Paris Vacation Report - Helmer
Your Helmer guide to Paris!

Welcome to Paris! We are excited to bring you this month’s vacation report, as Paris is a city that we have lived in and fell in love with. We consider it as home, so we snap up any chance we can get to go back and we are sharing with you our favourite places to return to! We hope you enjoy them as much as we do…

Find our suggestions of a variety of restaurants and cafes to enjoy for lunch and dinner.

LouLou – A new Italian restaurant at the Art Décoratif. The outdoor terrace is situated on the Jardin des Tuileries offering beautiful scenery of popular Parisian landmarks whilst you dine here. The menu comprises of classic Italian dishes as well as additional dishes from the French and Italian Riviera which are simple yet expressive. The modern décor creates a distinctive, urban aesthetic. The waiters make the atmosphere friendly and welcoming which is not always the case in Paris!
lou-lou-restaurantPhoto Credit – Lou Lou Restaurant Website
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Photo Credit – https://www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/en/about-us/your-visit/the-restaurant/

Hotel Costes – this hotel offers a trendy restaurant which is close by to the Jardin des Tuileries and The Louvre, about a 10-15-minute walk. The vibe here is very sensual, due to the dim lighting, red velvet décor and fringed chairs. This is a classic hotel and restaurant to see and to be seen, making it a very popular venue so make sure you book ahead! Simple, classic dishes that are made to perfection. The bar offers live DJ sets every night from 9pm – 12am and a great outdoors terrace for the sunnier days.
hotel-costes
Photo Credit – https://www.intomorrow.com/listings/hotel-costes-restaurant/
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Photo Credit – Hotel Costes Website

Ito – a Japanese restaurant in the 9th arrondissement, they have a great tapas tasting menu and also the Sake, which we greatly recommend trying! Ito is a small yet very cosy restaurant great for a chill night. The music and staff contribute to a positive, enjoyable ambience. The food is traditional and authentic Japanese, so if you want to try something different, or simply enjoy your favorite Japanese cuisine; we suggest Ito!
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Photo Credit – https://www.thekaleproject.com/kale-ito-izakaya/

L’ami Jean – If you want a taste of the French delicatessen such as frog legs, this is the restaurant to visit! (Amongst other amazing dishes). Each dish is carefully considered and cooked even better. The owner prides himself on the preparation of his meals, from ingredients to texture and taste, to create an unforgettable dish which is complimented by the ‘spontaneous’, vivid presentation. He has no limits when it comes to experimenting with food and trying new things. One Monday per month, along with his daughter they host a cooking workshop inviting people to cook and share dinner, in which he shares cooking tips and tricks which are easy to do from home. The overall ambience of the restaurant is very rustic, charming and intimate, where you can see the chefs cooking and preparing your food. To experience classic, heavy French cuisine – this is the place to be (great in Winter)!
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Photo Credit – https://foodsnobblog.wordpress.com/2009/01/03/chez-l%E2%80%99ami-jean-paris/

When visiting Paris for the first time, people often have a list of places planned that they want to visit. No doubt they will include the amazing, popular landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre and the L’Arc de Triomphe. Here we have suggested some more must-see spots you should add to your list! 

Musée d’Orsey museum – what used to be a rail way station is now a museum which presents the finest Impressionist Art, located opposite the Jardins des Tuileries. Here you can enjoy the works of the infamous Van Gogh, Renoir and Monet amongst many more. The balconies also offer magnificent views of Paris for memorable moments and pictures. The highest level is greatly known for the huge clock and is definitely worth a picture opportunity!
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Photo Credit – https://www.arrivalguides.com/en/Travelguide/PARIS/doandsee/musee-d-orsay-15992

Saint-Germain-des-Prés – enjoy a day out here exploring some historic roots of Paris. This part of Paris is known for its bookstores, design shops, museums, churches, high-end art galleries, boutique hotels, historic cafes and restaurants. There is a youthful energy here due to it being an old university district. There is so much to see and explore, one thing we definitely recommend is having lunch at the Café Flore, to really experience the Parisian lifestyle. It is one of the oldest coffeehouses in Paris so there is a lot of history here. The ‘official’ centre of Saint-Germain is the church, which we definitely recommend visiting.
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Photo Credit – https://blog.davidgiralphoto.com/2010/03/29/secret-paris-cours-du-commerce-saint-andre-saint-germain-des-pres/
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Photo Credit – https://magazine.luxuryretreats.com/best-cafes-in-europe/

Shop at Le Bon Marché a beautiful department store. In our opinion, they have one of the best selections of brands! Each floor offers a different department, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending a long amount of time here! Also do not forget to pass by the food court, you will want to eat everything! Make sure you put this on your to-do list in Paris!
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Photo Credit – https://www.lvmh.com/houses/selective-retailing/le-bon-marche/
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Photo Credit – https://www.maryosbazaar.com/2015/04/06/le-soulier-du-bon-marche-rive-gauche/

Colette – a concept store in Paris that is popular amongst all of the fashionistas. Here you will find a selection of everything! From clothes, to furniture, to toys and magazines and things you never knew you needed. All the merchandise is extremely hip, futuristic and trendy! It is institution for all the hipsters, a must stop whilst you are in Paris. Also if you are hungry go on the lower ground floor, great place for lunch!
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Photo Credit – https://parisdiary.webege.com/shopp_mall_colette.html
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Rose Bakery – located on rue des Martyrs, this English themed café is unique due to their choice of organic ingredients. It is very minimalist but is comfortable and welcoming. Choose this as your meeting place and you won’t be disappointed. Here you can make your own salads or choose from the various offerings of their pizzas, soups and tempting desserts! A sweet touch of England in Paris.
rose-bakery
Photo Credit – https://yorokobiness.com/2011/02/23/rose-bakery-paris/

Picasso Museum – an art gallery situated in the Marais district of Paris showcasing the work of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Here you can see his life story through his pieces of art, which is truly intriguing and fascinating. His work is also accompanied by other talented artists to discover. You can purchase tickets online to skip the queue, alternatively there can be quite a wait!
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Photo Credit – https://artobserved.com/2014/10/pariss-picasso-museum-reopens/
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Photo Credit – https://habituallychic.luxury/2014/10/musee-picasso-reopens-in-paris/


You can also shop Helmer in Paris at Le 66 – 66 avenue des Champs Elysees – 75008 Paris.

 Check out who’s been wearing Helmer when in Paris! 
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French Actress Karidja Toure, hands-free chic for busy days in the city!

 

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