Say Oui to Paris

Sure, we go to Paris to admire the impressionists in the Musée dOrsay or
drool over fashion history in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, but we
always end up spending most of our time indulging ourselves in food,
drink, and shopping.

sleep
Located
in the working class 20e arondissement, the Philippe Starck-designed
hotel Mama Shelter
offers urban-oasis styling on a budget. With quirky touches like plastic
masks for bedside lamps (our room had Shrek and Princess Fiona),
chalkboard ceilings, and elevators wallpapered with fun facts, as well
as hallway mirrors listing neighbourhood concerts and events, its clear
that this Mama is the loving kind. Rooms start at 99/night. 109 rue de
Bagnolet, 75020, Paris, +33 (0)1 43 48 48 48, www.mamashelter.com

eat
Tucked away from the noisy red-light atmosphere
of Le Pigalle is the charming garden courtyard restaurant at the Hotel
Amour. Far from its old clientele during its by-the-hour days, the
restaurant and bar now cater to a chic crowd who like to dine on tartare
de boeuf, then play foosball in the basement. Hotel Restaurant Amour, 8,
Rue Navarin, 75009 Paris, +33 (0)1 48 78 31 80, www.hotelamourparis.fr

drink
Hidden behind a vine-covered black gate is Le
Très Particulier, the private bar at the Hotel
Particulier Montmartre. Knock and say you are there to boire un
verre, and then let David, the New York bartender, fix you one of his
original creations. Reservations are a must. 23, Avenue Junot, 75018
Paris, +33 (0)1 53 41 81 40, www.hotel-particulier-montmartre.com

shop
Forget Colette! Merci
is the newest lifestyle concept store creating a buzz in Paris. Browse
the airy loft for clothes, books, furniture and even flowers. With
proceeds going to a foundation helping children and women in Madagascar,
designers including Annick Goutal, Yves Saint Laurent, and Stella
McCartney offer custom items at 30 per cent off. Merci, 111 Boulevard
Beaumarchais, 75003 Paris, +33 (0)1 42 77 78 92, www.merci-merci.com