Gatsby style from London to Paris…

Platform 2 at Victoria - The British Pullman

One Thursday morning, not quite knowing what to expect, I ventured into a corner of Victoria Station that I never knew co-existed with the regular rush-hour nature of the station. I arrived at Platform 2 to meet the group I was travelling with at the Orient-Express check-in lounge. The experience instantly starts here as you’re transported into a time warp of 1920’s elegance. Excited guests were already clad in their best evening dress and wait to board the glamourous British Pullman. I felt underdressed and it was only 9:30am!

Brunch on The British Pullman

We settled into plush armchairs onboard The British Pullman and our journey towards the coast started. Sitting back and enjoying the country views, we were then treated to Peach Bellinis and a slap-up brunch of smoked salmon, caviar and creamy scrambled eggs. We crossed the Euro Tunnel and then boarded the world-famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to continue the next stretch of the journey to Paris. Like out of a scene of The Great Gatsby, or  from the Channel No 5 mini-movie, everything was original 1920’s and  in the fashion of  Audrey Tautou in No 5, I was half expecting to bump into a stunning stranger at every turn! It wasn’t the case on this trip… but in any case, it was magical enough as I had my own private cabin, complete with a makeup cubicle and plush sofa. It seemed unreal to then slip into a black cocktail dress and meet the other girls for dinner. Everyone was in black tie and we sat down for a five-course dinner served in one of the many opulent carriages… this was then followed by Agatha Christie cocktails in the Bar Car as we listened to a live jazz pianist.

The Bar Car on The Venice-Simplon-Orient Express

As we gracefully rolled into Gare de L’Est, you easily forget that you were heading somewhere in particular. Time just stands still throughout the journey and you don’t want it to end… luckily it’s Paris we’re reaching so that’s never a bad thing, and getting to the city in such style is really unforgettable.

Hotel de la Tremoille

We checked into my favourite address in Paris’ Golden Triangle, Hotel de la Tremoille. It’s one of Paris’ best kept secrets as it’s located just off the stylish designer shopping street of the Avenue Montaigne and just off Avenue George V and the Champs Elysees. The location is incredible and you’re only a few steps from the riverside to get a full view of the Eiffel Tower from the Pont d’Alma.

Here the beds are like floating on clouds and my favourite feature is their concept of the Breakfast Hatch. From the comfort of your room, you are able to fill in your breakfast form the night before, ticking your preferences and arrival timings (whether you want it at 7 or 11)… and then finding it perfectly presented the next morning in your private hatch in the wall. It’s a luxury I haven’t spotted elsewhere and a really fun idea for everyone to enjoy. Another detail I loved was the selection of Molton Brown goodies. Forget travel size here – it’s full size at La Tremoille and not only that but you have a selection of six different Molton Brown shower gels to choose from.

Hotel de la Tremoille

After breakfast we took off on a walk along the left-bank to meet our super knowledgeable guide, Marie Therese from Context Travel, who specialise in walking tours. She gave us the ultimate tour and thorough history lesson of The Musée d’Orsay. From Cezanne to Courbet and Renoir, I was deeply immersed in the touching stories behind the painters and the art movement of the late 19th century. We had lunch at the museum’s restaurant where the frescoed ceilings were a masterpiece alone.

Musee d'Orsay Restaurant

After a day walking around the city, checking out Paris Plage and afternoon dozing in The Tuileries Gardens, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner. Just over the other side of the Champs Elysées and a 10 minute (high-heel) walk from La Tremoille, we dined at one of Paris’ hot new openings – Les 110 de Taillevent. The food was sublime and good value for the level of quality, presentation and service we received. Focussing on wine pairing, we tried the €39 menu where every dish was totally breathtaking but the seabass tartare was the highlight for me… with its intricate presentation of sprinkled flower petals and sweet melon cubes.

A brief visit but albeit very memorable, the next day it was time to say goodbye to the City of Lights and head back to London. I’ll be coming back in September for another girly getaway, so until then Paris!