I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: PARIS

November 4, 2021 Redley Exantus

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

Listen to audio narration Redley Exantus - Into/Outro Music by Makaih Beats

8 MIN READ

Paris is up there as one of my absolute favorite cities to visit in the world next to Palermo of course. I love the history, the architecture, the style, and the feeling I get just walking the city streets. When I had my fashion label, I use make the twice a year pilgrimage with the fashion flock to the Premier Vision, a trade show for apparel, lifestyle, and fashion. When I stopped designing, I stopped going.

This past summer I decided it was time to return to my beloved city following a 7-year hiatus. I vowed never again would I let such a long time past! I bought my TGV ticket and made the 4-hour ride from Geneva to Gare du Lyon for a weekend. Here’s how it went, follow me…

MY ARRIVAL

I decided to stay in the 3rd arrondissement as I had never booked myself in this part of Paris before, not to mention it was near all the places I wanted to visit. This is one of the many parts of town buzzing with cafes, bistros, and galleries. After an intensive search I landed at the wonderfully chic Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers. The hotel is also one of the few Parisian establishments to be awarded the Eco Label for sustainability.

I loved the modern relaxed feel this place had. My room was cozy yet luxuriously decorated plus there was an incredible restaurant downstairs where I had an Italian dinner upon my arrival.

DAY 1

Breakfast was equally as delicious with a great sundrenched terrace where I could have my morning coffee and take in the locals on their way to work.

11:00 A.M.

Once my petite-déj was over I made my way towards Rue St. Martin where I wanted to go see the exhibition of Cameroonian artist Enfant Précoce at Galerie Paris Horizon. Upon entering the gallery, I could hear Kanye’s track Fade luring me in which was pretty dope. The artwork was equally as dope. The work was vibrant, abstract, and reminded me of those paintings of Haitian cityscapes I grew up with as a kid. The curation was spot on!

12:15 P.M.

I then made my way back towards the hotel where I luckily wrangled a table at the Tunisian restaurant Mabr ouk situated on the corner of rue Réaumur and rue St. Martin. This no-frills spot was spot on. I adore north African food and if you do too this is the place for you. I ordered the Merguez grillées and couscous aux 7 épices. The place was packed and after tasting my dish I understood why. I topped it off with the traditional pastry and a piping hot mint tea.

2:00 P.M.

Next stop was Centre Pompidou bien sur. I was just a 20-minute walk away from Italian architect Renzo Piano’s postmodern masterpiece. This 'inside-out' building is definitely worth visiting. Plus, it has one of the most spectacular views of Paris!

Check out the Louis Vuitton Women’s Fall-Winter 2019 Show by Nicolas Ghesquière which took place in a replica of the Centre Pompidou, inside the courtyard of the Louvre.

See this content in the original post

6:00 P.M.

I organized to see an old friend who relocated back to Paris from Geneva for drinks at my hotel’s rooftop called the National On (The) Top (open during spring/summer). We caught up and laughed over chilled cocktails until we were starved.

8:00 P.M.

We didn’t have to walk far because only in 5 minutes we were in front of the peptol bismol pink Dalmata Pizzaria. This New Yorker can confirm that the pizza here is on par. And don’t miss out on their take of the classic tiramisu, the vanillamisu. So good.

11:00 P.M.

I later then had a night cap at Herbarium bar where they made my non-alcoholic cocktail with their inhouse herb blends. Then off to bed.

DAY 2

Started the day with a coffee and croissant to go on the way to my next stop.

11:30 A.M.

Haven’t seen you in years my dear Eiffel Tower! She looked bigger than the world on that glorious sunny day. I walked around taking photos unabashedly like a touristic, enjoying the great emerald lawn stretched out. Still as breathtakingly stunning as the first time I laid eyes on her.

2:00 P.M.

I then had lunch and a stroll on the famed Rue Mouffetard one of Paris's oldest and liveliest neighborhoods situated in the 5th arrondissement. Here I took in the sights of all the street vendors, cute boutiques, and cafes. I walked all the way up to where the street becomes rue Descartes at the crossing of rue Thouin which is predominantly a pedestrian avenue. There was so much to see and eat.

4:00 P.M.

Made my way up to a location which I have never been to and I kicked myself for this having been my first time to the majestic Place du Panthéon. I just love how these monuments are laid out architecturally. Standing in the center, you feel overwhelmingly enveloped by history. The Panthéon was intended as a church to glorify the French monarchy then later transformed into a temple for “Great Men”. It became the last resting place for the great writers, scientists, generals, churchmen, and politicians who have made the history of France.

5:15 P.M.

It was now time to visit the 150-year-old department store la Samaritaine which had just been renovated and newly unveiled. Along the way I took Pont Neuf which is the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine. Once I arrived, I anticipatingly hopped in the cue to enter the shop, and I have to say it was worth the wait. Now owned by LVMH this luxury store has been under reconstruction since 2015 and was reborn only this year. If you love Art Nouveau style like I do then you will enjoy simply strolling around this building. There were lots to see and eat here.

7:45 P.M.

My next stop was only a 25-minute walk where I arrived just in time for dinner at this sumptuous little eatery Pram il restaurant. Nestled in between the 10th and 11th arrondissement, finding this spot was truly like finding a gem. Packed with locals and with the incredible smells wafting out of the kitchen my friends and I found a table tucked away in the back room. The menu boasted of French cuisine made with fresh products, chosen with care, varied and as much as possible in season. The chef himself Monsieur Alain Pramil took our orders which made the experience ever more personal. The food was excellent, the French don’t miss.

MY DEPARTURE

In the morning I returned to my hotel terrasse downstairs for more people watching. I had my coffee and pastries just in time for my uber to the train station.

Au revoir Paris et à bien tôt!