Shay Lia

Abidjan

Le Cafe des Jardins is a new, very modern cafe with a western approach and design to it. It has that green, soothing and relaxing set up. There aren’t that many places like that in Abidjan. The food is absolutely delicious. I recommend the fish skewers or the salmon with peanut butter sauce. The desserts are all very delicious too! If you're looking for a young, refreshing restaurant with a European aesthetic and a more elevated dining experience, this is for you.

The Ivorian soil is so abundant. Every direction you look in, you see green. It feels like one big jungle so there are garden centres everywhere in Abidjan. They don’t have a specific name or a registered address (like many places in Africa) but they are definitely worth mentioning. It’s an affordable way to sight-see too! I took this picture at my favourite one, in the neighbourhood I stay in.


Everyone who’s been to Abidjan knows about the CAVA. Translated from French, these four letters stand for “The Crafted Centre of the City of Abidjan”. It is the best place to buy authentic handcrafted gifts. It looks like a small village where all merchants and artists are selling fabric, sculptures, paintings, jewellery and more. It’s such a beautiful, colourful, charming and inspiring place to go. It exhibits the talent and identity of Abidjan so well and is also the perfect place to practise your bargaining skills!


Domaine Bini is the place to disconnect from society. From the city of Abidjan, it will take about half an hour to get there. You’ll be welcomed in full nature by professional guides and a welcoming staff and can go on an educational walk in the woods where you will be introduced to the surrounding ecosystem. It’s a beautiful way to learn about how coconut palms grow; why rubber trees are bent and the cocoa circuit. After the hike you’ll be able to take a bath outside, covered in the natural clay of your choice. Then comes lunch - a selection of delicious traditional meals. They also have bedrooms if you decide to pay for 2 days! It’s a divine place to connect with Mother Nature and educate yourself while spending a good time with friends and family.

The historic town of Grand-Bassam is the first capital of Côte d’Ivoire. It is so well preserved and protected by UNESCO. Being there feels like travelling through time and going back to the late 19th- and early 20th-century. It is an incredibly charming and calm little town where you can spend the day walking around and wondering about the past. Grand-Bassam was the most important port, economic and judicial centre of Côte d’Ivoire when the country was a French colony.

The Equinox Fitness is a Fitness Centre located in Cocody. I love this place! If you want to stay in shape during your stay in Abidjan I highly recommend it. It has a huge, well equipped gym on two floors, a basketball court, a pool and a small spa. The best thing is that it’s never packed, so you don’t have to worry about Covid-19! I love that the coaches are very nice and helpful. It’s also very affordable considering all the services that also include full access to all the classes (afro dance, spinning, boxing, yoga etc.). A very friendly peaceful atmosphere with good music!! It will boost your mood!

Top Spots in Abidjan with Shay Lia

Argenteurs

Paris

This neighbourhood bistro is a veritable jewel, a place like few others in Paris. You'll find everything you need in a bar: a counter, regulars sharing laughter and conversation in an unpretentious, friendly atmosphere. Marie, the owner, is a strong-willed woman who has been running the place for over 25 years, never letting herself be influenced by trends.

Forget trendy bars and Instagrammers. Here, we stay true to the spirit of true Parisian bistros, a little old-fashioned, where every evening becomes a moment out of time. It's a place where you always feel welcome, where you can spend hours chatting over a drink, sometimes well into the night. Closing time depends on the mood of the evening. Nothing's planned, it all depends on the rhythm of the conviviality.

Housed in an old disused railway station, this atypical venue brilliantly blends the raw industrial ambience with the warmth of live music.

La Gare is a temple for jazz lovers. Every week, the venue is transformed into a vibrant stage where emerging talents and established musicians meet. Once night falls, the Gare transforms into the Gore, giving way to electro evenings where DJs and experimental artists take over, offering an intimate and eclectic atmosphere.

With its subdued lighting, rough walls and resolutely underground spirit, La Gare / Le Gore is a Parisian jewel where music and conviviality meet in a setting unlike any other. An address not to be missed for the curious in search of good vibes and new discoveries.

If you're looking for a place to kick a basketball right in the heart of Paris, look no further than the Playground at Village Saint-Paul. This little basketball court hidden away in this bucolic micro-neighborhood is a wonderful playground, where you can take on the locals in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The place is ideal for a game with friends or even to meet other enthusiasts.

Village Saint-Paul is the perfect place for a stroll. Its typically Parisian architecture, with cobbled streets and charming little squares, creates a soothing atmosphere, strangely far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you'd like to take a breather from all the Parisian euphoria, we highly recommend a visit to La Recyclerie. Housed in a disused railway station in northern Paris, this eco-responsible canteen is much more than just a café. It's a place for living, meeting and inspiration, combining a plant-based atmosphere, a recycled furniture workshop and a view of an urban garden laid out on the disused tracks. It's the perfect place to relax, exchange ideas and get inspired, in a space that's full of positive energy.

A mythical flea market where time seems to stand still. It's an eclectic mix of vintage treasures, unlikely antiques and one-off pieces. It's also a place
where you can meet colourful personalities who contribute to the vibrant soul of this space. One example is Albert de Paname, a multi-talented artist who embodies the bohemian spirit of the Puces. And don't miss Jeff French Vintage, with its incredible stock of vintage clothing. 

Whether you're looking for a weathered leather jacket or an accessory that tells a story, you're bound to find what you're looking for.

The Maison de Balzac is a real hidden gem. Located in the 16e arrondissement, slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of Paris, this house-museum is a haven of peace steeped in history.

It was here that the writer lived and worked on some of his most famous works, including La Comédie Humaine. As you stroll through the carefully preserved rooms, you'll discover manuscripts, personal objects and anecdotes that plunge you into the world of one of France's greatest authors.

The garden, with its breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower, is a real favourite. It's  for a contemplative break, where the mind escapes both into history and the beauty of the present moment. Maison de Balzac is a timeless interlude, a place where you can reconnect with art and history in a unique setting.

We couldn't end without recommending a culinary destination - after all, we're in France! À Mi-chemin means “halfway” in French. This restaurant is where Tunisian and Breton cuisine meet, thanks to a love between two chefs.

It offers an audacious menu with dishes that surprise as much as they delight. Each dish, like their lobster couscous, strikes the perfect balance between French tradition and Tunisian influences, with a precision that borders on the flawless and a generosity that we love. The atmosphere is simple, with no fuss, and you immediately feel comfortable, enhanced by the warmth and kindness of the owners. A moment to be shared, savoured and repeated. Simple, authentic and terribly effective.

Jazz in a Disused Train Station: Hidden Gems During Paris Fashion Week with Argenteurs

D Double E

London

This is the spot for Caribbean food, gets me ready for the day.

This spot is my personal favourite. Especially for a great steak or lamb chop 10/10

When I’m not too busy i go and play basketball need to try and keep fit.

My Brudda Sonny sorts me with the exclusive, always got the bangers in there.

We all need to treat ourselves every now and then, all that hard work needs some therapy lol.

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