Arts + travel

Create your own Perfume

10th May 2011 Have you ever dreamt of creating your own perfume scent? Well, it’s actually possible!  Patricia Nicolaï, founder of Nicolaï Createur de Parfum in Paris, runs workshops where participants can create their own scent and take it home with them. During the session, you’ll discover what it means to have a “nose” – the term used to distinguish various scents – and work with natural oils and scents used in making perfume.  You prepare your own 100ml bottle of perfume, which you can christen with the name of your choice.  Courses are held in a historical building, located near Palais Royal.  Patricia Nicolaï, a descendant of the Guerlain family, the luxurious perfume and cosmetic company, started Nicolaï in 1989, with her husband.  The scents in her collections are fresh and delicious – with names like Weekend in Deauville and Violette in Love. There are also Home Fragrances – my personal favourites are Bal à Venise and Resiné de Pin.  For a stimulating and unusual experience, book a Nicolaï Perfume Workshop! More details at www.pnicolai.com.  There are Nicolaï shops in Paris and one in London at 101a Fulham Road SW3. JG

Le Jardin Brasserie

6th May 2011 Cathedral, culture and champagne form the nucleus of Reims, a 45-minute train ride from Paris.  Over thirty kings of France were crowned at Cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims, so the region is rich in historical treasures and lore. Reims is also the champagne capital of France, and for superb champagne sipping, Le Jardin Brasserie at Les Crayères is a memorable experience. The Brasserie is part of the magnificent Chateau Les Crayères, set in equally magnificent gardens. In addition to the fine bubbly on offer, the food is wonderful – here I savoured the best meal I’ve eaten in France. During the summer, lunch and dinner are served outside in gardens lush with trees and flowers.  Les Crayères is part of the Relais&Chateau group, and it’s a grand place to stay for a champagne/cuisine/cultural celebration.  www.lescrayeres.com JG

When O Fil de L’O docks at quai de la Tournelle, this is a sure sign that spring has arrived  in Paris! I have a special fondness for this floating kiosque, a restored 1920’s Venetian vaporetto moored on the Seine, and silhouetted against the majestic towers of Notre Dame. This is the perfect place to start the day with coffee and croissants, or pop by for lunch, and choose from a menu that includes salads, hot dishes, tempting desserts, and a wide variety of beverages. During the summer, Sundays are lively on O Fil de L’O with a Jazz Brunch. Directors Christian and Christophe are very welcoming, and the friendly staff understands if you’re in a daze, being surrounded by this wondrous display of Parisian beauty and history! O Fil de L’O is docked on La Seine until the end of September. www.ofil2lo.com JG