Fête des Mères

Just some of the chocolate sculptures created for Mothers' Day, this year celebrated today in France. Here, at Maison Georges Larnicol, a macaron "tree," a red high heel and a potted flower.

Dali's secret

Salvador Dali seems to have a secret. What oh what might it be?

Doggie deco

These frisky pooches running loose are a perfect match in tone and color to the Daniel Buren black and white art installation.

A pair of choux

Choux pastry, the base for éclairs, gougères, and profiteroles has been quietly taking over Paris. This shop has suspended bite-sized choux in their window with wires.

Pentecôte

It's a holiday, and for those who prefer to stay in the partially deserted city the 3-day weekend means leisurely afternoons, sometimes in market squares like this one.

Palais-Royal #7

The tranquility of column archways surrounding the garden.

Palais-Royal #6

These columns, another entryway into the gardens, flank Michelin starred Le Grand Véfour.

Palais-Royal #5

A street orchestra, freshly set up, begins to attract a crowd.

Palais-Royal #4

The gardens are an excellent choice to lunch al fresco under the arches, or just meet a friend and catch up.

Palais-Royal #3

Gardens of the Palais-Royal in full summer foliage.

Palais-Royal #2

The bi-polar temperatures, the on/off rains during April and May... It was worth it.

Palais-Royal #1

These next days I will be posting photos of the Palais-Royal gardens.
In the background, a huge fountain, barely visible, framed by spires.

Back to the dress

Everywhere I go in Paris flirty summer dresses are back in style, some with a swing, others like this one have pencil skirts and off-the-shoulder sleeves.

Almond meringues

Huge snow white meringues topped with almonds are ready to be hacked into pieces and passed around to eager children or, for the grown ups, as an accompaniment to after-dinner espressos.

Montmartre village

Just being in Montmartre can feel like you’re in a vintage postcard. It's easy to see why "the most Parisian neighborhood of Paris" is still attracting artist and writer residents... though not the penniless kind anymore.

Handcrafted toys within

Like sentries keeping guard, wooden bears stand outside the entrance to a charming shop that specializes in handcrafted artisanale toys.

A strawberry like no other

Now that strawberries (in France that means the much awaited gariguette) and raspberries are in season, expect expert pastry makers like Carl Marletti to come up with delicious ways to make good use of them.

Mothers Day

A gallery within a gallery so to speak, inside the superb Galerie Vivienne.

"Plus de fleurs..."

Yesterday's images were viewed so many times that I decided to post a few more - and just in time for Mother's Day. In France, La Fête des Mères falls on May 31st this year. [French saying: Plus de fleurs, plus de bonheur - The more flowers, the more happiness.]

May flowers

The scent of fresh flowers wafting from this shop adds an uplifting accent to the morning. The sheer number of florists in Paris attests to the importance of flowers.

Vintage Chanel

Trending in Paris right now is vintage Chanel, and the few shops lucky enough to carry bags, clothing and jewelry get cleaned out before they can restock. This petit sac with necklace combo went quickly.

Wall art

A painting under an archway off the Places des Vosges adds a touch of brightness to this crumbling wall.

Reflections

These large steel orbs, a modern installation at the Palais-Royal, are in stark contrast to the reflections of the older architecture of the surrounding buildings.

Sunday lunch

I get many emails asking where I love to eat. One of my favorites for Sunday lunch or brunch à la carte is RALPH'S, an 18th century converted town-house with its splendid courtyard.

French vanilla

It's tea time in Paris, and for milles feuilles and more, master pâtissier-chocolatier Jacques Genin has few rivals. In France, if it says vanilla, tiny black dots mean that genuine vanilla beans were used.