Fête des Mères

Just some of the chocolate sculptures created for Mothers Day, celebrated today in France.

Above: a macaron "tree," a red high heel, a potted flower

Maison Georges Larnicol
132 Boulevard Saint-Germain 75006

Dali's secret

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

Doggie deco

These frisky pooches are a perfect match in tone and color to Daniel Buren's black and white art installation.

A pair of choux

Choux pastry, the base for éclairs, gougères, and profiteroles, has been quietly taking over Paris.

Above: bite-sized choux in this window suspended w/wire

Pentecôte

It's a holiday, and for those who prefer to stay in the partially deserted city the three-day weekend will mean leisurely afternoons, sometimes in market squares.

Palais-Royal #7

The tranquility of column archways surround the garden.

Palais-Royal #6

Columns flank Michelin starred Le Grand Véfour.

Palais-Royal #5

A just-set-up street orchestra begins to attract a crowd.

Palais-Royal #4

The gardens are an excellent choice to lunch al fresco or just meet a friend.

Palais-Royal #3

Gardens of the Palais-Royal in full summer foliage.

Palais-Royal #2

Bi-polar temperatures, 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.

Above: in the background a huge fountain, barely visible, is framed by spires

Back to the dress

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.

"The most Parisian neighborhood in Paris" still attracts 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 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: inside the superb Galerie Vivienne.

Plus de fleurs...

Yesterday's images were viewed so many times that I decided to post a few more - 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.

Above: this petit sac-necklace combo went quickly

Wall art

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

Reflections

Large contemporary steel orbs are a stark contrast to the older architecture reflected onto their surface.

Sunday lunch

I get many emails asking where I love to go for a special Sunday lunch. There are so many lovely places in Paris, but one of my favorites is RALPH'S. It's in an 18th century converted town-house and has a splendid enclosed courtyard in summer and  inside, a crackling fire in winter.

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, telltale black dots mean that genuine vanilla beans were used.