Di Overton 

I’m Back! Here I am back in England after an amazing buying trip in Paris and as promised in my last posting here are all things French.

The great mistake some people make when visiting Paris is to head straight for the well known sights. DON’T – follow this little guide and you will discover parts of Paris that will amaze and delight you. So here goes – hold on to your hats!

The Marais – The historic district which also has a great Jewish area with food that is delicious being sold from every other shop front. Dotted with the most amazing boutiques, chocolat shops, furniture and accessories shops and the most beautiful shop fronts in all the world.

The Paris Flea Markets – All listed here. Not so many bargains as there is elsewhere in France but certainly worth a visit as you can usually get between 20% and 30% off the marked prices. Even if you just go to look you will be amazed at the stuff the French don’t want anymore. If you go at lunchtime then do what the stall holders do and get some street food it is French food at its best.

Stay in an Apartment – I am lucky as my daughter lives in Paris but before she went there I always rented an apartment as it gave me an insight into the way the Parisians lived. This is a great website for finding an apartment to suit you and your budget.

Buy Some Flowers – The Parisian florist shops are the best in the world, well I think so. Even in the most run down areas you will see the most beautiful floral arrangements and displays. If you are in an hotel or an apartment make it your first task to buy some flowers and put them in your room they will help make your stay much nicer.

How To Be Chic – The French don’t have to spend a fortune on clothes to look chic. The shops in Paris, such as Monoprix, sell chic little suits and dresses that look as good as any up market designer outfit and at a fraction of the price.

If you want to push the boat out then take trip along rue du Faubourg St . Honore and don’t miss Hermes, the Paris shop is the only place to buy an Hermes Scarf and they will give you a little book to go with it that tells you lots of different ways to tie it.

Eat With The Parisians – Always, always eat where the Parisians eat. They won’t be fobbed off with tourist food. They take their lunch very seriously and spend a good two hours over it. We ate at Chez Marianne twice last week. It is a Jewish restaurant in the Marais district and I don’t know what they served me but it was the best food ever and nine of us ate and drank a great lunch for 100 Euros. You will find it at 2, rue des Hospitalieres St. Gervais in the Jewish area of the Marais.

Go to a Chocolat Shop – The chocolat shops in Paris abound and they have stunning displays in every one. This one – I’m sorry but it’s in the Marais again – is one of my favourites. I got this full size artist’s palette for my son last Christmas. Everything about it is chocolate. He will never eat it but I have tasted their chocolate and it is delicious.

Walk and Still Look Stylish – Walk everywhere if you can. Paris is a small city when compared to London or New York so try and walk around it as there is so much you will miss if you use the Metro and trains, even though they are so cheap and efficient.