Recently a colleague asked me some advise about Paris, where to sleep and to eat and things to see.
Regarding hotels I didn’t give her much advise, because as in every big city there is a wide choice, depending on the area, the hotel and price category. Actually I have never slept in a really good hotel in Paris that I would suggest to others. Although I’m fully aware there are excellent hotels, but not really affordable for anyone…
Regarding restaurants I have two favourite places. My top favourite is Kinugawa, a Japanese restaurant in Rue du Mont-Thabor, not far from Place Vendôme. I have been there twice and I was never disappointed. They propose the traditional cuisine of Tokyo in the most authentic and refined way that I have ever tasted in Europe until now. Significant is the fact that Kinugawa has mainly Japanese customers. Like every good Japanese restaurant it’s not cheap, but if you appreciate their cuisine, you will remain enormously satisfied. Also because the service is excellent, which is not obvious in European big cities.
Another delicious restaurant that I like for its traditional French cuisine is Cocotte Jolie. Nice and cosy place, very friendly owners and good food. Located in one the most lovely streets of Paris, Rue Dauphine, not far from Pont-Neuf, it’s a real pleasure going there for dinner.
Needless to say that one of my favourite areas in Paris is Le Marais. I love this district not only for the marvellous Place des Vosges, but also for the friendly and calm atmosphere in the streets, the small restaurants and cafés, the jewish shops, the art galleries, the artistic environment. The Musée Picasso is surely worth a visit.

Another place I really like in Paris is the Palais de Tokyo, an eclectic museum for contemporary art, with many exhibitions, a very amusing shop (definitely not just a book shop!) and a nice restaurant.
Talking about Paris, my favourites list could be endless. I just told Manu that it’s time to go back again….