Travel Inspiration: Winter in Paris

From the Travel Editor:


Ella Fitzgerald and Cole Porter gush about springtime in Paris, but we have to confess that we’d go to the City of Lights any time of year. Summer is sunny and hot, ideal for lazy days lounging by the river with a Berthillon ice cream cone. Fall is crisp and gorgeous, perfect for sweaters, boots, and long walks on windy streets. Winter brings holiday magic in this most romantic of cities, with fresh baguettes and piping hot mulled wine waiting at every cafe.

You can imagine, then, that we’re pretty excited about this week’s two Paris flight offers - one with hotel, one without - with availability all the way through March. In fact, we’ve already started planning our own trip, so here are a few of our insider Paris tips to help you get inspired.

Where to Dine: Chartier In the chilly Parisian winter, hearty French dishes like duck confit and beef bourguignon hit the spot. Put them in a classic Parisian food hall that’s barely changed since the late 19th century, pair them with a full-bodied red French wine, set prices at about a quarter of anywhere else in the city, and you’ve got the one restaurant that lives up to the hype, even for Parisians.


Where to Wander: Canal St-Martin You already know to wander the Left Bank and the Latin Quarter, but allow us to point you off the beaten path and over to the rapidly-gentrifying northeast quadrant of the city. Paris’ bright young things now congregate around the Canal, and a wander there will reveal outdoor band performances, vintage shops interspersed with designer boutiques, and a vibrant cafe scene. Our favorite stop? L’Atmosphere, with its specialty hot chocolate.

Where to Baguette: Coquelicot in Montmartre This adorable boulangerie-patisserie-cafe on the Place des Abbesses does a mean baguette (and pretty much every other baked good). Grab yours and munch on it as you climb the winding streets and stairs of Montmartre. Don’t forget to always order une baguette tradition at any Parisian boulangerie - this is the baguette you’ve been dreaming of.

Paris Gritty Photo Diary, Guerlain

ideeli member Erica N just earned a $25 shopping credit for ideeli by emailing us a little grit from Paris.

"This picture is of a beautiful and interesting store window on the Champs Elysees in Paris. Additional "grit" was found in the impoverished men and women begging for money along the sidewalk nearby." Have a "gritty" image you want to share from anywhere in the world? Email: blog@ideeli.com. If we use your image, we will give you a $25 shopping credit. "Gritty" can be found art, graffiti, interesting store windows, and unusual objects sightings.  To get the idea see past "gritty" posts.

Pick Of The Day, Manoush

Manoush takes bohemian chic to a glamorous new level. Forget about oversized sized sweaters and clunky boots- her designs are flirty, colorful, and beautifully tailored with hints of retro styling including intricate handwork and chic whimsical prints. Today at ideeli you can join her cult following, which includes Mischa Barton and Vanessa Paradis while saving up to 84%.  Shown above, is  Manoush's sequin mixed tunic. Original price: $1220, ideei price: $215. Sale starts promptly at 11:00 AM.

Sometimes I Want To Be Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan, her sister Ali, and a handful of their friends were all shopping in Paris today. The gang skipped in and out of luxurious stores like Dior and Gucci. All were having an awesome time... Especially Lindsay whose lips look suddenly much plumper... I want to be Lindsay Lohan sometimes or at least own the boots she is wearing in the photo above.

The Hermes Bluetooth

Call me old fashioned - I prefer to pick up the phone when it rings. However, if you need to go Bluetooth and have cash to burn, opt for an ultra-stylish unit from Hermes Paris.  It is made of super lightweight carbon fiber, aluminum, and supple leather.  Heads up if you are a Chatty Cathy- Hermes claims the gadget can be worn for hours without feeling ear fatigue.