Paris, je t'aime: Lisa Cannon on why the city holds a lot of special memories

Lisa and Richard

Paris, Oh Paris. I think every girl in the world dreams of jetting away for a magical trip to ‘City of Lights’ and ever since I worked in Disneyland Paris as a young woman, Paris has always been one of my favourite cities in the world. I got engaged there in the Royal Palais Jardin in 2013 to Richard with an epic romantic proposal with my mother’s ring and we stayed at Le Bristol Hotel. It was stuff of legends but even after all the unique and very different experiences of Paris over 30, the sparkling city and streets just seems to always look different with more to explore and find.

Over our last 5 wedding anniversaries, Richard and I have celebrated it in many places from Ibiza to Seychelles, Florence to London but one of my favourite anniversary celebrations was in Paris at the JK Paris 5 * Hotel which has properties in Capri, Rome and where we got married; Florence. We chose to go back to Paris and stay in the JK Place Paris as it’s the same Italian hotel group where we hired out the night before our wedding for our 100 guests in Florence right on the Piazza; MAGIC! I adore this stylish boutique hotel group and for me it encompasses everything that chic and cool personifies. The Hotel is just impossibly stylish with Tashen coffee table books to die for and boasting a subterranean pool that will even out any wrinkle of stress. 'Casa Tua' their signature restaurant is set to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Paris with a delicate touch: ricotta gnudi with pine nuts and velvety black-eyed peas or a bistecca crowned with caramelized foie gras and lobster like you’ve never seen it before. Without a doubt the staff such as Caroline and Benjamin are so helpful and kind, they make the experience unforgettable. I was treated to champagne and cake on the morning of the anniversary and Riccardo Ortogni the manager took great care of us putting together a list of some of must see spots on our whirlwind four nights, from Le Girafe Restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tour to the Alain Ducasse Boat Experience sur Seine which was simply breathtaking.

JK Place Paris made our anniversary so special as we relished in massages from the Sisley Spa to taking endless pictures of the style of the hotel; from the classical nudes to the marble claw-foot fireplaces where you would often find me with a glass of rose wishing I owned the place.

Set in the 7th Arrondissement you are minutes away walk from Musee d’Orsay and the Louvre so you can ramble around and soak up the sights before having a picnic at the Tuileries Gardens or walking a few minutes to the legendary luxury hotel Plaza Athenee Paris a 100 year old landmark that has seen everyone from Jackie O, Ava Gardner, Lauren Bacall, Sarah Jessica Parker in ‘ SATC' to John Lennon, Meryl Streep in the 'Devil Wears Prada' and Elizabeth Taylor stay there. It’s the epitome of French elegance and if I was you, take a lunch break at the 'Le Relais Plaza’ which is haute couture cuisine opened in 1936 and flanked by Christian Dior, Chanel and Harry Winston Jewels stores on the street. My advice is go for the rose champagne and the Beef Tartare which is made up in front of you by the chef.

Richard and I took in many of the sights but at our leisure and one that I would have to recommend was the Alain Ducasse Sur Seine Experience. We started the cruise at 8:30pm and docked around 11pm so it was ample time to see the glorious sights of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tour lit up at night. We quaffed Moet champagne and delicate wines to accompany the french food designed by one of the most celebrated chefs in French Cuisine which had everything from Steak to Fois Gras on the menu.

For me the highlight of the trip was simply wandering the city and relishing in all the places I had set foot before, we went to the location we got engaged and savoured the fun of all the street performers in Montmartre.

One of the most special evenings was an anniversary dinner at Le George the signature restaurant at The Four Seasons Paris, this was something out of a dream. Simone Zenoni is Head Chef at 'Le George' and has worked under Gordon Ramsey in London. The food is stratospheric! If you ever do one thing in your life, dine here and enjoy it, we stayed for four hours and took pictures of every course. It was manifique, a dining experience of a lifetime and one memory of Paris I’ll always hold dear.

Even though it was only a few days we loved our stay at JK Paris, not only was our room incredible but perfect interiors makes it so unique. It is however the staff that shine the brightest here making you feel like a movie star and helping you get the most out of your trip. Richard and I held hands through the city and soaked up the September sun, reminiscing about our wedding in Florence and how we all had the time of our lives, like everything in life - a moment never to be forgotten. Truly special, just like the city of Paris! 

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For more information

JK Paris Hotel  http://www.jkplaces.com/it/jkparis.

Plaza Athene Hotel https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/hotel-plaza-athenee/

Four Seasons Paris ‘Le George’ http://legeorge.com/en/home/

Alain Ducasse dur Seine https://www.ducasse-seine.com