CB TRAVELS | SOURCING AT PREMIERE VISION & 48 HOURS IN PARIS

In mid-February, we travelled to Paris to attend Premiere Vision, a globally-renowned textile and fashion trade show that brings together suppliers of materials and services across six major industries. 

While Paris isn’t exactly a global destination for water lovers, it’s no secret that the city is broadly known as the capital of fashion. We lined up meetings with some of the top fabric and accessories suppliers exhibiting at the show, and sourced some beautiful textiles and components for our first collection. Our Eric Trunk in Navy is made from a beautiful French brushed nylon that we discovered at PV!

Following the show, we spent a couple days touring some of our favourite neighbourhoods in city, and checking out some places on our Paris bucket list. Here are our favourite haunts with a heavy focus on eats — because, Paris.

EAT & DRINK

Mary Celeste - Make a reservation and don't leave without ordering the devilled eggs. Even a hater will become a convert.

Hugo & Co - Gorgeous interior, exceptional service and beautiful small plates that feel luxurious yet approachable. Great value, great wine list, great neighbourhood. Request the chefs table for a view of the kitchen.

404 - One of the best value meals you'll find in Paris. Skip breakfast and go for weekday lunch -- you'll need an empty stomach.

Maria Loca - This spot is one of the most loved cocktail bars in Paris right now. Serving up unique cocktails with unusual ingredients, this hipster-esque bar appeals to an eclectic audience. We'd suggest sitting at the bar and leaving it to the barmen to mix up their favourites.

Little Red Door - We sought this place out after deciding to pick away at the World's Top 50 Bars list, and it didn't disappoint. Cozy with dark, moody interior and exceptional talent behind the bar, this lounge should be on the list for any true cocktail lover.

Candelaria - Exceptional speakeasy behind the doors of a small Mexican tacqueria. If you time it right and can get a seat, we'd recommend tacos first, cocktails second.

Merci - A great cafe and boutique in the heart of Marais. Shop a curated collection of great designers and then settle in for a latte and pastry. Or maybe coffee first...

SEE & DO

Pack a bottle of wine, baguette and block of cheese, and head to Jardin de Luxembourg for a few hours of people watching or time with your book. Perhaps the most charming park in Paris, this is the perfect place to enjoy a few hours in the sun. 

The oldest Jewish quarter in the city and now also known as the most fashionable neighbourhood in Paris, Le Marais provides a world-class shopping experience. Spend an afternoon shopping the boutiques of luxury brands, concept stores and small, independent shops that the neighbourhood offers. One of our favourite shops is La Garçonnière, a beautifully-curated men’s concept store offering everything from quality basics, outerwear and shoes to infused spirits, weekender duffels and vinyl — and you can get a trim at their in-house barber shop.

Wander through Marché Bastille, an outdoor market in Le Marais. It's only open Thursdays and Sundays until early afternoon, but if the timing works, we recommend grabbing breakfast here. The market offers primarily produce, fish and meat products, but there are a few great options for ready-made eats. Stop for a ham, cheese and egg crepe and thank us later.

Skip the long line and inevitable crowds of the Eiffel Tower climb, opting for lunch and view from the surrounding green space instead. Yes, this is our second recommendation for bread, cheese and wine in the park… do as the French do, it’s the best way to go.

Take in one of the best views of Paris from La Basilique du Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre. The exterior of the basilica is remarkable and worth the trip alone. From inside, catch views of the Eiffel Tower from the Dome, 300 steps up from the base.

See the sunset from the iconic Arc de Triomphe, France's national symbol of strength and unity. While we prefer to limit our time on the Champs d’Elysees — a little too packed with tourists for our liking — the Arc is a must-see. The monument represents an incredible history and offers beautiful views from the top. It's worth noting that views of this incredibly architecture are equally as impressive.

We can’t say enough about the City of Lights. Truly, it deserves all its praise and more. If you take any of our recommendations or have favourites of your own, let us know below!