Weekender

Michael Mortell’s Paris

My weekends in Dublin are very short,

asI work six days a week with my mid-Century shop on Francis Street, and also designing clothing for Dunnes Stores, so a recent weekend in Paris was perfect.

Arriving late on Friday evening,

we drop the bags into the hotel in St Germain, and go straight to Cafe de Flore for a glass of wine.

On Saturday morning, we head for the Tuileries,

grabbing coffees and croissants on Rue du Bac to eat in this wonderful garden. Then across the road to Galignani, my favourite bookstore in Paris, to browse the fashion, art and interior design.

After wandering for a few hours,

we have a spot of lunch at La Palette, on Rue de Seine. The food is not particularly great, but I love the atmosphere in the little dining room.

Sennelier at 3 Quai Voltaire,

selling artists’ supplies of every description. Founded in 1887, it has supplied some of the world’s greatest artists. As you exit, you are greeted by the vision of The Louvre.

Saturday-night dinner is at traditional restaurant Le Grand Colbert,

on Rue Vivienne. It’s where Jack Nicholson meets Diane Keaton at the end of Something’s Gotta Give.

On Sunday morning, we go to Musee Picasso

in the Marais district. We will have lunch in a small, pretty restaurant, and then go back to the Left Bank to pack to leave for our flight home. Yes! We will always have Paris. Michael Mortell’s clothing is available from Dunnes Stores in Patrick St, Cork, Cornelscourt and St Stephen’s Green, or see dunnesstores.com. For his shop, see michaelmortell.ie