Australian Abroad Style

Here are a few of my outfits I have been wearing over the past month in Paris. It is now getting very cold during the days and especially at night and I am at the point where everyday I need to wear a coat, jumper and shirt just to stay warm. A hat or beanie is a regular addition. More photos to come as Winter progresses. 

Kaws at Galerie Perrosian

My favourite living artist KAWS has an exhibition at the famous Galerie Perrotin in Le Marais. The exhibition titled Imaginary Friends featured his famous Companion and Chum pieces as well as disney influenced paintings. KAWS used a variety of bright neon colours in a lot of his pieces which were amazing. The show runs until the 22nd of December if you are in Paris.

Christmas Season in Paris Part 1: Champs-Élysées

Along the lower sections of the Champs-Élysées is the Christmas markets running from Avenue Montaigne to Place de la Concorde. The markets feature a variety of food stalls selling both sweet and savoury dishes as well as retailers selling anything from gloves, to soaps and Christmas ornaments. There is also an ice skating area that includes an open area as well as a course to skate along.

At night time it is a bustling environment with everyone eating desserts and drinking vin chaud (hot wine with spices). It really gets you in the Christmas spirit.

Saint James Paris

In the 16th Arrondissement is the wonderful Saint James hotel. I caught up with a friend there for Sunday drinks. The dining room features wonderful mahogany and leather furnishings. It is a great spot for a kir cocktail in the afternoon.

Place de Vosges

In the heart of Le Marias is the beautiful square Place de Vosges. The park has lots of benches where you can sit and people watch. When I visited on a Saturday there was an opera singer practising near by, which further added to the wonderfulness of the park. Come summer the park will be packed with people relaxing and enjoying the sun.

Top 25 Bars in the World: #45 Candelaria

I had recently read about Candelaria in Drinks International Top 50 Bars of 2012. I had been a fan of their list for awhile as it had taken me to the brilliant New York bars of PDT, Death and Co, Dutch Kills and Clover Club.

When I read there were only 2 bars from Paris in the Top 50 I was a little disappointed but I set out to visit Candelaria to see what makes it the best bar in Paris (Le Bar Du Plaza Athénée is ranked 49). I visited with a friend at brunch on a Sunday as I heard they had good nibbles and specials on my favourite margaritas. The bar is in the back of a Mexican taco shop situated in the wonderful Le Marais district in the 3rd Arrondissiment. The bar is quiet and has a great feel to it. We ordered a serve of the guacamole and chips and I had a margarita of course. I couldn't fault either and really enjoyed the quiet Sunday drink. A visit at night time will need to be had to sample some of the other cocktails on the list. Overall I definitely recommend a visit even just for a quick cocktail as you walk around Le Marais.

Art in Le Marais

Around the Place des Vosges and on Rue de Turenne are a string of small independent galleries that features some unique pieces. In one gallery was an exhibition focusing on Mickey Mouse. Paris, much like New York with the SoHo and Chelsea areas, have wonderful smaller galleries that you stumble across while walking the streets. It is always amazing to turn the corner and see this level of quality art. 

Fall Foliage in Paris

Across Paris in November there was amazing fall foliage colours of red, oranges and yellows against the bright green leaves. The vibrant colours were found in the Parc Monceau in the 8th Arrondissiment and the Parc André Citroën in the 15th.

Australian Abroad: Paris Photo of the Day

Reims and the Champagne Region

Between the two tours of the Mumm and Moët & Chandon Champagne caves we visited the town of Reims and their amazing Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral. The cathedral replaced a previous church which was destroyed by fire in 1211. It was damaged during the first world war but restoartion began again in 1919. It is one of the largest cathedrals and I had been in and featured spectacular gothic architecture.

Afterwards we toured the city centre and then caught the bus through the Champagne vineyards to Épernay. The vineyards were speckled with amazing fall colours of red, yellows and oranges against the back drop of green. The weather was wonderful and made for a very scenic drive.