WHAT IS IT ABOUT PARIS?

Bonjour mes amis,

I want to continue yesterdays French Theme and ask myself: What is it about Paris? 

What is it this town offers that no other city has. The certain "je ne sais quoi"?

The brilliant charm, the historic culture, the chic people or its astonishing architecture? 

It is exciting, romantic and full of Grandeur. 

Mr. ds and I are fortunate to have friends in Paris who have shown us "Paris" as the locals know it.

I don't mean the Eiffel Tower, or the Champs-Élysée. Paris behind the scenes is fascinating,

stylish and elegant. It is Aristocratic and poised. 

The cafes and bistros are plentiful in any arrondissement. The French love their bistro lunches. No matter if work day or weekend. They linger often for hours over a croque-monsieur and a bottle of red. Parisian waiters are known for their prim and proper formality and their slight touch of impertinence. But they will find you a space at the crowded outside bistro tables ... no matter what.

And they will serve you with utter efficiency. 

Our friends have taken us to some of the best Restaurants in Paris. They are not the most expensive and they are certainly not mentioned in any travel guides (thankfully!). The food was always fabulous. Simple in its preparation and with the freshest and finest ingredients the markets have to offer ...  très bon!

I wanted to share just this one Restaurant with you. 

CINQ MARS.  It is located in 51,  Rue de Verneuil. Just a hop from Le Pont Royal and on the edge of

Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

I had the Seabass with a creamy spinach purree and Mr. ds opted for the Saddle of Lamb with Oyster Mushrooms and mashed potatoes. We finished the meal with a delicious Creme Brulee made with Bourbon Vanilla pods. It was exquisite and highly recommended.

My love affair with Paris has not been an instant one. It was not love at first sight. 

The initial trip Mr. ds and I took to Paris, was to see Vicomte A's Autumn 2009 Collection. We stayed in a small Boutique Hotel just off the Champs-Élysée. It was beautifully decorated in typical Parisian shades of grey, taupe and aubergine. Luxurious, Sumptuous and plush. Since then we worked our way through some quirky and hip hotels, never staying at the same and always discovering new neighborhoods and arrondissements!

But back then we didn't know anyone in Paris and we went out to the usual Tourist hangouts. It was nice but not exceptional. Time was of the essence. We didn't have much. It was a whirlwind visit and I guess partly the reason why we did not explore.

During our next visit, this all changed. We discovered the hidden treasures and fell in Love. Here are just some of the many photographs I wanted to share with you.

  Cafe Le Nemours, 2 Galerie de Nemours. Just outside Palais Royale

 

Restaurant Vagenende, 142 Boulevard Saint-Germain.

 

Montmartre, the village of Artists and free spirits.

 

Printemps department store ... another French institution.

 

Glimpses into French living ....

 

 Assorted books at the famous Shakespeare & Company

Book store at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie.

 

Autumn Flowers on Left Bank.

The many faces of Paris streets.

 

One of my favorite things to do during our walks through Paris, 

is to peek through the grand entrance doors of Paris Town Houses. 

Only to discover the most beautiful and quaint courtyards. 

Another hidden treasure of Paris.

 

Ralph Lauren in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The courtyard forms part

of "Ralph's" Restaurant and is located within his four story converted Town House Store. 

You MUST visit! If only for the atmosphere and exceptional 

visual merchandising in the Store itself. Get a seat in the courtyard and 

treat yourself to a latte and dessert ... you wont regret it!

 

A Walk through Montmartre.

 

Black & White Paris.

 

Quiet talks and lazy afternoons in the Park.

I hope you enjoyed my French inspired weekend. Au revoir & bon weekend ... xo ds