Paris: Canal St. Martin
// SMUDGE - Paris Part 4: Canal St. Martin //
Even though I have been in Paris for almost three months, I had yet to visit the gorgeous Canal Saint Martin in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. I am so glad I finally did because I had a super fun day exploring this can’t miss, super hip, beautiful area of Paris
The Canal- Canal Saint Martin was built in 1825 and stretches 2 and a half miles through the 10th and 11th. There are numerous bridges on the canal perfect for photo opps and selfies. You can take a ridiculously slow sight seeing boat down the canal but honestly the best way to enjoy her is strolling along the banks, finding the perfect picnic spot right next to the water, and enjoying a baguette with some wine like a local.
Lunch At Sésame- There a many cool tready hipster cafés along St. Martin and I decided to stop at Sésame and I am so happy I did. To drink I ordered the orange, melon, basil smoothie and it was SO GOOD, I am going to have to recreate it at home. I haven’t had a bagel since arriving in France and Sésame is known for their fabulous bagels so this was super excited. Served on sesame asiago bagels, I ordered the Rachel ( chicken, honey, avocado, and cream cheese ) and the Blondin ( roast beef, mustard, and cream cheese ) and they were both flipping delish. Sésame also has really cool brunch tasting menus. Sit inside the adorably decorated café or outside with a perfect view of the water.
Artazart Design Bookstore- The super cool specialty store Artazart has unique art inspiration books from all over the world. From textile to photography books and great knick-knacks this is the perfect place to find a souvenir that isn’t a tacky Eiffel Tower apron.
Le Comptoir Général- I was chillin' next to the water when I noticed that people kept wandering into this random alley, so I went to explore. What I discovered was probably the most random / super cool spot I have ever stumbled upon. Le Comptoir Général is a bar, restaurant, clothing store, movie theater, dance floor, and museum all combined. Yeah, its nuts and unlike anything you will have experienced before. Currently their theme is American 80′s cult classic movies and I can’t wait to watch movies like Goonies and Jaws at the weekly Tuesday night movie screenings.
OOTD-
BLOUSE: Sandro Elona Top
BOOTS: Sam Edelman Suede Booties / similar