A modern designer hotel in the youthful and vibrant Bastille area of Paris, the Color Design Hotel reflects well the atmosphere of the neighbourhood and is true to its name with its contemporary, trendy and colourful design. The location is fantastic, the hotel is absolutely fabulous, the staff were OK - really nice but a bit disorganized. If you want to see the real face of Paris and are after a memorable experience, Color Design Hotel is a great option.

www.colordesign-hotel-paris.com/

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It's a short metro ride away from the glamour of high street shopping so was it worth it? While my Parisian friends told me they don't shop there, as the area is not very 'chic', I actually found some very good discounts and, surprisingly, some new season items, slightly discounted albeit with tiny flaws.

I found two great bargains at Cacharel that made the metro ride worthwhile. A cropped wollen jacket, rabbit-fur trimmed lapel €660 reduced to €120 and a frilly high-neck silk blouse reduced from €320 to €90.

There's also a great selection of clothes for children of all ages: girls’ embroidered cardigans at a ridiculous €30, boys' suits from €100 as well as lots of cashmere twin sets around €80-120. The ground floor is dedicated to monsieur.

Also impressive are the two Sonia Rykiel stores which had some wonderful knitted suits at very reasonable prices. As France’s 'queen of knits' you can be assured of quality and pick up tops in bright colours for under €100; her two stores had last season’s stock greatly reduced. You won’t believe the incredibly cute young girls and baby SR range. You’ll also find bags and shoes in those bright trademark colours. If you like these two brands, then ‘bon route’.

A few other stores promised Armani and Dolce & Gabbanna but disappointed. Others had a great selection of French brand names, Gerard Darel, Naf Naf but at the same price as the 5th! I did find some American Retro ‘timeless’ T-shirts for around €30. It is fun bargain hunting and, if I had more time, I would have done more shopping.

Shops are generally open Monday after 2pm then Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 7pm. I found most opened during the lunch hour (however the smaller ones may close).

Cacharel – 114 rue d'Alésia, Métro: Alésia, t: 01 45 42 53 04 or more details at www.myweekin.net

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For discounted Chloe, go to a little un-named shop on the south side of Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud between Rue Amelot and Blvd Voltaire in the Marais. Great selection at prices more than 50% off retail.

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