The Good Life ...in

The Good Life ...in Paris Janine Marsh talks to Australian in Paris Sandra Iskander, Editor of Where Paris Magazine about life in Paris and gets the insider's view of where to go and what to see... When was your first visit to Paris? It was back in 2004 that I visited Paris for the first time. I intended to stay for a year. I was always obsessed with Paris and the idea of living here and so I resigned from my job and decided to give it a go. "I came to Paris for 12 months, and I've been here for 13 years..." Just before I was to head back home, as I was aching to get back into working with magazines, and working in publishing proved a little bit difficult in Paris, I came across an ad for an editor’s role at Where Paris and so I applied. I think it was fate that I saw the ad when I did or else I would have gone back home and not have had the incredible experience I have been so fortunate in having up until now. I got the role and I have been here ever since. Is there anything that you miss from Australia? Besides my family and friends I would have to say I miss how friendly Aussies are and just how everyone smiles all the time. Having been away from home I realise it really is the simple things, and the little things, that I miss the most.

What’s a typical day for an editor of a Paris magazine? I am lucky that I get to do what I love and that every day is very different. I could be in front of my computer all day today replying to emails, writing articles or editing and approving layouts, and tomorrow I could be running around all day discovering new things for my readers, from the coolest bars to the season’s must-have accessory. If you want to get out of the city – where do you go? Home! And if I cannot get away long enough to get back to Melbourne I love to spend a weekend in London, Italy or a couple of days in Dubai to get some sun. What are your favourite bars in Paris? I love Manko, they make the best Pisco Sour, and Hotel Costes for the great people watching. I also like Le Perchoir bars, both in the 11th and on the rooftop of BHV (which by the way is open on Sundays), they make great cocktails and they both boast great views of the city. What are your favourite restaurants in Paris Pictures: Top: typically metro; middle: Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athene Hotel; Bottom: BHV Paris I love Loulou, Daroco and Le Coq because it’s just near my place, so when I don’t want to venture out far I just go there, the food is good and on the way there and back you have the best view of the Eiffel Tower. For a more refined dinner I would have to say Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée, I am a huge fan of his cuisine and the restaurant itself is exquisite.