...More beautiful roses and facades... so much attention to detail everywhere... We came across some gorgeous hidden courtyards within the city: peaceful oases away from a bustling city. In the Musée d'Orsay's bookstore, I picked up a book entitled Paris au calme, which I since discovered is also offered in English as Quiet corners of Paris; it's a wonderful little book which features secret, quiet, and very lovely corners all over Paris -- corners which one would most probably not find when on the beaten track... I'd love this book to guide me on my next trip to Paris...Oh, yeah, on my return flight home, I vowed to myself that I will be coming back to Paris, hopefully very soon!
...La droguerie is where I saw the most beautiful French ribbon. I was bedazzled by this shop's ribbon selection, but because it was definitely on the expensive side and I was, very unfortunately, pressed for time, I was unable to decide under pressure, and sadly, came out empty-handed! ( I vowed to come back though...) The shop also offers a yummy selection of yarn, notions, buttons, beads, trims, patches etc... However, I did buy a few things at the very quaintly-located Entrée des fournisseurs; its charming ivy-clad facade, which is shown in the photo just below that of the columns, is recessed from the street and fronted by a pretty little courtyard. This little shop is a sheer delight with its selection of ribbons, trims, button, patterns (great patterns for doll clothes), crafty books (sewing, knitting and crochet) and wool felt in beautiful colors; while it also carries beautiful Liberty fabric, I did find it slightly cheaper at the well-stocked and relatively large fabric and notions shop Tissus Reine ( 21 Eur./m instead of 28 Eur./m at Entrée des fournisseurs), located at the foot of Sacré-Coeur in Montmartre, and definitely worth a visit. While I was tempted by the wool felt, I ended up solely buying books at Entrée des fournisseurs (I'll show you my haul in a later post). I just noticed while writing this post, that Entrée des fournisseurs also has a blog -- might be worth checking it out!
...I spotted the whimsical gnome stool/table and the fabulous study in color (the photo under the gnome one) at the Centre Pompidou, which houses a very extensive collection of modern and contemporary art (or creations, as described on its website). The museum turned out to be one of my favorites because the artwork, installations etc. I managed to see (I barely had time to explore two of its floors - yup, I vowed to return here too!) were often very eclectic, at times playful (often a hit with the kids), and definitely very inspiring, thought-provoking, and interesting from a design perspective... (Hmmmm... I can't help but wonder if La droguerie's banner design was influenced by the above-mentioned "study in color" painting?!...)
...OK, I know you've seen a zillion photos of the Eiffel Tower, but I had to show you a couple of mine just to underline the fact that the Grande Dame is truly magnificent! In the daytime, her iron structure made me think of pretty lacy trims, and at night, in all her glittery glory, she hit every single romantic bone in my body... We viewed her at night from the Seine on one of those boat cruises, something I would have most probably not done except for the strong urging of my children; it turned out to be a highlight of my trip because there was something so special about going under beautiful old bridges in Paris at night. I think it was also a hit for me because our cruise turned out to be a more modest one, not all lit up with disco lights, as my kids put it... Oh, can't forget to mention, we were also mooned from the banks of the Seine!
...When in Paris, I was told, one must go to Ladurée and taste their macarons (sandwich almond-based cookies in many different flavors and colors), and so, I did, and... was not disappointed; not only are they pretty to the eye, especially when they are stacked up as in their exquisite window displays (last photo), but they are also absolutely scrumptious! The very lovely Ladurée shop, which also includes a salon de thé (tea room), is definitely worth a visit... and I vowed to return and actually take the time to sample some of their perfect creations in their beautiful tea room!
P.S. Thank you for all the enthusiastic comments you left on the first of my Paris posts! I hope you will also enjoy this installment. I only wish I could reply to all your comments, but alas, I seem to have no time these days (when will I ever have time?!...) Anyhow, part 3 is in the works...
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. I am now totally day-dreaming about the very romantic trip I had there in April with my boyfriend. We've already vowed to go back again next Spring.(obviously we're lucky that it's just a shortish ride on the Eurostar) It is the most amazing City. I'm definitely going to check out the 'Quiet corners of Paris' book before we go again.
Posted by: Fiona | July 22, 2008 at 01:52 AM
Gorgeous, Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
You know, I was at Urban Fare last week and saw those kinds of macarons there. They had green, pink, pale yellow and they cost a fortune :)
Posted by: Lilli | July 22, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Paris 1 and Paris 2 must be the best photos I have ever seen on any blog! They are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing them ;-)
Posted by: Sal | July 22, 2008 at 01:31 PM
So beautiful! Now I am just dying to go back. Great book recommendation.
Posted by: Laura | July 22, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Fantastic pictures, I'd love to see the hidden corners too, looking forward to the third installment.
Dy
Posted by: Dyan | July 22, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Beautiful photos. It takes me back....
Posted by: kathryn | July 22, 2008 at 05:21 PM
sighhhhh - it looks wonderful, and your photo's are amazing!
kath
x
Posted by: Kath | July 23, 2008 at 03:28 AM
I can hardly contain my sighs of amazement and sheer delight! WOW! This blog has been a beautiful inspiration!
Posted by: Julia | July 23, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Beata,
Like many who read your blog, it is something I look forward to reading & never disappoints...You have an eye for photography and your words are ever so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your world with us all...
Posted by: karen tsui | July 23, 2008 at 07:52 AM
ohh my goodness! these are once again exquisite. when and if the dollar gets better we will plan a trip to paris. but in the current state, we would have to come back empty handed! and you know i will need to buy ribbons when i go. that's a fact. very lovely trip and i'm sure you will remember this forever. can't wait for part 3!
Posted by: nathalie | July 23, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Your Paris travelogue posts are simply beautiful.
Posted by: June | July 24, 2008 at 07:17 AM
Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures of Paris - your photography is superb. I am always looking for creative inspiration and you have certainly provided it for me this morning. I have opened the blog you recommended from entree des fournissons and will read it later - looks great. Thanks - I will visit you often now I have found you.
Janet in Nova Scotia
Posted by: janet gordon | July 24, 2008 at 07:38 AM
beautiful photos again! it sounds like you had the most wonderful time.
Posted by: katie | July 24, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Your photos are absolutely stunning ~ simply gorgeous!
Posted by: Kathy | July 25, 2008 at 11:52 AM
How perfectly delightful all of your photos are! What beauty you have experienced and it is sure to lead to new inspiration! Can't wait to see what you will create next!
~Emily
Posted by: Ravenhill | July 26, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Beautiful I adore all your photo but my absolute fave photo os the pink storefront..I dream of a boutique front like that.
Posted by: mona | July 28, 2008 at 12:47 AM
Great photos
Posted by: Joanna | July 28, 2008 at 08:40 AM
F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S!!!!!
Posted by: Linda Harre | July 28, 2008 at 07:52 PM
F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S!!!!!
Posted by: Linda Harre | July 28, 2008 at 07:53 PM
F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S!!!!!
Posted by: Linda Harre | July 28, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Oh you lucky, lucky girl!! Turning green over here...
Posted by: Kelly | July 28, 2008 at 11:23 PM
Love the colors and inspiration - that checked wall is gorgeous! Was that an inside or outside?
Posted by: Ellen | July 29, 2008 at 08:41 AM
oh oh oh GORGEOUS!
Posted by: all things bright and beautiful | July 29, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Oh what beautiful colours and just wonderful pictures all round! Thank you for sharing them :-)
Posted by: Juddie | July 30, 2008 at 12:16 AM
love the roses, love the pattiserie, love the polka dot shoes and I WANT that gnome table! very badly! wonderful blogging - nice to share your holiday! t.x
Posted by: Kitschen Pink | July 30, 2008 at 03:12 PM
love the roses, love the pattiserie, love the polka dot shoes and I WANT that gnome table! very badly! wonderful blogging - nice to share your holiday! t.x
Posted by: Kitschen Pink | July 30, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Now you've got me wanting to pack my bags and leave:) Your images are beautiful ~you'd be an ideal person to travel with as you like similar things and that travel guide you mentioned sounds like something I would want to read.
~Christine
And isnt that always the case when you find a high end fabric/book/art/ribbon/stationary/bead shop? There's never enough time to look!
Posted by: Du Buh Du Designs | July 31, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Bonjour Beata!
Comment vas-tu?
Tout ce que tu fais est magnifique!
Ecris-moi,
Martine
Posted by: martine leduc | November 16, 2008 at 06:16 PM