Art couture

 

This jewelry boutique bills itself as a gallery, and from the artistic and exquisite pieces on display within, it is.

In her thoughts

The reflection of a man on a gallery window superimposed on a portrait of twin sisters makes it appear as if one of them is thinking about him. From his posture, he may be thinking of her too.

Un-loved locks

Gone are the Love Locks from the Pont des Arts that became too weighty for safety and had to be removed. A tourist tradition, couples attach a padlock to a railing then throw the key into the river to "seal" their romance.

Vins et terroirs

In France, to every wine (and to every dish) its region, or terroir. This rustic restaurant on an ancient street shares an address with equally rustic Hotel St André des Arts next door.

Matcha man

 

Boris Lumé, artisan boulanger-pâtissier at Julia Child's favorite stop in "Julie & Julia," adds his touch to Paris' specialty éclair trend. 

Above center: a low-in-sugar high-in-antioxydants matcha green tea delicacy

Colombages

All of Paris was once a labyrinth of narrow lanes winding between half-timbered buildings like this one.

Pretty in pink

 

A pink bicycle is propped up outside a café on a sun-dappled dirt mound on this July afternoon.

Fountain lion

A stone sculpture of a lion atop the cascading waters of the Saint-Sulpice fountain.

Curse of the Templars

A small plaque beneath the Pont Neuf marks the spot where Jacques de Molay, Grand Master and last of the Knights Templar, was burned at the stake in 1314. As he went up in flames he cursed the then Pope and King of France and all his descendants.

A casual lunch

Café Les Deux Magots, still one of the best spots in Paris for a casual lunch with a unique old Paris atmosphere. Inside, photos of Hemingway, Picasso, Simone de Beauvoir and other luminaries hang above tables where they regularly connived.

Moonlight plumber

A chipped painting of a woman taking a bath decorates the window of a small plumbing repair shop. The plumber, who moonlights as an artist, burns the midnight oil.

A midsummer night's dress

Stride into any garden party wearing this and watch heads turn.

Valentino
17 / 19 avenue Montaigne 75008

Summer in the city

 

No matter how high temperatures climb in the city center, it's slightly cooler up in Montmartre.

Above: ice-cold citronnade made w/fresh lemon, ginger, and honey

Sparkling waters

 Evian, Vichy, Perrier... Just three brands of French water of many recognized the world over.

 

 

Pont Neuf on a cloudy day

 

The Pont Neuf, Paris' oldest bridge - whose name ironically means "new bridge" - quietly holds its own on an overcast Monday afternoon.

Inside the Plaza #2

The Plaza Athénée was abuzz all during Paris fashion week, which ended yesterday.

A breakfast of coffee, fresh juices and gourmet "cupcakes" was rounded off by a platter loaded with buttery viennoiseries, and then more butter was brought to the table.

With many thanks to D & B....

"I think, therefore I am"

René Descartes (1596-1650), considered The Father of Modern Philosophy, is entombed in a wall here.

Once part of a Benedictine abbey dating to the 5th century A.D., l'Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés now stands alone, and is known as the oldest church in Paris.

Guarding le shop

 

It used to be almost impossible to enter a Paris tabac or café without having to sidestep a large German Shepherd blocking the entrance. Now, small dogs like this one, peer from many a shop doorway.

Bike tied to tree

 

Parked bicycles are one of my favorite Paris subjects.

Get your goat

French cheeses have their own season and now is the time to look for raw milk farm fromages de chèvre (goat's milk cheeses) in cheese shops and markets.

Inside the Plaza

Recently my day began with friends staying at the Plaza Athénée, hotel of choice of many a celebrity, European royal, and for fashion week. Though I'd been here for press events and afternoon tea I'd forgotten how exquisite it is.

Above: a table set for two

Below: a cozy alcove set for our party of four overlooks the courtyard; partial view of spacious interior garden courtyard

 

Ze cocktail hour

In Paris, dressing up never went out of style.

Dress-ing up: July sales

Summer soirées are here and so are the July soldes, with bargains to be found until August 4.
 

Above: a small dress shop in the Haut Marais

What heat?

As Paris temperatures soar icy cocktails are de rigueur come evening.