Last weekend, I decided to take an impromptu trip to Paris with a dear university friend for some soul-restoration (her) and a fun adventure (me). I still find it an enormous thrill to be able to hop on a train and arrive in France a mere two hours later (the first time I went to Paris back in 2003, it took me 33 hours to get there from Australia!); I got on a train shortly after breakfast and was at Gare du Nord in enough time to be able to stop by my hotel, cross the river and arrive at Boulevard Saint Germain by lunchtime.
There, I was meeting a fashion friend of mine for an afternoon of Parisian wanderings. Our first stop was to the tiny tables of the Cafe de Flore (that great bastion of French literary history) for the finest Parisian people-watching cafe au lait strong enough to fuel us for the rest of the afternoon. Afterwards, we strolled the charming little streets of the Left Bank, passing tiny galleries and even tinier boutiques. After a quick lap of the accessories and beauty hall at Le Bon Marche, it was on to Rue Guisarde for some vintage Chanel and Hermes treasure hunting (more on that later).
We stopped by the Hermes store (17 rue de Sevrès), worth a visit for the magnificent interior alone – the building used to house a swimming pool, and now has a charming florist at the front of the store (I love that if nothing else, you can at least buy some peonies at Hermes!). Afterwards, it was on to Shakespeare & Co (37 Rue Bûcherie), which has to be my favourite bookstore in the world. I stumbled upon it randomly on my first trip to Paris and always make a point of returning each time I’m in there; it always seems to be the most perfect Parisian moment, with the sun glinting of the Seine beside it, French musicians providing the sountrack out the front, poets loitering at the little tables, and various Americans-in-Paris and French literary types alike rummaging amongst the crammed shelves inside (a mix of second-hand and new volumes).
Once I’d had my literary fill, we strolled along beside the Seine, pottering about the really rather wonderful vintage bookshops (I love that these still remain here) that link the banks along the way for souvenirs of Paris. I picked up nostalgic French children’s books and vintage fashion magazines from the 40s, antique postcards, and the obligatory mini Eiffel Towers. We passed the lover’s locks on the bridge, and made for that petite charming island in the middle of the Seine, the Île Saint-Louis. Past tiny cafes, fromageries and antique shops we walked, and a quick stop at Berthillion (29-31 rue saint louis en l’ile) for the best ice cream in all of Paris (I had pear and apricot, both of which tasted as though they had been picked straight from a sun-drenched orchard in the south of France). As we crossed the bridge to the right bank, a French swing band played at the sun turned to molten gold low in the sky. It was such a perfect Parisian moment, we lingered on that bridge for so long, smiling to the sounds of the jazz music floating on the breeze.
Have you been to Paris? What are some of your favourite areas to visit in the city (or those you’d most like to go to)?
Love, Miss B xx
Ahhh, that’s brought back some beautiful memories. I’m going to have to go to Hermes next time and buy some flowers! xx
I love how random it is that there is a florist in Hermes, but *what* a nice touch (reminded me of the flower stall at the front of Liberty, which I adore).
B xx
I love every inch of Paris, when I am there I feel liquid… especially strolling through the flower and bird market “Le Marché aux Fleurs and Le Marché aux Oiseaux” and eating almond pastries on a late Sunday morning… sublime.
You’ve described it so perfectly!!
B xx
I love that we’ve heard about NY, a weekend in cambridge and now Paris in so close proximity of each other, you’re such a lucky thing!! I went to paris on a school trip but never got to fully appreciate everything, really want to go again!! XX
I wasn’t allowed to fly for so many months for health reasons, so I’m loving being able to travel again (and making the most of it). Next up: Edinburgh! So glad you love reading about it 🙂
B xx
My husband and I make an annual visit to Paris. It’s our one big indulgence, as we leave the children with their grandparents for a whole week and spend the whole time just immersing ourselves in our favourite city. So I have many happy memories, some of which you’ve shared here! I especially love visiting the food markets, finding the perfect steak-frites and sitting in a cafe for hours just watching the city unfold in front of me – and a little time spent shopping (at Longchamp, Chanel, Bon Marche) or gazing over a favourite painting or sculpture at Musee D’Orsay or in the garden at the Rodin museum is always lovely too.
Hmm, now I’m going to drift off to Paris in my mind all day today – thank you for bringing back all these memories 🙂
Such lovely words – thank you for sharing!
B xx
I love Paris. I agree – just over 2hrs vs 33 from back home. I have French in-laws now, so I get to go all the time and it never loses its allure.
Being a writer, I love Shakespeare & Co too. I used to fantasise about escaping across the Channel, sleeping on the benches upstairs, sweeping the floors, recommending books and writing by day.
Saint Germain is my favourite area. I always have lunch in Le Relais de l’Entrecote. I know they have a franchise (shudder) in London now (and Dubai Mall, I learnt with a cringe when I used to live there), but it’s the first place I ate lunch when I first visited the city more than ten years ago. I’m nothing if not a sentimentalist.
Thanks for the post. It was a lovely way to start my day.
Thank you for such nice words! And love what you say about Shakespeare & Co!
B xx
aaah….. Lovin the pics. I had a movie night in last night with a friend and we watched Before Sunset. I swear am not sure did I melt more from the romance of the film or the beauty of Paris (and the coolest Shakespeare &Co wast there off course). :-)))
M
Would you believe I’ve never seen this film? But now feel the need to watch it this weekend!
B xx
I love Paris. Your posts have made me soooo nostalgic. I only went for the very first time about two years ago but have been three times in the past two years! But not for nearly 11 months now… I think another trip is in order – SOON!!
Your photos are really lovely 🙂 xx
Thank you so much lovely!
B xx
I am salivating at your pictures. TRES CHIC’ girl!!!
envy is seeping out of my pores.
xx
Thanks!
B xx
Oh Briony, what a lovely post! I usually don’t miss Paris too much but when I see pictures and musings about the city like yours I really look forward to going back home. The Left Bank is very dear to my heart as I lived there as a student; I would definitely settle in the 6th / 7th arrondissement or the Montparnasse area in a heartbeat.
Coming from you (a bonafide chic French woman), I take this as a huge compliment. Thank you!
B xx
These pictures are so cute. The last time I visited Paris with a friend of mine, we stayed at St Germain, which I loved for all the lovely bars and coffee shops. You know, we didn’t stray much further than that area but we had a great time. Although I am spoilt with travels around America right now, I do miss hopping around Europe.
http://www.styleonthecouch.com
Thank you darling!
B xx
amazing pictures! I love Paris!!!
xox
amanda
Such a lovely post,you are a true Parisienne Briony!The Left Bank is an area I love too,the Hermès shop is amazing and the way you tell it all is charming.Being French and living in Brittany I usually go to Paris 3 to 4 times a year,you just described the typical stroll I’m used to.Thank you for sharing,j’adore your blog!
I live in Paris – it’s a daily love affair – I’ve enjoyed the pictures and words here. Do enjoy the weekend.
I spend at least a month in Paris every year. I rent an apartment and love just exploring. Berthillon ice cream in apricot is my favorite flavor; as a matter of fact, it’s all I’ve ever eaten! Your pictures make me smile and wish it was happening now rather than in the fall! As a former French teacher, I am almost
“high” from listening to and speaking French. I always told my students that I think that in a former life I lived in Paris ( I know that sounds like Shirley Maclaine). I just feel as if I belong there!