My Beautiful Paris

Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais... and My Hair

Tuesday June 2, 2015

I want to quickly say that my intention was to post this piece well over a month ago and I apologize that it is just a wee bit out of date; however, as the saying goes… "better late than never."

Being completely unprepared, life had the nerve to clock me right in the face, forcing me to take a little time off. I have since balled up my tiny little fist and clocked it right back. So, here I am! 

In April I stayed at the sweetest little boutique hotel in the Marais, the Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais. The name derives from the famous 18th-century playwright, Pierre Beaumarchais, who lived just up the street on Rue Vieille-du-Temple.

It was during one of my previous visits to Paris, while strolling through the Marais, that I bumped into Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais. The rich and vibrant exterior caught my eye, so I wrote the name down and was determined to one day try it out.

The hotel and its location are perfect. The staff were friendly, welcoming and accommodating. Breakfast was excellent, with my favourite items being their coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and the right-out-of-oven flaky croissants. 

My room was incredibly charming. It faced the street and I took pleasure in hearing the sounds of the city. The bed was pretty and comfortable, but I specifically enjoyed the sweet little antique desk where I would sit in the evenings journaling my day. 

I asked my friend and photographer Carin Olsson to stop by early one morning to shoot a few photographs, as I intend to include this adorable hotel in my upcoming website, My Beautiful Hotels.

In order to prepare myself for our shoot I needed fresh hair. There is one thing I do not like to deal with while traveling, and that is my hair. It is long, naturally curly and stubborn. Did I mention stubborn. So, a blowout is a huge treat for me while I'm away.

Running out to a salon at sunrise was a bit too ambitious for me, however. I thought: "Surely, there must be a service where a stylist can come to you?" And here enters Ciara – my new favourite person in Paris. Where have you been all of my Paris life? After asking around, it wasn't long before I found Ciara Coiffure.

Not only is Ciara talented, producing a perfect blowout, but she offers her services at a reasonable price. She is also an extraordinarily sweet person.

If you are looking for this type of service I wouldn't think twice about recommending her.

I love this candid shot by Carin. It was taken after our photoshoot, while we made our way to breakfast at Carette in Place des Vosges, a mutual favourite spot.

Sadly, my next trip to Paris is not yet in the works. However, as always, I do hope it is sooner rather than later. It won't be long before I'm hankering for another oven-fresh croissant and hairdo by Ciara! 

 

All photos were taken by Carin Olsson of Paris in Four Months.