A Perfect Saturday In Paris
By Lauren Trend
9:00am
My day began with breakfast at my hotel. Whilst in Paris, I am staying at Hotel Bienvennue. It is a boutique hotel, lovely, quaint, and located in the Lower 9th Arr. It's close to La Fayette and in a really nice (far less 'touristy') area. Breakfast was a croissant with Jam and butter (cause, France), grapefruit juice, a boiled egg and (lots) of black coffee.
10:00am
First up, I made my way to Ofr Bookshop/gallery. This bookstore was a recommendation from my dear friend Tara Mayer. Tara lived in Paris for years and she's one of those friends that knows me better than myself. Her notes read; 'you will *love* it here', and she was not wrong. I spent almost an hour in the bookstore/gallery just wandering, perusing, picking up & flicking though books and vintage magazines, wishing there was no such thing as a luggage limit. I saw copies of JANE Magazine sitting there and smiled to myself at both its familiarity (these familiar moments in foreign cities are so wonderful) and the fact that I was very proud of our contributor, Annika and all she has accomplished.
10:45am
I wandered down Rue Dupetit-Thouars and then sat at Café Crème for more coffee (!) and to write in my journal. The boys who ran this cafe were incredibly lovely, very boisterous; very French but with an adorable, Australian sensibility.
11:50am
Just around the corner from Café Crème is one of the best Fashion retail stores I've ever been to: The Broken Arm. They had the perfect curation of clothing, accessories, footwear all by the likes of Céline, Margiela, Raf's CK, Balenciage, Prada, and more. They also had a phenomenal archive of books as well as other small-print publications from, what the shop-staff told me, were published by independent Parisian writers.
12:15pm
A short walk from Rue Perrée is Wild and The Moon. A warm and welcoming wholefood store full of fresh produce, pre-made salads and cold pressed juices and tonics. It was still close to breakfast but that didn't stop me from walking away with too many things from their fridge. I chose both their Blue Star and Hollyweed (cbd extract) elixirs as well as a Rehab Shot because, balance.
12.35pm
A stones’ through from this little spot was Marché des Enfants Rouges; the oldest market in Paris and honestly, the most beautiful food venue I've seen on my trip thus far. Fresh seafood, cheese, bread, incredibly fresh fruits and vegetables, French men yelling at one another, and on a Saturday morning - hardly any tourists!
12:45pm
I took a stroll down Rue Vieile Temple with intentions to duck into Musée Picasso before making my way to Atelier Brancusi, and before I found myself at either of the aforementioned I found Suisen. I entered and booked an appointment for a traditional Shiatsu Massage early next week. It was at about this moment, that I released I was having the perfect day in Paris.
1:00pm
I made my way through the entrance of The Picasso Museum and after seeing a huge Picasso exhibit at The Tate, I was prepared to have a quick peruse before ducking off. Oh how I was mistaken. Much to my surprise and in the most fortuitous turn of events, of course, there was an exhibit featuring the work of Diego Giacometti. An all time favourite furniture and lighting designer, I had absolutely no prior knowledge that this exhibit was happening; so I felt very grateful to stumble upon it indeed!
2.30pm
It’s near impossible to go to Paris and not pop into Atelier Brancusi. I was saving The Pompidou (in full) for another day, so spent the better half of an hour here, ever in awe of Brancusi’s sculptural eye and attention to detail.
3:50pm
I made my way down Rue De Turenne with the intention to walk towards the river. I find myself being drawn to see the water at least once a day whilst I’m here. It's the most perfect blue and each time I see it, a wave of calm washes over me.
4.05pm
I continued walking toward, and then along the river. I haven't caught public transport or a taxi/uber once since being here. Walking, I think, it's the best way to explore a new city - you stumble upon places you otherwise wouldn't. I crossed the river at Pont Neuf and popped into Buly 1803. As long time customer of the brand, I was delighted to visit their flagship store. I was immediately transported by the interior. Marble, calligraphy labels, combs, perfumes, soaps - all monogrammable - an offer I couldn’t resist!
4:45pm
Hungry, I walked up to Cafe Bonaparte and treated myself to a Caesar Salad and a glass of Rosé. I was as about as content as I could have been.
7:00pm
Back at the hotel, I ran myself a bath with my windows open and basked in the cityscape and soundtrack of one of the most magical cities in the world.
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