Cover Sharon Au has been living in Paris for the past 6 years.
Sharon Au has been living in Paris for the past 6 years.
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From watching the sunrise over French rooftops to exploring weekly exhibition openings, this Singaporean actress and host shares the best things to see, eat and do in the City of Lights
From gorgeous architecture to decadent cuisine, it’s no wonder why those who visit Paris will easily fall in love with the French capital—one of them being former Singaporean actress and hostess Sharon Au. Since first setting foot in Paris almost 30 years ago, the City of Lights has captivated Au, who now calls the French capital home for six years and counting.
When it comes to finding the best spots in the city, Au is the best person to ask. Below, the polyglot and multihyphenate shares the places in the city that make her heart sing.
In case you missed it: Nonyabong’s Uncle Jeff brings divinely authentic Peranakan food to Paris’ ‘11th heaven’
Above Sharon Au, now and then
Sharon Au, now and then
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My first memory of Paris is...
When I was a Singapore Airlines flight attendant 29 years ago in 1994. I had only started to see the world with my own eyes and I don’t remember anything in particular, except that I was 19 and I followed the crew wherever they went like a wide-eyed puppy.
I moved to Paris because...
I wanted a big change after leaving a company that I had worked for since I was 20. And when I closed that chapter after 22 years, it was instinctive to depart for a city far away—one that speaks a different language for me to reboot and reinvent my life.
The best things about being in Paris are...
The weekly vernissages (exhibition openings), usually on Thursdays, when you get a private viewing of new art collections at the galleries. You make new discoveries of not just art, but of interesting people from different backgrounds too. This is also how I widen my circle of friends in Paris.
Above Au with her cat Rudon
Au with her cat Rudon
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An underrated part of Paris that tourists take for granted is...
The 11th Arrondissement. To me, it is the trendiest part of Paris: urban, authentic, and vibrant. And when it comes to the Left or Right Bank, it’s always the latter. Rive Droite is quintessentially Paris.
If I could purchase a building in Paris, it would be...
Maison de Victor Hugo at the Place des Vosges. Ever since I first set eyes on it, I fell in love with the Louis XIII architecture, the façade, the slate roofs, and the vaulted arcades. It has always been my dream to retire at the abode of my favourite 19th-century writer.
Paris smells the nicest in...
The mornings—the smell of freshly baked breads, where the boulangeries are. That heavenly fragrance is evergreen, regardless of the season.
Above At Le Colimaçon with model Fiona Fussi
At Le Colimaçon with model Fiona Fussi
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One should start their days in Paris by...
Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the French rooftops. Then jogging along the Seine and exploring the bridges before the crowds crawl in. Finally, reward yourself in a boulangerie with coffee, tartines and a pain au chocolat. Simple pleasures.
The one French dessert I cannot live without is...
La tarte tatin. The marriage of caramelised sugar and butter with fruits of the season—c’est sublime!
My favourite restaurant in Paris is...
Le Colimaçon, along rue Vieille-du- Temple. The bistro has quite the vibe with exposed stone walls and wooden beams. And don’t get me started on its creative take on French fare.
Above People watching during lunch at Au Petit Fers
à Cheval
People watching during lunch at Au Petit Fers à Cheval
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The perfect spot for people watching in Paris is...
On the terrace of Au Petit Fer à Cheval. I have spent many an afternoon in that bar with just my journal, pen and thoughts.
The most underrated thing about Paris is...
Its diverse performance scene, and often starring world- renowned French actors, at small intimate theatres.
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Adriel Chiun is the Branded Content Editor of Tatler Singapore.
