31 May 2015

Fête des Mères


Just some of the chocolate sculptures created for Mother's Day, celebrated today in France.

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

Maison Georges Larnicol

132 Boulevard Saint-Germain 75006

28 May 2015

Doggie deco

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

27 May 2015

A pair of choux


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

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

25 May 2015

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.

21 May 2015

Palais-Royal #4


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

19 May 2015

Palais-Royal #2


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

18 May 2015

Palais-Royal


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

16 May 2015

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.

15 May 2015

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.

13 May 2015

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.
 

12 May 2015

Handcrafted toys within


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

11 May 2015

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.

9 May 2015

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.
 
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French saying: Plus de fleurs, plus de bonheur - The more flowers, the more happiness

8 May 2015

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.

7 May 2015

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

4 May 2015

Wall art



A painting under an archway adds an inspiring touch to this crumbling wall.

Reflections


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

3 May 2015

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.

1 May 2015

French vanilla


It's tea time in Paris, and for milles feuilles and more, master pâtissier-chocolatier Jacques Genin has few rivals.