Paris. Springtime. A cheap hostel. Advertised as decrepit but romantically situated. The holiest of holes. Iron clad beds with blue striped mattresses. Soiled prints of Edith Piaf sticky taped to crimson flaking walls. Sadie loved Edith Piaf, she would refer to her as ‘little sparrow’ as though they crossed paths in another lifetime. They were born with the same watery eyes. My eyes were grey. Cloudy grey. Not even a proper colour. A shade. Once I suggested Sadie cut her hair short, curl it like Edith’s. She frowned between arched eyebrows. “Admiration and obsession are different things. I don’t want to be her.” There was contempt in her voice, something easily ignored. She failed to mention she had friends in this city of red. A friend. Had I known, I would have suggested Vienna instead. We met her friend Vanessa at

Only about 30kms from Marseille, the small fishing port of Cassis is one of the first stops along the coast that exude French Mediterranean charm. Cassis’s quaint and colourful old town is clustered around a compact little harbour, and some of its buildings date back to the 16th century. The village was a favourite subject of the fauvist artists, including Georges Braque (who lived here) and a bohemian, creative spirit has remained. On the first Sunday of every month (April to October only) a group of local artists set up an open-air market, with interpretations of Cassis and its famous landscape.

Is there anything more charming than a French market? The colours, the bustle, the scent of herbs and pungent cheeses; if anyone region in Europe exceeds at outdoor market ambiance it would have to be Provence and

When Yves Saint Laurent died in 2008, the fashion world mourned. Now many devotees make the journey to the Pierre Bergé - YSL Foundation in memory of the late genius of haute couture. The foundation is located in the designer’s old atelier. When it shut upon his retirement in 2002, Yves Saint Laurent, together with his business and romantic partner Pierre Bergé, decided to convert it into a foundation-museum dedicated to his life, work and the way he revolutionized the way women dress. More than 5,000 pieces of apparel are stored here, many of which have been donated from his long-standing clients, such as the French acting legend Catherine Deneuve and Loulou de la Falaise, his long-time muse. They are kept on the upper floors in museum-like conditions which involves careful monitoring of hygrometric (or atmospheric humidity) levels and acid-resistant archive containers; all designed to keep these artifacts of high fashion for prosperity. The pieces are rotated twice yearly, and other objects on display include numerous sketches, videos of his shows, press clippings and books. There are also collections of photographs and paintings that were inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s collections, which were themselves often influenced by traditional forms ...

A visit to Paris is often associated with guilty pleasures; there’s something about those delicate, pastel-coloured macaroons, rich, red Bordeaux wine and even pure silk lingerie that would be foolish to resist. So why stop at shopping and eating? While you’re at it, indulge your body and mind at one of the city’s top spas. Le Spa Nuxe (32 rue Montorgueil, www.nuxe.com). Exposed brick walls and natural wood combined with contemporary furniture in earth tones set the scene for this popular urban spa that offers both Western and Eastern styles of treatments and massages. Nuxe skincare products, which are produced under the principles of phytotherapy and aromatherapy, are used exclusively. La Bulle Kenzo (1 rue du Pont-Neuf, www.labullekenzo.com), Anything that carries the name of French- Japanese designer Kenzo Takada you expect to be unconventional, and this futuristic spa is no exception. In a quirky décor featuring the designer’s signature vivid colours, you can lie in on a bright pink massage matress (you didn’t presume to see a regular massage table did you?) where you will receive a ‘choreographic massage’ accompanied to music whilst watching the abstract projections on the walls around you unfold. Later on, you will be ...

Here at Holiday Velvet we often get asked about where you can leave your luggage whilst you are waiting to 'check in' to your apartment or after you have 'checked-out'. Whilst you can always ask the owner directly if they are able to look after your bags for a few hours, left luggage facilities still exist at many major train stations and other transport hubs. These days, most of these facilities run on an automated locker system (gone are the days when you checked in your bag in as you would a coat in a nightclub). Remember that they may fill up at peak periods. Rome When arriving at Termini Station on the Leonardo Express train from Fiumicino airport, you can leave your baggage in the ‘piazza’ on the lower-ground floor (follow the ‘Deposito bagagli’ signs). It’s open 6am-midnight, 7 days a week. Venice ‘Deposito bagagli’ is available at Santa Lucia Train Station (open 6am-midnight daily). Cooperative Trasbagagli is a private company that will not only store you luggage for you, but take it by boat to your place of accommodation, saving you schlepping bags over the bridges and canals. They have two offices in Venice; one at the Piazzale Roma (open 6am to ...

During your holiday in Paris if you are looking for a break from fine French cuisine, there is wide range of alternatives to choose from in the Bastille area of Paris. There are several ethnic restaurants in this area serving high quality food and below a guide of some of the best ones.The Blue Elephant (43 Rue de la Roquette) - is within very close walking distance from the Bastille. This is an excellent Thai restaurant where you can try delicious dishes such as the coconut prawns in tamarind sauce. The service is also very good here and you can ask for less spicy dishes if you prefer mild food. Chez Marianne (Rue de Roisiers) - arguably serves the best ethnic food in the city, with North African food the key theme in this restaurant. Visitors can enjoy many kinds of interesting dishes and meals, including custom made falafel and hummus. In the summer be sure to ask to be seated at one of the tables outside and enjoy the night breeze. Godjo (8 rue de l Ecole polytechnique) - is an Ethiopian restaurant which has gained a very good reputation in recent years. The decor is unusual and ...

Right in the heart of Paris is a partially underground multiple storey shopping center called Châtelet-Les Halles. While some French people are not particularly keen on this 1970's construction, the area is very popular as some excellent shopping can be had and even on Sunday, many of the shops are open when the rest of Paris is closed. Châtelet-Les Halles area is also a good place to dine or party as there are some fine restaurants and nightclubs.Unless shopping malls really attract you, it is best to avoid the Forum des Halles and to focus on the small boutiques in the local neighbourhood. For example there is some pretty stylish clothing and accessories to be found in Agnès b. on the Rue du Jour, in Et Vous Outlet at 17 Rue de Turbigo, and also in Scooter which is in Rue de Turbigo, 10. If you venture down Rue Etienne-Marcel there are many great shops that will definitely catch your eye, such as Diesel, Barbara Bui, and Kabuki. If you like to try on vintage clothing then take a stroll down the Rue de la Grande-Traunderie and be amazed by the collection of great clothes within Iglaïne. Once you’ve ...

Ice skating in the winter is a popular pastime and activity in Paris (as well in New York!). During the Christmas season, Parisians and tourists flock to their favourite spots to have a wonderful time skating on the ice. One of the most popular ice skating spots is near Châtelet, in the area around the Hôtel de Ville, which comes alive during the Christmas season. The Hôtel de Ville (which means ‘City Hall’ in French) is the seat of the Mayor of Paris, and where the city’s business is conducted.During Christmas time, a delightful atmosphere of fun and happy activity exists in this area because of the large outdoor ice skating rink in front of the Hôtel de Ville in Châtelet Les Halles. Here, ice skaters can enjoy the cold weather and the Christmas atmosphere. This skating rink covers an area of 1200 square metres and a beginner’s rink along with a children’s slide is also available. Visitors to the rink can also ride on one of the two antique merry-go-rounds here. There is no charge for skating here, and if you do not have skates, they are available on rent for 5€. The Hôtel de Ville’s outdoor skating ...

Music lovers from all over the world planning a trip to Paris in June should time their visit to see La Fête de la Musique, a street music festival held on the 21st of June each year. This is a wonderful opportunity for music enthusiasts to experience a wide range of music showcased in events that are held on the Parisian streets, in its parks, bars, town squares and cafes. Hundreds of musicians perform at these venues and the music featured during La Fête de la Musique ranges from classical music, to rock, jazz, the blues, electronic music, hip-hop, thrash metal, folk music and more. Entry to the performances is free of charge as the artistes do not charge a fee for their contributions. La Fête de la Musique celebrates the Summer Solstice and the music usually begins after the sun goes down. Details about the programme, times and venues will be available online close to the date of the La Fête de la Musique. Generally, the rock music events are held at the Place de la Republique, while the Palais Royal courtyard plays host to classical music performances. Indie style music events usually take place at Denfert-Rochereau. ...