The Good Life France Magazine




The Good Life France Magazine brings you the best of France - inspirational and exclusive features, fabulous photos, mouth-watering recipes, tips, guides, ideas and much more...


Published by the award winning team at The Good Life France

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2 years ago

Issue No. 23

Welcome to the summer! In this issue discover Dijon in Burgundy, sensational Strasbourg (and a secret speakeasy), and lovely Cognac. We'll tell you where the locals go on holiday, the secret places. Visit Versailles and the Paris Opera, Le Touquet - the "Monaco" of northern France and wild Provence. Guides, recipes and more - your trip to France without leaving home...

Where to stay in Paris

Where to stay in Paris With more than 2000 hotels to choose from in Paris, it's not easy so we've done the hard work for you. Tried and tested, enjoy our pick of the best hotels in the city of light... Cool and classy: Au Boeuf Couronné in the 10th arr. has a line 5 metro stop right outside. The hotel opened in 2017 and is next door to the restaurant of the same name, the oldest steakhouse in Paris. It’s right by the Philharmonic de Paris, Gare du Nord, La Villette and not far from Père- Lachaise cemetery. I am amazed this place is classified 3 star, I’ve stayed in higher starred hotels that were nowhere near as good as this. The rooms are big and the bathrooms are fabulous. It’s quiet and comfy and welcoming. It’s a bit of a steal as it’s not expensive at all (prices start from €80 for 2 people) though it looks like it ought to be. Location-wise, it’s terrific and it’s easy to get into the centre of Paris taking just 15 mins to Bastille from the Metro outside the front door. Fabulous and chic: the 5 Star MGallery Hotel Paris Bastille Boutet is close to the Marais district in the heart of lively Bastille in a wonderful art deco building, which was once a wood storage factory, before becoming a theatre then hotel. They have the comfiest beds I have ever experienced, like sleeping on a cloud. Beautifully converted, lovely, luxurious rooms, great spa, swimming pool and fitness area and terrific bar. It’s within easy walking distance of Père-Lachaise cemetery and there are many great bars and restaurants close by.

Stylish & gorgeous: The 4 star Hotel Balmoral is literally yards from the iconic Arc de Triomphe but in your room you're cocooned in tranquillity. I arrived quite late and must admit I had had every intention of going for a moonlit walk to take photos but the lovely deep bath and comfy bed lured me in. It is a 19th century Haussman designed building that’s pure boutique, personal, luxurious and very welcoming. The rooms are classically Parisian, elegant, modern and luxurious; there are also suites and apartments which can take two couples (and a child). Internationally renowned architect Michel Jouannet was instrumental in helping to create the new look for the hotel, his work is known in Venice, Rio de Janeiro and all around the world but this Paris hotel has to be one of his best projects. Chic and a stone’s throw from Gare du Nord: Hotel Mademoiselle is a comfy 4 Star hotel with a touch of luxury right by the Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. It’s just a 15-minute walk to Montmartre, the metro stations are really close, Gare du Nord is a five minute walk as is Gare de l’Est and the RER line for Disney Paris. The road it is in is quite busy by day but a haven of tranquillity by night. Real Paris is just two minutes away. While one end of the road leads to the stations, the other end leads to restaurants and bars, pretty squares and churches and local life. The rooms are stylish, there’s a lovely inner courtyard where taking your breakfast is an uplifting experience, plus spa facilities (book them in advance, they’re free but get filled quickly).