Paris, je t’aime!

They say travel expands the mind. I agree. But it sure has a propensity to flatten the wallet. I love travel and will risk bankruptcy just as long as I get a plethora of experiences under my belt. Now with Paris, the city always gives you much more than you spend on it. The point is to do it smartly, like Parisians do. Here’s a modest list of a few fun things to do when in this enthralling city.

1. Senderens: Place de la Madeleine is famous for many things: the massive church in the middle of the place, the Hediard chocolate shop, the Fauchon tea salon and the Senderens restaurant. The restaurant is perhaps the oddest definition of quirky. Bathed in red light, it almost seems distracting when you sit down and are handed the menu to browse through. But as is with many things odd, you soon get used to the distraction and what remains is the filtered charm of a restaurant that has continuously raised the bar with some fabulous food since it first opened and has a wine list to put any hotel in a large city to whimpering shame. Sure it is expensive, but it is a formidable dining address. Else, you can always try lunch, which is a tad lighter on the pocket but still packs a flavourful time into an afternoon.

2. Ze Kitchen Galerie: Looking for a delectable and fancy meal in the city of romance and that is affordable and innovative? I can’t think of a better place than this wonderful restaurant. The food is as playful as kindergarten, as colourful as a garden in spring and as memorably delicious as your first kiss. Ok, my first kiss. Whatever. Located on the Quai, on the right bank of the river Seine, it is very much at home in the traditional bohemian quarter of Paris.

3. Bar at Printemps: Shopping is an ordeal even when it’s for yourself, especially if you are a fussy fashionista. As a result you always need to be focused and a crowded, frantic place is the last place to try and do so. Which is why when you’re at the Mecca of shopping in Paris, Printemps (or next doors at Galeries Lafayette), do take the time to get away from the madness and indulge in a nice little coupe of something invigorating, preferably alcohol-based. The bar is on the 9th floor of Printemps de la Mode and boasts quite a commanding view of the city all around, including the nearby Opera and the slightly distant Eiffel Tower. The place isn’t expensive and rarely crowded. Only caveat: the restrooms are on the first floor so make sure you lighten yourself before you begin the climb upwards.

4. Uniqlo: Although this is not a French brand, the shop itself is something to behold. The place is truly massive and funkily done up and the sheer attitude of the place strikes you while you climb the very chic stairs leading up to the store. I almost tripped trying to read the scrolling red ticker display between the steps. I think they probably read, “We are not responsible if you fall trying to read this.” The clothing brand from Japan has taken Paris by storm and their USP is simple: no obvious branding, great quality (fabled Japanese cotton), excellent stitching and cuts and unbeatable prices. People don’t just buy here. It is more akin to the frenzy at a supermarket check-out as soon as they announce they are shutting in five minutes.

5. Pierre Hermé: Macaroons have become all the rage in India and it wasn’t the hotel patisseries that got us started. It was a few enthusiastic bakers who were so enchanted by this little fluffy delight that they decided to take it upon themselves to bring it to India. Opera in Delhi and Le 15 in Mumbai are my places of pride to try these. But when in Paris, homage must be paid to the original maestro: Pierre Hermé. Sure Ladurée is more popular and visible but for those in love with macaroons more than a fancy ‘me-too’ address, this is the place to be seen hmmmm-ing.

6. Goyard:If you still think that a trip to France is not complete without a visit to the Louis Vuitton Maison on the Champs-élysées, please let me know and I will transfer your names from the ‘have arrived’ to the ‘yet to arrive’ list. The true fans of all things luxurious will visit E. Goyard before any other store. Retailing at the same store since its inception back in 1823, E. Goyard is the perfect example why any other brand is pure marketing and commercial crap compared to their austere, angular products. This is not for those who wish to be recognised by the logo on the bag they carry. This is for those who smile a smile and glow warm inside knowing that they have better knowledge than most of the others milling around.