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March is a great month in Paris as spring seems to have set in here well before it reaches London (where I am at the moment). You can go out without twenty layers and tinges of green start appearing on the trees - life begins again. This month we are in the 2nd Arrondissement or Second District.
 One of my favourite market streets is the Rue Montorgeuil. It was renovated about five years ago - all the cobbles have been reset and polished - it is stunning. Though a little slippery when it rains. There is a great café called “Le Café” 62 Rue Tiquetonne Tel 01.40.39.08.00 - this is just off Rue Montorgeuil. A great place to hang out and catch some Parisian charm - you just might get attached so be careful. Then walk down the full length of the Rue Montorgeuil - it does feel a bit like a catwalk at weekends so eyes up ... the fruit, vegetable, fish and bread stalls are just beautiful. Be sure to fill up the hotel fridge if you have room.
One of my favourite shopping streets in Paris is the Rue Etienne Marcel where you will find Patrick Cox, Sylvia Rielle, Bill Tournade, Bon Point, Paul and Joe. Get the credit card out and find some fine Paris fashion for you or your loved one. This road confirms that Paris is still at the cutting edge of todays fashion trends.
Ok, ok all that shopping. You’re starving so nip back to the hotel to drop off all the bags and back out and start the evening at the Bistro Vivienne 4 rue Petits Champs 75002 Tel 01 49 27 00 50 - this is a wonderful belle époque bistro. If it is warm enough to have an ‘apero’ on the terrace, try something really French - a ‘mauresque’. This is ricard with an almond syrup - I love the stuff but you need to like aniseed.
After this, wander through the beautiful old Passage Vivienne. You used to be able to cross the whole of Paris via these ‘passages’. Sadly this is no longer possible, but there remain quite a few in this district of Paris.
 Now for dinner - its off to Place de la Bourse and the magnificent Le Vaudeville - 29 Rue Vivienne Tel 01 40 20 04 62.
This place is so much fun - both intimate and crowded. You may wonder how that’s possible, but in Paris - ‘tout est possible’. It is a brasserie restaurant so all your old favourites are on the menu from fine steaks to duck confit. They also have a particular reputation in the seafood departme nt so you are spoilt for choice.
The service is charming - so charming in fact I had a marriage proposal from one of the waitors after a bottle of Chateau Le Crock - a wonderful Bordeaux wine from the St Estephe area. You may not have the same providence as I did, but well you can always try!!! You may have a new husband or wife after a meal here!!
Imo
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