As if you needed any more convincing … a trip to Paris is always a good idea
1 THE EXHIBITION
An immersive exhibition celebrating the perfumes of Chanel kicks off in Paris this month. Learn about the 1921 creation of “magic formula” No5, and hear words of wisdom from Chanel’s inhouse perfumer Olivier Polge. Le Grand Numero de Chanel exhibition runs from December 15 until January 9 2023, at the Grand Palais Éphémère, Place Joffre, 75007 Paris. Free admission; register on grand-numero.chanel.com.
2 THE RESTAURANT
I had a meal at Le Voltaire this year that was one of the best I’ve ever had in Paris – fabulously old-school, situated on the Left Bank, this is the building where Voltaire lived and wrote. A huge treat, and place for a celebration, with the finest steak frites, escargots and seafood, this is the real deal. www.restaurantlevoltaire.com. And for an Italian in Paris, take a tip from Naples-born make-up artist Lucia Pica and book tiny, authentic Cibus, a fashionista favourite, near the Palais Royale in the 1st arrondissment, with only a handful of seats. Tiny, low-key glamour.
3 THE BAR
I’m also dying to revisit tiny bar Cravan, the perfect place for a cocktail. Hidden away in the elegant 16th arrondissement, part of a beautifully curved Art Nouveau building, this is a most tiny and picturesque spot for a pre-dinner drink and some chic bar food. Opening hours are limited and can be capricious (officially Wednesday to Saturday, 6-11pm) – but it’s well worth the wait. In a dream world, we’d be spending spring right here at one of their marble-topped round tables en terrasse …
