My Favourite Parisian Brasseries

Paris is one of the most-written-about cities in the world. The image of a French writer or heartbroken woman outside Café de Flore on Boulevard Saint Germain, book and espresso in hand, is surely one of the most visible (albeit cliché) sights we can all envisage in our minds. 

As someone with more than a penchant for Paris, food, and wine (and cheese), I have always feverishly sought out the best brasseries to visit whilst on a trip to the City of Light. Simply, there's nothing more relaxing than sitting with friends en terrasse over coffee, watching and commenting on the locals strolling by. On a recent birthday trip with my sister, this is all our itinerary consisted of (case in point with all of the below photographs I'm about to bombard you with). Having visited Paris countless times, and after reading some of the best guidebooks on offer - The New Paris and À Paris Avec Amour being my favourites - I've become quite the brasserie connoisseur. Ahead, you'll find a lengthy list of where best to head for your morning bowl of coffee, your late-afternoon lunch, and your post-dinner digestif. 

Bonjour Londres! Where To Find the Best of Paris in London

Because, if you can't be a Parisenne, you can be a fake French-Londoner, sans beret.

London truly has it all. And that even means a little bit of Paris too. The city of romance is full of charm, history, tradition, amazing food, fashion, wine - the list is endless. Paris is certainly fetishised through the lens of Instagram, and has its flaws of being dirty and expensive, but the city somehow remains magical despite all its faults. And in a world obsessed with perfectionism, isn't that part of the charm?

2018 Travels: Five Places On My List

Positano, Amalfi, Italy

Travelling is the only thing I'm happy to admit I'm greedy about. Sure, pancakes and pizza make the list too, but there's something about travelling that makes me commit all the deadly sins. I lust after every place I read in Condé Nast Traveller, become greedy by booking more and more every year and take supreme pride in making each of my holidays the most perfect they can be. Yet, I'm still not ashamed. Travel enables us to escape, experience and learn so much. We can leave winter at home and arrive in the height of summer. We can learn a new language, swim in unknown waters, walk along untouched sand and learn about endangered wildlife.

And does anyone else ever get that feeling of impatience and restlessness when it comes to travel? Once one is over, we're thinking of the next, in a never-ending cycle of researching, booking or preparing for holidays. There's almost a frightened feeling that nestles itself within me that I will never be able to see all of what Earth has to offer, all of what I want to see, smell, touch and taste in the world.

So with the summer of 2017 wrapped up and London in full autumn swing, I'm fervently planning 2018 travels. Some of these that made the list have been on my 'must-visit' for years, but I finally think next year is the time to go.

Pancakes and Bali Bowls, Amsterdam

It is a truth universally acknowledged that it will rain in Amsterdam during some point of your visit. 

Be it a day long downpour or a passing shower, however, you'll still find yourself relishing in all of that the city has to offer.

We found ourselves relishing in breakfast.

Cycling Through Vondelpark, Amsterdam

When in Amsterdam, do as the Dutch do!

So in true Dutch style, we hired bikes and took a spin through Vondelpark, the 'Hyde Park' of Amsterdam (but most certainly nicer by my opinion!).

Exploring Jordaan, Amsterdam

I must confess, Amsterdam was never part of my bucketlist of places to visit, until now..

When my sister mentioned a trip a few years back, the immediate thought of "coffeeshops", stag do's and other unmentionable things sprang to mind. No thank you.

However, after reading a few too many blog posts with a not bad word said against it, and Alice, a work colleague of mine, suggesting her and I go, we booked a flight immediately (sorry Jess, next year!). It is a 45 minute flight after all!

Into the Wilderness, Zermatt

There is not one hike in Zermatt that isn't worth walking. The crisp mountain air, the sound of the crickets buzzing in the midst of the alpine flora and the awe-inspiring views can be experienced from any angle. 

But if you want the real thrill of adventure, then fly on the cable car up to Shwarzee.

Sundays in Zermatt

Sundays in Zermatt are a relaxed affair. 

The town comes alive and oozes with atmosphere on Friday and Saturday nights but come Sunday, everything is a little snoozy. 

Swiss Day Festivities, Zermatt

The First of August in Switzerland is a pretty big deal. After all, it happens to mark the country's birthday!

The quiet little town booms with atmosphere in the evening, with crowds of locals and tourists coming together (in the name of beer, might I add) to celebrate.

Waking up bright and early, we started the day by catching the cable car up to Furi.

Lunch at Cervo, Zermatt

Cervo in Zermatt, Switzerland, is quite like no other.

A boutique mountain resort perched just above the town, overlooking the Matterhorn. This hotel is the stuff of dreams and the perfect package for families, couples and adventurers alike. Though we always stay in our home-from-home of Parkhotel Beau Site, we always make sure to pop by to Cervo for lunch. Unsurprisingly, this year was no different.

Visiting Audrey Hepburn, Lake Geneva

This probably has to be my favourite and most special blog post yet. Anyone who truly knows me is more than aware of my adoration for Audrey Hepburn.

On our annual family trip to Zermatt, Switzerland, we usually take four-hours worth of trains to get there. But upon realising hiring a car was not only a shorter journey, but a cheaper one too, we buckled in and saddled up ready for a roadtrip around Lake Geneva to Zermatt. I knew that Audrey's home, La Paisible, was located in Morges on Lake Geneva which just happened to be in the middle of the route. So, I begged my family to take a quick detour for me to see it -it's any Hepburn fan's Mecca after all.

Cacti Heaven, Barcelona

The best sights in any city, in my opinion, are those that steer well clear of the tourists. Off-the-beaten-track gems, cultural spaces and undiscovered landmarks that you get to enjoy all by yourself are just as worthy of seeing than any Eiffel Tower or Buckingham Palace.

A Barcelona cactus garden probably doesn't seem like much of an exciting, must-see thrill, but it is a fun botanical highlight that will teach you plenty about Spanish flora and treat you to a beautiful view over Barceloneta Beach and the harbour. 

But first, breakfast baby.

Surf House, Barcelona

My favourite day of every trip is always the beach day.

We strip off into barely-there bikinis, bathe in the tropical sunlight and listen to the sound of waves echoing in the distance.

But all beach days begin with a good breakfast feast.

Gaudi, Gallito's and Poolside Drinks, Barcelona

In comparison to London, Barcelona seems a lot smaller in size.

You can get from the heart of the city to the beach in a matter of a few minutes, but getting from West to East in London will take you nearly half an hour.

On our second day in the city of sunshine, it's safe to say we took advantage of this and packed in a lot.

Sightseeing in Barcelona

Barcelona is one my all time favourite cities. With amazing shopping, food, sightseeing, architecture and the beach all on offer, it's not hard to understand why. 

Abandoning our luggage in the hotel, we headed straight to Lulu's in El Born.

One Fire Beach and Sunset Cocktails, Amalfi

There's nothing quite like being in the open sea, is there? It's so much more open, wild and free than a pool. You suddenly realise how small and vulnerable you are in such a big world, in such a big sea. 

On our last day along the magical Amalfi Coast, we headed to Praiano for a splash, dive and a swim in the Mediterranean waters. We grabbed our towels, fetched a punnet of fresh Italian strawberries and hopped on the bus from Sorrento.

Exploring Positano

Positano is quite simply one of the most beautiful and extraordinary villages I have ever visited. 

Colourful buildings, bewilderingly perched on the side of the cliff, cascade down towards the open sea, where another myriad of colours from the umbrellas line up one by one facing the shore. It's peaceful, charming and utterly postcard-perfect. 

Waking up sharp, bright and early, we caught the bus to Positano from Sorrento.

Trattoria da Emilia, Sorrento

One of the most magical moments in a day is sunset.

Some are so beautiful that not even the strongest of words can quite describe the phenomenon before our eyes.

The sunset in Sorrento, however, is quite literally the best I've ever seen. The sun drowns and disappears into the endless sea, dispersing colours of peach, orange, red and indigo into the faded blue of the sky. After seeing it on our very first night, we decided to make the most of it by having dinner at one of Sorrento's best-known restaurants by the sea.

Jetting to Capri and the Grotto Azzurra

If I had a penny for every Instagram photo I've ever seen of Capri, I'd be one rich woman.

But, now I get it. The rocky island of Capri, located just off of the bay of Naples, is the most picturesque, classy and oh so glamorous place one could quite possibly visit in the world. 

On our third day along the Amalfi Coast, we jetted to this Italian paradise.

A Summer Sojourn to Sorrento

Until this trip, I've never had the pleasure of visiting Italy. A Roman holiday always sounded delightful and a romantic trip to Florence was worthy of a dream. But finally I had the chance to experience the true Italian dolce vita with a whirlwind trip to the Amalfi Coast with my sister.

Italy most certainly lived up to all of my expectations - endless gelato, spaghetti, fresh wine and eternal sunshine. I'd be lying to say the trip wasn't truly perfect from beginning to end.

For now, let's dive into our first day.