INSIDER'S GUIDE / ENTRE NOUS
Two for One
Deux en un
When visiting Paris for a few days it could sometimes be a little bit overwhelming trying to decide how to make the most of your time, and with so many things to see and discover in the French capital it isn’t always easy to take in everything without feeling like you have missed out on something. Understanding how precious your time is and how exciting it is to be visiting we have decided to share with you three of our favourite spots in the capital where you can double your walkaway value.
In the heart of the Marais neighbourhood is where you will find Les Bains du Marais. Here you can lunch on delicious Mediterranean dishes that include grilled halloumi cheese served with vegetables, homemade falafel with a side of salad, and if you’re looking for something a little bit heartier try the burger with a Mediterranean touch served with a creamy tahini sauce. This is a great address for a lunch break while shopping in the neighbouring BHV Marais department store. Making your trip here doubly good, Les Bains du Marais also houses one of the oldest spas in the city. The recently reopened spa offers Turkish bath treatments and more classic massages including the Massage Dynamisant. The massage starts at your feet with the masseuse working on your pressure points, releasing all unwanted stress, and although the end of a good massage is never welcomed, this massage ends with a head massage like no other, making it even more difficult to accept that the treatment is nearing the end. The therapist ever so slightly lifts your head, delicately moving it up and down, side to side, swaying it oh so gently, taking you to cloud nine where you feel like you are floating in the air. This is a great treatment to end a hectic day on a relaxing note before enjoying a glass of French wine before bedtime.
In the hipster neighbourhood of the French capital, the 11th arrondissement, is where visitors will find Borgo delle Tovaglie. This impressive address houses a huge home-like boutique where homewares and produce from Italy are all displayed, inviting you to find throw pillows, candles and olive oil to take home with you. The space also hosts one of the finest Italian eateries in the capital with a menu that takes your taste buds on a culinary voyage to Italia. Using produce from the boot, all the dishes are fresh, traditional and very generous. Try the assortment of burrata with both natural and smoked burrata served on a bed of salad, or order the fresh-out-of-the-oven eggplant parmigiana to be enjoyed with Italian wine. On the Left Bank of Paris, where tourists love to discover and fall in love with the postcard image of Saint-germain is where Rosebud is located. This charming address doubles as a florist and a boutique where visitors can find beautifully curated bouquets of flowers and a delightful selection of objects to buy either to spoil oneself or to gift. Punctuating the selection of blooms you will find glass vases, French perfumes and even one-of-a-kind ceramic objets d’art designed by French artist Geneviève Chevallier.
Les Bains du Marais 33 rue des Blancs Manteaux (4th) 01 49 29 50 50
Borgo delle Tovaglie 4 rue du Grand Prieuré (11th) 09 82 33 64 81
Rosebud 4 Place de l’odéon (6th) 01 43 29 66 47