The Last Palace of the Champs Elysées: A Courtesan’s Secret Alcazar

Hiding in plain sight, you’re looking into the eye of the last remaining example of the magnificent private mansions that once lined the Champs Élysées in Paris. Hotel de la Païva was built by a famous 19th century courtesan who came from humble beginnings in the ghetto of Moscow. Esther Lachmann, aka La Païva, became…

Before Broadway, Paris had Boulevard du Crime, a Riotous Theatre District Lost in Time

The Boulevard du Crime, a nickname for the Boulevard du Temple in Paris, could not be more of a misnomer. It was never the refuge of thieves or scoundrels but rather in the 19th century, this street was a joyful nocturnal Right Bank hotspot; a 24/7 carnival with a host of cabarets, cafés and most notably…

Book your Bedroom in the Paris Catacombs on Halloween Night

So I’ve given you tips on how to explore the catacombs, party in the catacombs, farm organic mushrooms in the catacombs and even swim in the catacombs, but would you dare to sleep in the Parisian catacombs? Picture a fluffy white duvet, expertly plumped pillows, surrounded by candlelight … and six million human skeletons. Yup, it’s the latest…

Down the Rabbit Hole into a Parisian Wonderland

Paris might already have its own Euro Disneyland, but I know a little place, away from the crowds that’s more like the real thing. If Alice had just chosen a bright yellow door at the end of the rabbit hole and if the Mad Hatter had in fact been a legendary clown from Soviet Russia (I’ll…

Little Tuscany in the Heart of Paris

As if plucked from a 17th century Mediterranean estate waiting to transport Parisians to the hills of Florence; tucked away in a corner of Paris’ Luxembourg gardens is one of the city’s most underrated beauty spots. The Medici Fountain, crowned with an Italian grotto and flanked by ivy drapes, is an impossibly romantic place alluding…

We’re Soon to be Dining in an Abandoned Metro Station in Paris

It’s finally happening. A sleeping ghost station in Paris’ revered 6eme arrondissement; just a few steps from iconic French cafés and the world’s first luxury department store; a forgotten metro stop is finally going to be transformed, slated to become the city’s hottest new underground restaurant. If this all kinda rings a bell, it’s because in 2013,…

The Vault

Inside the MessyNessyChic Clubhouse in Paris

I think it’s finally time I showed you around behind the scenes of Messy Nessy Chic. If you follow me on instagram, you probably know that I recently moved out of my bed and into a real office. I’ve spent the last few months obsessively making it my own personal hub in Paris and I…

Pssst! You've stumbled across content that is exclusive to Nessy's Keyholders.

There’s a new way to access the really special stuff from Messy Nessy Chic …

Hidden beneath the surface layers of the internet, there’s a place where we keep our most secret addresses, untapped archives, creator’s inspiration, collector’s guides, explorer’s manuals, obscure research and much more… And it’s made for our keyholders only!

Apply now to unlock the Vault

Keyholder Login

Before Disneyland Paris, there was Human Roulette and Drag Balls at the Lost “Magic City”

Dragons curled up under the bridge. Toboggans splashed Parisians in to the Seine, benches twirled, and wine flowed freely. It was a Saturday afternoon like any other at the “Magic City” of Paris, the long lost fun fair that was the nation’s very first parc d’attractions. As such, it was quite literally the gateway to…

A Paris Movie with Messy Nessy

Et voilà. Oh boy. This is happening. Messy Nessy is officially making the leap into the realm of video. It’s been months in the making and it’s with slightly sweaty palms that I present to you the very first episode of our new web series, “Don’t be a Tourist in Paris”. Come hang out with me…

5 Unforgettable Paris Sleepovers in case you don’t Win that Night at the Louvre

Airbnb has done it again. Travel and lifestyle blogs are abuzz with news of the company’s latest PR stunt: the chance to win a night with the Mona Lisa at the world-famous Musée du Louvre in Paris. Only VIP super humans like the Obamas and Beyoncé & Jay Z have had the chance to take…