Paris is always more pleasurable with a local guide, and what better chaperone than the house of Chanel? Artist and Creative Director Amanda Shadforth landed in the City of Love during couture week to witness the highest level of craftsmanship at Chanel Couture FW22/23. From blinis with a view at Giraffe at the Trocadero to marvelling the multi-level Musée Picasso, below Shadforth sends postcards from Paris – with love, of course.

 

Stay...

Château Voltaire is a boutique hotel in 1st arrondissement in the historical heart of Paris. I was in awe of the stunning interiors, interesting, and thought provoking artworks, and eclectic antique furniture. Being in the heart of Paris not only is this hotel cosy and personable, it is conveniently located near the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre. The food options are pretty amazing too with Brasserie Emil offering quintessential French dining and delicious cocktails, reinvented by art director Franck Durand, alongside architect Festen. It’s definitely an interior dream.

 

Take...

Comfortable walking shoes that take you from day to night. I love these Chanel loafers, they are so timeless. A cute bag – I like to keep my bags small when I’m walking long distances, this way I’m not weighed down and I’m able to focus on taking in all the sites handsfree.

Do...

Art galleries are a must in Paris, and being an artist myself I may be a little biased but this is always at the top of my to do list. My advice from experience is to go early! Especially if you are like me and like to take your time absorbing each masterpiece without the stress of crowds. Musée de l’Orangerie, situated by the Seine at the Concorde end of the Tuileries is famously known for its large scale Water Lily artworks by Claude Monet. 

Musée Picasso is one of the largest collections of Picasso artworks and personal artefacts in the world.  Set in a magical building that takes you on a journey over several floors through the eras of Picasso’s life and work, one of my favourite parts was the collection of Picasso’s personal belongings, photos with family, his slippers and intimate moments of his life.

Rooftop of Galerie Lafayette. I love this view and I always visit when I’m in Paris! It’s easy to get to (and sneak in some shopping), and it’s so nice to have a birds eye view of the city, a nice change from the typical street views.

Go for a stroll, especially around St Germain, there are so many amazing antique stores and vintage clothing boutiques. It’s the best way to discover Paris.

Shopping, I cannot visit Paris without walking Rue Cambon and taking a peek in my favourite Chanel store.

 

Taste...

I just can’t go past Giraffe at the Trocadero which looks directly over the Eiffel Tower.  This restaurant’s luscious interior is filled with Calacatta marble and designed by my favourite architect Joseph Dirand. The blinis are delicious and the view, magical.

Le Bistrot de Paris is a wonderful place to try authentic French cuisine; escargots and géants de Bourgogne are delicious with artichoke one of their signature dishes. There's history to this bistrot too, the famous Serge Gainsbourg used to frequent here when he was alive. Very pretty area and good for a stroll.

Lou Lou combines French and Italian cuisine with the menu created by chef Benoît Dargère. I like this restaurant as it is inspired by the French/Italian Riviera and it boasts a mellow chill atmosphere. The truffle pasta is incredible. Lou Lou, a play on the Louvre, offers great people watching, and lovely views of the Tuileries and Eiffel Tower from the gardens at the Louvre.