PHENOMENAL LIVING

This Month we are excited to be checking into the absolutely phenomenal Plaza Athenee hotel. In preparation for Phenomenal Women do Paris events, we are taking our research very seriously (of course) and making sure that every little piece of this superb hotel passes the phenomenal criteria we want to deliver for our clients. It is of course the hotel where Carrie stayed in the 'Sex in the City' does Paris episode. So if it's good enough for our lovely Carrie, then it's good enough for us. Check out all our finding below in the Luxury Living section.

This April, Paris sees the massive fun faire Foire du Trone arrive in the Bois de Vincennes park (always lots of fun for all the family) plus International pillow fight day is happening at the Place de la Republique, well what's not to love about that. I absolutely have to attend. Then there's the annual Banlieues Bleues Jazz Festival which can be enjoyed down by the river as well as a wonderful series of concerts hosted by the Musee d'Orsay centred around the works of French composer Francis Poulenc who was inspired by the lyrical poetry of Guillaume Apollinaire. As always, springtime in Paris is going to be phenomenal.

For a customised luxury experience head over to the Elss Collection on Rue Beaujon, just off the Champs Elysées. With a seemingly endless collection of this season’s luxury brands to rent, you can effortlessly put together a stunning outfit for your phenomenally glam evening in Paris. With in-house stylists, hair and makeup experts to craft a spectacular look for you and all your friends, Elss provide a luxury fashion and beauty experience that will definitely have you feeling like Cinderella on route to the ball. And after your fablous event is over, if you really can’t bear to part with your outfit, well relax, you actually have the option to buy it. Awesome.

I've been visiting Paris regularly since I was 18 years old and the first store I fell in love with has to be Galeries Lafayette. 25 years later, I am still totally in love with it. I guess it's Paris’ answer to Harrods or Selfridges (although you really can't compare these stores) where you will find it pretty much contains everything under one roof. It’s super busy of course, but if you're looking for a little Parisian fashion, designer shoes, a rare perfume or even an icecream, you will find it all here. Oh and come back at Christmas by the way, as the displays are totally fabulous. From upside down Christmas trees to dancing window displays, J'adore!

Didier Ludots' famous haute-couture vintage shop in the Jardins du Palais-Royal is where you'll find the perfect little black vintage dress. We think it’s superb and certainly had us feeling like Audrey Hepburn whilst browsing through the racks. With only the best labels, such as, Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel, Chloé and Hermès, this truly is a treasure trove of vintage chic that we think is phenomenal.

If you're looking for bargain vintage finds, check out Freestar P store in the Marais district (One of my favourite hangouts when in Paris, for pretty much everythin) http://www.freepstar.com

Enter into a time warp of old Paris and let your literary love roam free at the famous Shakespeare and company book store, where many writers have been known to bunk down and pen their masterpieces. Situated on Rue de la Bûcherie, with the seine, Notre Dame and the best iceceam in town only a stone's throw away, it's a wonderful area to while away an afternoon. Looking for something more modern? Then head over the river to Galignani's, 224 rue de Rivoli, where Karl Largerfeld is often seen browsing. NB: This month sees the International rare book fair at the fabulous Grand Palais 22- 24 April.

From the most popular swimming meet up of the 1930's/40's, the temple of the Paris underground to an artists haven, journey back to a parisian past and discover vintage and modern living in the newly refurbished Molitor Hotel. Why not book in for lunch, enjoy some art and stories and take a swim in this historical pool for your next break. I will definitely be checking in here for my novel writing getaway.

Dinner or lunch at The Lido is fabulous. The worlds most famous cabaret on the Champses Elysee (created in the 1900s) tempted the likes of the Bluebell Girls and Renee Fraday (the inventor of the ice rink). Lido's luxury immerses you into the wonderful world of music and dance and even gives you the opportunity to take a turn on the legendary stage before the curtain is raised and showtime begins.

There are many wonderful places to eat in Paris, but for fine dining in the heart of the eclectic Marais district, head to Georges, the trendy restaurant on the roof of the famous Pompidou centre. I recently had lunch there with family and loved the modern design. Oh and the model waiters were as deliscious looking as the food they served. Make sure to visit the exhibitions and shops below afterwards.

Why not discover the french art of chocolate by taking a street tour of the best chocolate and pastry shops paris has to offer. Or why not meet a master chocolatier, with a behind-the-scenes tour of a famous macaroon shop? You will also get to make and bring home some chocolatey souvenirs. Always a phenomenal idea.

For a sit down chocolate heaven experience, head to the chocolate bar at Un Dimanche à Paris For gourmet chocolate of all kinds and a hot chocolate salon to indulge in. We're loving this two level pastry shop that also offers gluten free options too. If there is one place to go chocco crazy in, this has to be it.

Laduree The famous luxury bakery and sweet shop that draws crowds to Paris worldwide, Ladurée may just be heaven on earth. Head to 75 Champses Elysees for a wonderful Salon du tea experience. Whether you are bringing home a box of sweet treats or taking time out to have a little tea in the salon, the experience is simply delightful.

Laduree have many gifts to take away, including candles and home fragrances. They also offer a bespoke hamper service enabling you to create your own box of luxury products to bring home. Phenomenal gift. I never leave Paris without my box of goodies for all the family. (online orders available).

La Pâtisserie des Rêves are offering up sweet gourmet childhood memories. It is literally like being a kid in a candy shop, but with cakes. Phenomenal. Walking into La Pâtisserie des Rêves is a magic experience. Here, a special world opens up (for adults and children). Pastries are given a theatrical setting and tell a story.

In this magical world you will find traditional treats like the Paris-Brest, the Saint Honoré and the Vanilla Mille-feuille. Eat in or take away a minature selection of your favouites in a pretty pink box, there is definitely something for everyone. A really sweet Parisian treat to bring home for you and your little ones.

Bar 8 at the Mandarin Oriental is elegant and inviting with its marble bar, Lalique crystal chandeliers, enchanting garden and more than 70 types of Champagne to choose from. Make sure you try the J’aime Paris - a delightful Champagne cocktail made with a splash of St. Germain liqueur. What’s not to love.

The Dokhan’s at the Radisson Blu. The super classy and vintage choice for the conoisseur. Dressed in 18th century attire and serving up over 200 champagnes, this is a bar that will whisk you away to the glamorous days of a time gone by. Dokhan's also offers monthly wine tastings and live jazz music. Perfect.

La Grande Dame Champagne Bar.
A Sexy little bar at the Hotel Sezz right across from the Eiffel Tower. Veuve Clicquot is the reigning diva at this bar and is a favourite among Parisians for an amorous tête-á-tête. Noir and hot pink decor, Champagne cocktails, sushi and salmon skewers and a spa, it’s a superb place for a weekend away.

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