Having the luxury of staying with family in Paris has been one of the reasons why I can visit so often and experience it like a true Parisian.
Not to mention in two of the best arrondissements (neighborhoods), The Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés
With that being said, my last visit was my first time staying in a hotel and in a new area.
I was falling in love the city all over again. Smelling the baguette, hearing the French accent and walking past the patisseries and fromageries all for the first time.
I decided to stay in “le 16e”.
An arrondissment long known as one of French high society’s favorite places of residence, similar to New York’s Upper East Side or London’s Kensington and Chelsea
I found the most perfect petite boutique; Hotel Du Bois. A gem perched at the top of your very own Montmartre inspired steps above Victor Hugo, one of the avenues radiating from the Arc De Triomphe.
I had all the conveniences I needed with my own little constellation of cafes to choose from at the end of the road. Located within the perfect golden triangle of the Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysées, Eiffel Tower and La Seine.
Recently refurbished by Michael Jouanett, who’s work includes the likes of The Ritz in Madrid, Hotel Du Bois feels like home the second you in step in the door.
Elegant chic décor of chocolates and taupe geometric design far surpass the official 3 star classifications. This hotel has 5 star class. Each room is topped off with contemporary paintings available for purchase and free Wi-Fi that is actually available in the rooms not just the foyer.
While the rooms are on the smaller side- but then again where aren’t they in Paris, the bathroom is very spacious which in my opinion is a nice change. There is nothing nicer than coming home after a day of exploring to a beautiful marble floored bathroom, hot water and a tempting bath tub.
The breakfast is the most darling thing I have seen. Maybe because it was the first morning and I was still on a high being back in Paris but everything was perfect, from the cheese platter selection to the bread and pastry basket all served on delicate fine china… just how it should be.
Tip
Book a room facing on to Rue du Dome, this will give you the best look out every morning on to those charming Parisian rooftops.
Tip
Ask the taxi driver to drop you off in Rue De Dome not Ave Victor Hugo otherwise you will need to wrestle your bag up the stairs- so not chic.
Exploring Ave Victor Hugo and its surrounds is a day in itself. Directly under the hotel is the cant-live-without Monoprix; only the French can make grocery shopping so chic.
Regular stops included Zara Home (I’ll take one of everything), and Parisian staples Maje and Sandro.
If the touristy Champs Elysées is not your thing- I say it’s a one time visit kind of place- head to the left of Hotel du Bois and explore the more residential authentic side of the streets. Find where the local student picks up her coffee on the way to school (because yes even the school kids drink coffee there), where the French mother picks up her fresh French flowers in the morning. See the Bon Vivant life in all its glory.
DO NOT MISS
A la Petite marquise Patisserie and Boulagerie
I practically kept them in business the whole week I was there, eating chocolate éclairs and the most delectable tartelettes aux framboises.
Herstory is a weekly column on women and travel by Steph Ridhalgh. Steph is a Sydney born; New York based television producer and travel blogger. Not one for being quiet for too long she simply loves talking about travel and lifestyle.
Steph is the founder of STEP(h) ABROAD, a travel and lifestyle resource for those who love to be in the know and know how.
