Tag Archives: France

Okko Hotel, Grenoble Jardins Hoche

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The hotel scene in Grenoble is tired and old-fashioned, with few options for stylish travellers. The new Okko Hotel is changing that, with their modern urban accommodation.

Okko Hotel Grenoble

The lift on the ground floor will transport to up to level 1 where a quick and easy check-in takes place. There are Classic and Premium rooms to choose from, both of which offer custom-made Cocomat bed covered in Italian crumpled linen, Nespresso machine, walk-in shower & bathroom and cosmetics from Nuxe. Our classic bedroom felt small but functional, with everything we needed for a short weekend break.

Okko Hotel GrenobleOkko hotel grenoble

The bedrooms are cleverly designed with asymmetrical features throughout. A small desk allows business guests to work, while a leather sofa and flatscreen tv are a tempting option for those who need to unwind after a long journey.

Okko Hotel GrenobleOkko Hotel Grenoble

All the Okko Hotels have a Club area, which allows guests to relax with a drink or snack, read or work. In the Grenoble hotel the Club space is open and light with contemporary furniture providing a welcoming room to spend time in. During the day delicious little cakes, juices and bottles of water are available and complimentary for all guests.

Okko hotel grenoble

After a good night’s sleep we wandered downstairs, where a light continental buffet breakfast of is served in the Club lounge. We took our pastries and coffees out to the terrace, to enjoy the fresh air and view over the city.

The Okko Hotel in Grenoble was the perfect place to rest our heads during our short time in the city. Functional but fun, this centrally located hotel is comfortable, luxurious and stress-free.

Chris Kenny Grenoble

While in Grenoble don’t miss the Chris Kenny exhibition at the Musee Hebert, a magical collection of works which feel wonderfully at home in this beautiful building.

More information and book a stay at Okko Hotel, Grenoble Jardins Hoche here.

A Foodie Summer in Paris

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Paris is beautiful in every season, but feels particularly romantic and special in summer when the historic buildings glow in the sun and the squares are filled with people enjoying the city of love. I recently stopped by the French capital for a quick update on the newest restaurants and cafes.

Cafe Kitsume Paris

I followed the fashionistas to the Palais Royal gardens where Cafe Kitsune is hidden beneath the historic arches. The tiny design cafe has all kinds of treats to enjoy after a tiring shopping spree. Order a creamy coffee and a fox shortbread and enjoy on an outdoor table in the sunshine.

E'Clair de Genie

The L’Eclair de Genie pastries are very Instagrammable and have become a must on any foodie’s visit to Paris. Try the salted caramel butter flavour, from one of the patisserie branches located around the city.

Mori Yoshida

Japanese pastry chef Mori Yoshida‘s shop in Paris is a pristine gallery of beautiful cakes and sweets. It was almost impossible to choose from the cabinets of delicate and sugary works of art. If you visit in the morning opt for a croissant, or for an afternoon snack you can’t beat the colourful macarons.

Telescope coffee

Telescope coffee shop is rumoured to serve the best caffeine in Paris, and I was certainly impressed when I stopped by one morning. Tucked away in the 1st Arrondissement the premium speciality coffee here is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Liberte Patisserie

Liberte Patisserie Boulangerie by Benoit Castel is a stylish and modern bakery nearby to the Canal St Martin. Whether you choose a perfect baguette or a cream vanilla tart, the prices are reasonable and the taste is second to none.

Boulangerie du Pain et des idees

Many consider Boulangerie du Pain et Des Idees to be the maker and seller of the best croissants in town. This cosy traditional bakery is unmissable for its buttery and indulgent croissants, pain au chocolat and pistachio escargot (spiral pastries). But visit early in the day as they sell out fast.

Saturne

Saturne (an anagram for natures) is one of the newer Michelin star restaurants in Paris. This minimalist contemporary restaurant is run by chef Sven Chartier and sommelier Ewen Lemoigne who present a simple but refined menu that is creative and seasonal.

septime

It is not easy to get a table at Bertrand Grébaut’s hip and beautiful Septime restaurant. The chic industrial dining room is a lovely place to spend time enjoying a delicious lunch with friends. If you can’t get a reservation try the sister seafood restaurant, Clamato, a few doors down.

Ellsworth Paris

When it comes to eating American food in Paris there are plenty of exemplary venues to choose from. Ellsworth is a newer addition to the scene with a particularly delicious brunch menu. Don’t miss the irresistible fried chicken.

L’Oiseau Blanc, Peninsula Paris

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The palatial Peninsula Paris has recently undergone a £600 million renovation and it is looking more majestic than ever. The original 19th Haussmann details have been kept beautifully in tact while stunning additions like the lobby’s cascading glass installation add a touch of modern sophistication.

Peninsula ParisPeninsula Paris

I visited a few weeks ago to try out the celebrated rooftop restaurant which arguably, boasts the best views of the city. L’Oiseau Blanc is an aviation themed eatery, which pays homage to the flight Charles Nungesser and Francois Coli attempted across the Atlantic in 1927. Look out for the full scale replica of fated plane on the Peninsula Paris roof (the journey was sadly unsuccessful).

Peninsula Paris

For a food photographer the light on a summer’s night up at L’Oiseau Blanc could not be more perfect. While the restaurant was empty I relished the opportunity to snap away from every angle. It felt very special to be toasting our glasses of champagne in sight of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Peninsula ParisPeninsula ParisPeninsula Paris

The service was immaculate from start to finish, smart waiters attended to every detail of the meal, ensuring we always had enough water and there were no crumbs on the table! Delightful little mouthfuls arrived with the freshly baked bread to whet our appetite for the meal ahead.

Peninsula ParisPeninsula Paris

Chef Sidney Redel selects seasonal ingredients to create a fresh and exciting menu each day though there are a few favourites that appear frequently. To start we picked Chicken Ravioli and white cuttlefish and the vegetarian salad. For a warm evening there were the perfect choices, light and subtle recipes but with plenty of flavour. The single ravioli was concealed within a neat pile of radishes, cherry tomatoes, Rainier cherries and sauteed chanterelle mushrooms, adding sweetness and seasoning to the delicate pasta. My salad tasted very Provencal with fine green beans and a delicious dressing.

Peninsula ParisPeninsula Paris

Main courses were rather more robust, impressive, fine cuts of meat and fish paired with creative accompaniments. The John Dory was cooked to perfection though slightly overpowered by the strong scarmorza cheese and Lardo di Colonnata, and I felt the black olive tapenade wasn’t necessary. Duck from Paul Renault roasted with nutmeg was a hit, indulgently caramelised meat on a bed of Sicilian aubergine caviar and oyster mushrooms. Wine was offered to us, carefully chosen by the sommelier to match the food choices.

Peninsula ParisPeninsula Paris

For dessert we took our waiters advice and ordered the kitchen speciality, ‘L’Envol’, a magical sphere of dark chocolate filled with chocolate biscuit and custard, sorbet and fresh raspberries and hazelnut streusel. It was a masterpiece, rich and decadent with a good balance of chocolate and fruit. We also sampled the meringue with coconut, raspberry and black cherry. It was a pleasant pudding though the red fruits element made it quite similar to the first dessert.

L’Oiseau Blanc is an occasion restaurant, with fine food, exemplary service and postcard views, it will make you feel special from the moment you step out of the lift.

More information and book a table at L’Oiseau Blanc here.