Last Saturday, my cousin Billie and I headed over to the v chic Marais district, spread between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. It’s a lovely part of Paris, with lots of old buildings and cobbled streets (aka, what everyone pictures Paris to be like).

We went to a second hand clothes fair called Violette Sauvage, which had so many great bargains! I recommend you check them out, cos I know they do multiple events throughout the year, and you can find some really good stuff there. Alas, I didn’t get any photos of this as I was too busy squeezing my way through the throng of sweaty shoppers.

Afterwards, we cooled off in the Place des Vosges with a picnic. This is such a cute little park (with lots of shade, perfect for us gingers), surrounded by old quaint Parisian buildings. It’s effectively a massive courtyard with a park in it, and it’s really sweet. Lots of people come here to picnic, run, walk the dog, and do yoga.

We then headed further away from the main road, and explored the little back streets. You can get lost round here for hours. We found a café with a great home made lemonade (I’m so sorry, I didn’t catch the name). The whole area is basically a mix of random beautiful old buildings, great places to shop, really quiet backstreets and then cute shopping and eating areas. It’s definitely worth having a wander around, is what I’m trying to say.

We met at the metro station St Paul, and from there headed to the Place des Vosges and then wandered around. After seeing the Marais, we walked in the direction of Rambuteau, and saw the Centre Georges Pompidou. You have to pay to get in, except on the 1st Sunday of the month, which it sadly wasn’t, so we sat outside by the Stravinsky fountains, which hold 15 colourful sculptures inspired by the composter Stravinsky. There are lots of dancers and performers who like to practise and showcase round here so even if you just want to sit and have a crepe there’s always entertainment!

From there, you’re practically down the road from Les Halles, so if you fancy something more modern after strolling round Le Marais, head on over there for pretty much any shop you could think of… There’s an M&S in the underground station, by the way. I couldn’t find it, but it’s there somewhere. Housing English tea bags.