A fashionable weekend in Paris
By Katie Ann Lamb ¦ Social Correspondent
Many things come to mind when you think of Paris: Romance, History, Le Tour Eiffel, Champs-Elysées or even Vin Rouge and Fromage. It is one of my favourite cities in the world; it offers so much culture and, thankfully, it is now only a short train ride from London.
However, one of the biggest things that Paris is famous for is fashion. Later this month, the style elite will arrive in this city and it will become packed with designers and celebrities. They will be eager to sit front row at the best catwalk shows, which are held to showcase next season’s ready-to-wear collections.
This is the final major fashion week that takes place – following the likes of New York, London and Milan – and the city is a style shrine. It is arguably a case of saving the best until last.
However, it doesn’t take a fashion week to make this city fashionable and this is one of the things that I love most about visiting Paris. Everyone is so chic, all of the time! I recently popped over to spend a weekend in the French capital with my mother and even when you take a casual stroll through the quaint back streets, you will pass impeccably dressed people.
My visit was a treat for mum and the chance for us to enjoy a lovely girly weekend break, which of course included shopping! Hotel Le Lavoisier was our base and this is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Paris. The charming venue is located on the right bank in the heart of the “fashion district” on a quiet street, which is a stone’s throw from Boulevard Haussmann, Place de la Madeleine and the Champs-Elysées.
There are many large and glamorous hotels to choose from in Paris and these certainly suit some occasions. However, I was pleased to discover this quieter retreat. It has a more discreet and intimate feel than some others, which is just what I wanted for spending quality time with mum.
The design is classically contemporary, with rich warm tones throughout, creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Le Lavoisier has 30 rooms with varying views over Paris and the breakfast is typically Parisian, with a selection of yummy warm pastries.
Most importantly, Hotel Le Lavoisier is brilliantly located and it is within easy reach of the designer stores and local boutiques, where you can pick up some fabulous buys that boast classic French tailoring.
With the build-up to Paris Fashion Week in full swing and the new season upon us, I can’t think of a better excuse to visit the city and update your wardrobe with some beautiful pieces for autumn. Bon Voyage!
Eurostar offers Business Premier tickets online at www.eurostar.com. Hotel Hotel le Lavoisier is located 21 Rue Lavoisier, 75008 Paris, France Bookings can be made online at www.hotellavoisier.com or via telephone +33 1 53 30 06 06
