Home & Away With Stefanie Jones: Paris
Our series Home & Away is written by Columnist Stefanie Jones. Stefanie moved from London to be a co-host of the nationally syndicated TV show Daily Blast Live which films in Denver. Starting in 2012, Stefanie was the host of Fashion One Television, an international channel focusing on beauty, glamour, style, luxury, and viewed in more than 120 countries worldwide. A regular correspondent for international fashion weeks and at red carpet events around the world, Stefanie used her VIP access to report on some of the industry’s most exclusive parties.
I’m excited to bring you guys another Home and Away this month – this time, dedicated to the city of lights: Paree! After not being able to go back to Europe due to COVID and travel restrictions, the time had finally come to get my feet back firmly on European soil. I have been dreaming of strolling the Parisian streets, cafe, and croissant in hand, ready to be inspired and take in all that the enchanting city had to offer.
I’ve always had a love affair with Paris. A city that’s passionate, romantic, and makes me feel like anything could happen at any given moment. It’s packed with history, gorgeous architecture on every cobbled Rue (Street), and home of course to some of the world’s most sort-after couture houses.
Here are my favorite locations that are on my Parisian must-do list:
Where To Explore
For that Insta-perfect Eiffel Tower shot, head to Avenue de la Bourdonnais, rather than to the Tower itself. You can get a much better view of it perfectly framed for the ‘gram. Jardin du Palais Royale is the perfect spot for a picnic and next door to Les Deux Plateau where you can see the famous black and white blocks on the square (search the hashtag on Instagram and you’ll recognize what I’m talking about).
Wander the streets to Rue Cambon, go inside Chanel and peek up the mirrored staircase to Coco’s old apartment. This is where she famously sat watching her fashion shows and lived in the apartment above the store. You must also pay a visit to Christian Dior on 30 Av. Montaigne, a shopping experience truly like no other. Take in your surroundings at their coffee shop and marvel at the beauty all around you.
Where To Eat
St Germain is the perfect location to start your day. Start with breakfast at Cafe de Flore or Les Deux Magots which is next door. This is where the great writers and painters used to hang out, including Hemingway, Picasso, and Albert Camus.
Book a table on the terrace at Girafe for a stunning view of the Eiffel tower. This location is picture-perfect, go at lunchtime to get your Instagram snaps with girlfriends or sunset for a truly romantic evening. On the hour, every hour, the tower glitters with hundreds of thousands of lights for a full five minutes. The final show, at 1am, is perhaps the most magical of all.
La Perouse is on the river and is the most romantic setting you will ever find. Luscious red velvet curtains, dark wooden panels, and oil paintings line your own private dining room. Yes, your OWN dining room! Legend has it that kings and princes once took their ‘escorts’ there, and there are scratches on the mirrors where they checked to see if their diamonds were in fact real!
Georges at the Pompidou Center: Remember Carrie Bradshaw having THAT Parisian dinner with a view? The location is at the top of the Pompidou center, you can see the entire city from there.
Where To Stay
Four Seasons George V is where I stayed on my recent trip, it’s an incredibly decadent, extravagant hotel. It’s incredibly chic, with high ceilings with original period features and the floral arrangements are out of this world.
Au revoir until next time mon cheri! Follow me @steffrjones
