the hotel’s stunning all-day dining restaurant. To begin the day well, La Bauhinia offers a selection of substantial American, Chinese, healthy and Continental set breakfasts. As this was a real foodie trip, I ordered lightly from the à la carte each morning and loved the fluffy pancakes with maple syrup, crepes with sugar and home-made apple compote topped with fresh berries.

I was kindly offered a newspaper or magazine to read and was brought some bircher muesli and fresh green apple as an amuse-bouche. Breakfast service can often let down even the best of hotels, but at Shangri-La Paris, the efficient staff make it easy to start the day in a good mood.

Swimming Pool

Shangri-La hotels and resorts are known for their superior health and leisure facilities and Shangri-La Paris really wows with its stunning 15x6m indoor pool. Not only does the pool look heavenly with its tiny mosaic tiles, grand pillars and hand-painted blue sky ceiling, but it has a great sense of calm and the water is just the right temperature. I enjoyed a leisurely morning swim and took in some sun on the serene outdoor terrace with a pot of green tea.

CARITA Spa

I was kindly treated to a fantastic facial at the hotel’s chic CARITA spa, which left my skin glowing and deeply hydrated. There is also an excellent fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment.

Shangri-La Paris features three fabulous restaurants, an indoor and outdoor bar and intimate lounges. La Bauhinia, with its glass cupola and Murano glass chandelier, serves afternoon tea, light bites and a dinner menu of French and Asian specialities.

Shang Palace

The one Michelin star Shang Palace brings the art of Cantonese fine dining to Paris, serving authentic Chinese dishes and excellent set lunch menus with traditional dim sum, barbecued meats and comforting soups.

L’Abeille

The hotel’s gastronomic, two Michelin star restaurant L’Abeille (paying homage to Napoleon’s bee emblem) is one of the city’s hottest fine dining restaurants and during our dinner there, it was a full house. Executive Chef Philippe Labbé creates exciting, innovative dishes using the freshest ingredients and the restaurant’s doors open to the garden in the warmer months.

Bollinger Champagne Bar

Before dining at L’Abeille, we had a Champagne apéritif at the pop up Bollinger Champagne Bar on the first floor outdoor terrace. Le Bar is a cosier spot with expertly-mixed cocktails served in an Empire style room with oil paintings of horses adorning the walls.

Service at Shangri-La Paris is at the typically high level that you can expect from the renowned hotel group and I found the staff friendly, meticulous and polite. Head Concierge Tony Le Goff arranged for us to visit the beautiful Château Vaux le Vicomte and suggested we take a private tour of the Seine on a Venetian water taxi and lunch at the nearby Chalet des Iles.

Shangri-La Paris is an exquisite hotel that brings back to life the opulence of a 19th century palace, balanced with understated contemporary French and Asian design. With a heavenly pool, indulgent food and magnificent views on the doorstep, it’s easy to get lost in the charming world of Shangri-La while the city awaits.

A double room at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris starts from 750 Euros per room per night (room only). Price includes tax and service. To book, visit: www.shangri-la.com or call 0800 028 3337.

Chérie City was invited by Shangri-La Paris

Photos by Chérie City and Shangri-La Paris

Antwerp, Art, Designers, Exhibitions, Fashion, London, Paris

A Season Of Fabulous Fashion Exhibitions

October 4, 2012 by cheriecity

Summer in London was all about the Olympic Games and the Royal Family, but for autumn 2012, the focus is firmly back on fashion. What better way to ease into the colder months than in a cosy museum in the company of haute couture and beautiful photography?

See the very best fashion exhibitions in Europe this autumn…

Tim Walker: Story Teller, supported by Mulberry, explores the great fashion photographer’s mesmerising, often whimsical images created for the world’s top fashion magazines. Alongside instantly recognisable and rarely seen photographs, the exhibition reveals the mechanics behind the magical images with props and installations, including a giant doll and Spitfire plane.
– Somerset House, London – 18 October 2012 – 27 January 2013

Chloé Attitudes celebrates the 60 years of the maison founded by Gaby Aghion, with its first dedicated exhibition. On display will be key looks from each of Chloé’s nine designers, exploring the brand’s aesthetic and iconic signatures. It will be difficult not to feel a hint of nostalgia when seeing memorable designs by Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and Martine Sitbon, alongside early creators and current designer Clare Waight Keller. Also featured are never-seen-before drawings and images of the Chloé woman by Guy Bourdin, Helmut Newton, Jeanloup Sieff and David Bailey.
– Palais de Tokyo, Paris – until 18th November

Madame Grès – Sculptural Fashion pays tribute to the elements of sculpture in Madame Grès’ designs, from her exquisite draping and Hellenic-inspired evening gowns to chic beachwear. The exhibition has been developed in collaboration with Belgian artist Renato Nicolodi and his works also feature. If you missed the Madame Grès retrospective at the Musée Galliera, Paris, this is a great opportunity to see the garments interpreted in a new way.
– Momu, Antwerp – until 10th February 2013

Valentino: Master of Couture celebrates Valentino Garavani’s nearly half-century in fashion and the artistry behind his brand. The dedicated three-part exhibition begins by focusing on Valentino’s personal life with photos from his archive, leading into a major survey of his haute couture, featuring an impressive 130 pieces. Finally, visitors are given a rare insight into the craft of couture, showcasing the intricate work of ‘les petits mains’, whose exquisite hand-sewing, beadwork and embroidery made Valentino a cut above the rest.

– Somerset House, London – 29 November 2012 – 3 March 2013

The Little Black Jacket is the travelling photographic exhibition to accompany Karl Lagerfeld’s book, ‘The Little Black Jacket; CHANEL’s classic revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld’. The exhibition features 113 photographs showing the iconic Chanel jacket worn in a number of ways by such as Sofia Coppola, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kanye West, Waris Ahluwalia and Kirsten Dunst. See the exhibition before it moves on to Moscow, Sydney, Paris and finishes in Berlin.
– Saatchi Gallery, London – 12 October – 4 November

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Paris

A Great Stay at Pavillon des Lettres Paris

December 31, 2010 by cheriecity

On every trip to Paris, I always seem to gravitate to colette on the rue Saint-Honoré, the gourmet food emporiums of the Madeleine and the Palais de Tokyo, so where better to stay than the ultra chic 8th arrondissement.

The Pavillon des Lettres has been open for just over a month, so I was excited to be one of the first bloggers to ruffle up the pillows and make myself at home.

The Hotel

A stylish boutique hotel, the Pavillon des Lettres pays homage to literary greats and its historic location on a quiet street just steps away from the Élysée Palace makes it perfect for getting caught up in the romantic, epic tales of the past.

The Pavillon des Lettres is the sister hotel of the established and highly regarded Pavillon de la Reine in the Place des Vosges.

Designed in sumptuous colours and textures by Didier Benderli, the 26 guest rooms are dedicated to a different iconic writer, from A-Z. We stayed in La Fontaine, dedicated to the great poet of the 17th century – an edition of his collection of work, The Fables, was left on the desk for bedtime reading.

The Room

Our superior room was decorated in earthy, clay shades with luxurious touches – a croc effect silk throw and metallic headboard, fine patterned carpet and a soft velvet chair. The room is personalised with quotes from The Fables stencilled onto the painted canvas wall – a lovely touch.

The bed was heavenly and plush with luxurious linen, plump pillows and a hi-tech alarm clock, just in case you sleep a bit too soundly.

The hotel also offers a guests an iPad to use as a directory or for checking up on emails and Paris happenings (there is also complimentary wifi). It really improves the city experience when you can search for an exhibition or restaurant online and ask the Pavillon Concierge to help arrange a reservation.

The superior rooms are petite, like most in Paris, but the designer makes good use of the space and it feels cosy rather than restrictive. The only tiny improvement would be an electric socket close to a mirror, as styling my hair proved difficult (the bathroom only has a shaver plug).

The Bathroom

The bathroom door at the Pavillon des Lettres adheres to the new design trend of a glass door, making it almost part of the bedroom. Although this may not be to everyone’s taste, it adds a seductive edge to the bookish theme of the hotel.

Of course, there is a light curtain to draw across the door when occupied and the engraved inscription on the door continues the literary design. The toiletries were plentiful, generously sized and by Plantation London.

Breakfast

After a perfect, sound sleep we tore ourselves away from the cloud-like bed and got ready for a long, lazy and indulgent breakfast in the salon.

The buffet breakfast is small but perfectly formed and of exceptional quality. There is a selection of everything you might like for breakfast – scrambled eggs and streaky bacon, mini patisserie and baguette, cold meats, a cheese board, cereal, dried fruit, yoghurt and juices.

The breakfast staff were friendly and attentive and brought us a large silver jug of perfectly roasted coffee served with hot milk. Another treat to wake us up was the delicious, naturally sweet freshly squeezed orange juice – what better way to start the day!

The Pavillon des Lettres makes the most wonderful buttery and rich scrambled eggs with crispy bacon – the best I’ve ever had in Paris!

They have also paid close attention to detail with pleasing touches such as a cute little pot of Beurre d’Isigny and an exquisite box of Alain Milliat jam, marmalade and honey.

I also couldn’t help marvelling over the designer coffee pot and milk jug and the most lovely matte striped china – very chic.

The Salon

The salon is the heart of the hotel’s literary spirit and is perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring the city or for a pre-dinner apéritif.

Adding to the homely atmosphere is the honesty bar, where you can pour a drink and record it on a tab – an honourable, welcoming touch.

The open fire is so inviting that we almost considered ‘accidentally’ missing our Eurostar train home to sit curled up on the enveloping velvet seats with a book for just another day.

There is no shortage of reading material in the salon, as the Pavillon keep the tables stocked up with French and international newspapers, Madame Figaro and T- the New York Times Style Magazine.

There is no restaurant at the Pavillon des Lettres as such, but you can order room service if you’re intent on not leaving the warmth of the hotel.

The Pavillon des Lettres is an ideal city bolt-hole for couples looking for a privacy in a luxurious setting or solo business travellers who value a relaxed and homely hotel with character.

For a hotel in its early stage of opening, the Pavillon des Lettres already feels like an long-established residence and a part of the neighbourhood.

Its understated, warm atmosphere and refined central location make it a perfect choice for a very special, memorable stay in Paris.

Pavillon des Lettres, 12 rue des Saussaies, 75008 Paris.

Photos by Cherie City

* Cherie City was a guest of the Pavillon des Lettres.

Art, Cafes, Exhibitions, Paris, Restaurants

Chasing Napoleon at Palais de Tokyo

December 13, 2009 by cheriecity

The Palais de Tokyo has always been missed off my Paris itinerary, so this time we got there straight after breakfast to check out the new exhibition, Chasing Napoleon.

The museum is housed in the original Palais de Tokyo, built in 1937, and opened in 2002 as a vast, concrete and marble space dedicated to French and international contemporary art.

It is more of a cultural centre than just a gallery, as Parisians and visitors are equally drawn to the restaurant, cafe, bookshop, boutique and the roof installation restaurant, Nomiya.

palais-de-tokyo-eiffel-tower

The museum boutique, Black Block, directed by grafitti artist and Le Baron founder André, is one of the greatest museum shops I’ve ever seen! It stocks small trinkets like André badges and La Clique’s illustrated zine, Antijour (I bought a copy) alongside more covetable items like limited edition Nike hi-tops, Japanese gadgets and a collection of tees and leather jackets designed by André.

André took inspiration from a service station in the suburbs of Stockholm (where he grew up), presenting some of the products in big refrigerators with pink neon lights above. There are all sorts of rare and hard-to-find pieces, Monsieur A. emblazoned goodies and some very cool clothes that are hard to find anywhere else.

palais-de-tokyo-entrance

The Librairie has an enviable amount of coffee table and reference books and a huge display of art, design and fashion magazines from all over the world. It also has a great collection of Japanese and Russian diaries, Fafi notebooks and some alternative paris guides.

palais-de-tokyo-bookshop

I resisted the temptation of buying this journal, not because of the sentiment on the front, but the fact that my desk will actually explode if I buy any more fancy stationery.

oh-dear

Chasing Napoleon presents the work of 18 artists who explore the ideas of isolation, seclusion and withdrawal from the technological world. As soon as I entered the exhibition space, I felt drawn into their world of suspicion and composed state of paranoia.

In the first room, Robert Kusmirowski recreated the Unabomber’s Montana cabin, where he became a self-sufficient hunter-gatherer and later a mail bomber. Theodore Kaczynski was formerly a professor at University of California, Berkeley, and when his mountain retreat was threatened by development, he sent bombs to universities and airlines and promised to stop his rampage if The Washington Post published his manifesto.

Robert Kusmirowski replicated original documents and Kaczynski’s cabin as a relic of his past and anarchic ideology. The Unabomber is still in prison today as is known in America as a ‘domestic terrorist’.

hut

In Tony Matelli’s Fuck It, Free Yourself! 500 euro bills are stay aflame but never burn out. In 1984, Serge Gainsbourg burned a 500 franc bill live on French TV, which was the inspiration for Matelli’s sculpture. Engraved on porcelain enamelled metal, the notes appear to feed the fire, but they will never fully burn. Matelli seems to have taken Serge’s gesture and turned it into a continual dialogue exploring the aspiration and corruption associated with money.

In the same room, Hannah Rickards re-interprets birdsong, learning and transposing it herself, creating an alternative, man-made nature.

money-art

One of the most intriguing piece was Italian artist Micol Assaël’s walk-in refrigerator, set to -30 degrees. It looked like a portacabin from the outside and I presumed it was an electricity generator for the building, before spotting the slightly fearful warning sign on the door.

I was a bit nervous to go in, after reading about the electric shocks, but the gallery attendant stood by to let us out. Assaël’s refrigerator is influenced Vorkuta, the former Siberian mining town, whose temperatures of -60 degrees have made it a ghost town.

There is a sense of abandonment with a desolate office and bicycle inside, and it presents nature overcoming man and forming new kinds of technology. It began to get bone-chillingly cold after about one minute, but when I came out, I felt kind of awakened and tingly.

Also in this room is Ryan Gander’s Nathaniel Knows, a purpose-built dark room space with a crumbling corner revealing a ‘secret garden’ outside of the walls.

Just down the steps towards the cafeteria, there’s a graffiti-covered Fotoautomat where you can get four arty, black and white passport photos for just 2 Euros. Steven and I got our photos taken and while they look pretty cool, my chunky snood seems to be the taking over the show.

foto

Lot of Parisians come to the Palais de Tokyo just for the food, and now I can see why. The restaurant, Tokyo Eat, looked amazing, but we were after something a bit lighter, so we hit the cafeteria, Tokyo Self.

The food area looks like a school canteen and you take your meal and sit at concrete communal tables with benches. We went for the potato, Gruyère and smoked saucisson quiche (€6), which came with a delicious rocket salad and red wine vinaigrette. It was very rich and filling, but an excellent price for a museum cafe.

palais-de-tokyo-cafe

I ate a ridiculous amount of cake in Paris, but we couldn’t resist sharing a piece of rose raspberry cake (€2), which I wolfed down with a café crème (€2.50). You could quite easily spend the whole afternoon in the cafeteria, reading and drinking affordable coffee, and no one bothers you or moves you on. I can imagine Parisian art students hanging out and arguing about art there for hours.

palais-de-tokyo-cafe-cake

The Palais de Tokyo is a must for everyone with an interest in contemporary art, Chasing Napoleon is very well-curated, with a good range of high profile and emerging artists. There is a running narrative throughout the exhibition and every piece was intriguing and suited to the concept.

Paris museums are much more accessible to the public, with big discounts for students and under 26s. We paid just €5.50 for two and a glossy exhibition guide packed full of artist info and essays that I’m still trying to get through, for just €1. Perhaps the high-flying London museums should take note!

Palais de Tokyo, 13 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris

Métro: Iéna / Alma-Marceau

France, Paris, Videos

Kisses from Paris…

November 12, 2009 by cheriecity

How would you describe a city like Paris? Do you automatically think of a Robert Doisneau image of two lover kissing in front of the Hotel de Ville or is the Eiffel Tower lit up at night inscribed in your memory? Paris is undoubtedly magical, but the beyond the confines of the tourist trails is one of the most multi-cultural, artistic and unconventional capitals in Europe.

The Paris Ile-de-France Comite Regionale du Tourisme has just launched a short viral film to promote the young and vibrant side of the city that many visitors end up missing.

The three and a half minute film entitled Kisses From Paris is directed by French actor/director Yvan Attal (who is also Charlotte Gainsbourg’s partner) and is sound tracked by Rufus Wainwright’s atmospheric Leaving For Paris. The Paris tourist board loved his sketch in New York, I Love You so much that they commissioned Yvan to express his own creative vision of the “New Paris Ile-de-France”.

The film features two young lovers, played by Zoé Schellenberg and Pierre Perrier snogging their way through Paris, stopping only to marvel at the amazing sights around them. In between declaring how much they adore each other, the couple study the art at the Beaubourg and the Palais de Tokyo, stroll along the Canal Saint-Martin, go to a gig at the Chateau de Vincenne and hunt for vintage treasures at the Saint Ouen flea market.

The film is intense, stylish and dreamy but in a more realistic than whimsical way. It reminds me of Before Sunrise and its sequel Before Sunset (shot in Paris), where Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy meet on a train and get to know each other in a day before going their separate ways, then meeting up in Paris nine years on.

Kisses From Paris does nothing to dispel the myth of Paris as a city for lovers and not all of us have a Louis Garrel look-a-like to kiss all over town, but it offers a new, alternative Paris to fall in love with.

To find out more about ‘le nouveau Paris’ and to win a trip to Paris, visit the website.