Paris - St. Germain and the Latin Quarter

Just a quick update: Today I thought I would give you a preview of "Leg 3" of our proposed overseas trip.

Hotel Lutetia is an iconic landmark situated in the vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris and the only luxury grand hotel on the city's Left Bank. Originally opened in 1910, the building's design was a daring move from art nouveau to the emerging style of art deco. The Lutetia delivers an authentic Parisian experience and has been at the heart of the local community for more than 100 years.

The hotel now features an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and lounges throughout the historical ground floor including the return of the Lutetia Brasserie under the supervision of three Michelin starred chef Gerald Passedat.

It would have been wonderful to stay here, but at €7,300.00 (approx. AU$11,200) for just eight nights we had to sadly give it a miss. Instead we will be probably staying in the quaint Latin Quarter, at the heart of which is the Université de la Sorbonne, a Parisian badge of pride as one of Europe's oldest college . . . it opened in 1257 as part of the medieval Université de Paris. The institution that gave the Latin Quarter its name (after the theology students, mostly monks and other religious figures, who occupied the then-Christian institution and worked exclusively in Latin).

As yet, we still haven't booked anywhere, but you can bet when we do, it will most definitely not be anywhere that's going to cost AU$1,400 a night!!

There are many amazing districts in which to indulge your passion for fashion in Paris, but the charm of Saint-Germain is hard to beat. On one tree-lined stretch of boulevard between Mabillon and Rue du Bac metro stations, a mere 850 meters or ten-minute walk (if you go at a fair pace), there is a impressive collection of high-end boutiques and flagship stores, such as Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld and Ralph Lauren. Zadig & Voltaire is one of the trendiest, combining delicate fabrics like cashmere, lace, and washed silk, which achieves an overall look that is wholly rock-chic. This is one place we are planning to look around and perhaps spend some serious money on an unforgettable day or two of shopping.

The Boulevard St. Germain is not only famed for fashion it has wonderful places to indulge your appetite and watch people stroll by . . . one such place we intend visiting is the Café de Flore.

This historic café, former HQ of the Lost Generation, attracts tourists and yes, a few celebrities from time to time.

Well that will have to do for this week as I still have lots to do. More details of our planned holiday will follow when things are more consolidated.
Big hugs,
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