TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

A hidden gem in Paris because not many tourists go astray in this part of the city except for Victor Hugo fans. This elegant early 17th century public square in the Marais district is quite popular amongst the Parisians. Click here to see an aerial view of the beautiful square: Place des Vosges Place des Vosges is a true square in the sense of the word, measuring a perfect 140 metres x 140 metres. It is the oldest planned square (circa 1604) in Paris, previously known as Place Royale, and commissioned by Henri IV. The square was used as the prototype for residential squares in the coming years and centuries in Paris and the rest of Europe. I just love structure because it promotes clean lines. That is the reason why I love the red brick houses and the vaulted porticoes that frames Place des Voges. They were all built in the same design and colour scheme. It's very easy on the eyes and it evokes the royalty sphere. Today, Place des Vosges is a place where many locals freq...

Located 10 metres from Place des Vosges, ‘Royal Turenne’ is not hard to miss. The brasserie has a bright blue cobalt colour facade and sits on a very strategic location bridging Place des Vosges and the shopping street that is open on Sundays, Rue de Francois de Bourgeois. I thought the waiter was flirting with Bru! I was craving for dried ham and vegies while Bru was not sure on what to order. Eventually we made our decision over a glass of chilled rose. Bru is taking mussels and moi a green salad topped with dried cured ham and foie gras. Except for the burnt bread, my salad order was very nice. Bru on the other hand enjoyed her mussels as well. Steamed mussels and a green salad of foie gras and cured ham. Hi there! Sante =) Many do not know this but the shops in Le Marais are open on Sundays. Bru and I did a little bit of window shopping here after lunch on Rue de Francois de Bourgeois. Sundays in Paris are slow (and anywhere else in E...

On our last day in Paris last summer (August), Bru and I spent the day in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements: Le Marais. Our hotel is located just across the neighbourhood so we didn’t have to walk that far. Le Marais (means: Marsh) is a historical and aristocratic district in Paris. There is a big Jewish community living here as well. Its one of those hidden gems in Paris that first time and second time visitors would not know. Join us for a stroll and morning drinks… We first headed off to Les Marches des Infants Rouges on Rue de Bretagne, the oldest covered market in Paris dating back to the 1600's. We were expecting to see the usual open-air market with stalls but instead we were welcomed by an array of hip cafes and casual restaurants inside the mini market complex. We saw a few vegetable and fruit sellers as well but majority of the stalls were selling food and the casual dining experience. Ready-to-eat food or ready-to-order food. Take your pick! Anothing thing tha...