La Chambre aux Oiseaux

Spending time in Paris' many charming cafes has become a way of life for the moment and this makes me a very happy girl. There's nothing better than a hot cup of coffee or tea with a slice of cake when the cold autumn winds are blowing strong outside and the rain turns everything in Paris wet and grey.

A charming tea-room in the Canal St. Martin district, La Chambre aux Oiseaux joins a slew of cafes in this neighbourhood already well-known for Ten Belles , Tuck Shop (great vegetarian cafe opened by Australians) and Cafe Craft. 

Here, the owners have taken care to create an old-school cosy atmosphere with beautiful wallpaper, old wooden tables and well-worn armchairs; one immediately feels right at home.. or perhaps even in your granny's home.

It is the perfect place to enjoy a slice of orange almond cake (as I did) and a hot cup of tea while savoring a book and watching the world go by. I finished Salvation of a Saint by Keigo Higashino while comfortably ensconced in a sofa by the window.

Cafe Craft

Another new kid on the Canal St Martin block with free wifi and great coffee. I also had an excellent matcha cake. The premise is simple and responsible – 3 euros per hour, deductible against coffee and cake. Sounds like a good and fair deal to me!

Musée Jacquemart-André

If there was one museum in Paris which I find the prettiest no matter how many times i’ve been, it’s undoubtedly the Jacquemart-André museum. The only advice is to arrive early at opening time as it’s the favorite museum of retirees (or so my husband claims).

The magnificent entryway invites you to discover in all its splendor, the passion shared by the couple who owned this mansion and later donated it to the Institut de France after their deaths. Edouard André and Nelie Jacquemart amassed a vast collection of art and sculptures during their life, mostly Italian but quelle beauté!

After the visit, have lunch or tea at the café which fills up within minutes and there’s always a long line. The cakes and tarts are DELICIOUS and the service always friendly and quick.

The next time you find yourself in Paris, don’t forget to put this on your list!

Still my favorite...

Dinner chez les amis

Ten Belles

Ten Belles is a great place to get your caffeine fix when you are in the Canal St Martin area. None of that Parisian bitter diluted coffee here! You get a good strong brew, friendly people and a charming open concept. 

Sharing a windowsill!

Train ride

Pont des Arts

Tokyo Eat

One of our top favorite restaurants in Paris, this is also where my husband and I had our first date 4 years ago. For him, it was une valeur sûre, an address where he felt the most comfortable with friends.

Nestled in the open terraces of the Palais de Tokyo museum, the café and restaurant are well-placed with a great view of the Eiffel without the price tag and frills of other restaurants boasting a similar view.

It is especially popular in summer, when Parisians flock here for dinner and drinks. The clientèle consists mainly of executives & young couples. 

One thing I love about this restaurant is the red plastic chairs! How cool are they? You immediately feel right at home because the vibe is laidback and relaxed.

To start, mojitos for us!

We normally take the melon and goat cheese salad but I wanted to try the mozzarella with marinated zucchini.

Fried fish with rice and Thai sauce!

And to end it off, always the cheesecake. Tokyo Eat has a in-house chef-patissier, whose only job is to make desserts. This is quite rare in Paris so their desserts are a must-try!

And to accompany the delicious food, a glittering tower & an in-house DJ. 

Déli-cieux

On the 9th floor of the Printemps department store, you can find a lovely huge terrace with a bar and café where, for less than 10 euros, one can enjoy a drink and the views over Paris. In the summer and autumn, the sunsets are gorgeous.

Parisian streets

Colorova Patisserie

Saturday is the perfect day for brunch, where you have the long day ahead to savor a delicious meal and the rest of the weekend beckons.

We took the brunch menu which was filled with goodies like whipped cheese infused with bacon (shown below) and I had an extra order of scrambled eggs hehe. The menu comprised basics like yogurt, fresh orange juice, hot coffee/tea and bread with homemade jams and spreads. It was excellent.

And the highlight of Colorova Patisserie is the amazing variety of delectable tarts & cakes... Each is more elaborate than the next.

Definitely an address to keep in mind for afternoon tea with friends xx

Vincent Olinet

Art installation on the castle grounds of Saint Germain en Laye... this was so pretty!

Just look up

Galeries Lafayette is really one of the most crowded places to shop in Paris but whenever I walk past, I step in just to look at the ceiling. Isn't it beautiful? It makes you forget the sweaty impatient hordes of tourists all lining up or pushing their way to get their hands on the latest branded bag. 

Covered passages

If there is one place in Paris where I could escape the crowds in the centre of the city, it would be the little covered passages built in the 19th century which are still around today. 

Built for pretty much the same reason, they allowed Parisians to shop, eat & spend time in elegant and bright surroundings, away from the odors and noise of Paris. In cold weather, they provided warmth too.

Galerie Vivienne.. where one of my fave tea-rooms, A Priori Thé is located.

Galerie Véro-Dodat has the most beautiful shops... Il Bisonté is lovely and the best place to shop for a gift. Made with Italian leather, the accessories here are simple and stand the test of time.