Heavenly scented treasures from Diptyque and Annick Goutal; the obligatory mini Eiffel Towers (which I will dot around the house beside candles and atop books)
Today is an enforced lazy day (as in; breakfast at 11, a refusal to leave the house all day, and lounging around in silk pyjamas with endless pots of tea), so I’m delighting in finally unpacking my souvenirs from Paris. After a trip, it always seems to take me a full week to unpack – partly out of busyness, but also because I want to delay the gratification of having brought home new treasures from my journey abroad.
Even though I was only in Paris for a long weekend, and I didn’t set aside any time specifically for shopping, I still managed to sneak plenty of wonderful souvenirs into my Lulu Guinness case. Here are a few of my favourite Parisian momentos:
Fleur d’Oranger candle (I will re-use the porcelain holder afterwards), Marie Antoinette tea and a jewel-like box of macarons from Laduree; vintage postcard and a menu from Cafe de Flore (which I may have snuck into my bag in exchange for a large tip)
French perfumes, beauty and gorgeous scented candles: I love the beauty hall at Le Bon Marche or the tiny perfumeries around Le Marais district (I always make a point to stop by Diptyque, Annick Goutal and L’Artisan Parfumeur when I’m here). Don’t forget to visit a French pharmacy for excellent beauty products that are mostly unavailable (or significantly more expensive) elsewhere.
Gourmand delights: A trip by Laduree (for a box of macarons, a coffret of tea and a scented candle), Pierre Herme (heavenly artisanal desserts, wonderfully adventurous macaron flavours, and gorgeous jams), and the department store food halls (I always stock up on chocolate and tins of orange blossom pastilles) is a must.
Vintage treasures: Rummage around the Parisian flea markets (Le Puces is the best) or the little stalls that line the Left Bank of the Seine. This time, I collected turn of the century hand-coloured postcards (I determinedly hunt these down in each of my favourite cities), old books at Shakespeare & Co, and a vintage Chanel military badge and early No. 5 bottle.
French fashions: Most of my favourite French brands (Carven, Sandro, Maje, Isabel Marant, Petite Bateau) are naturally much cheaper in Paris. But I also love discovering new (to me) French designers that are yet to arrive across the Channel. This time, I learned of Claudie Pierlot – an old French house that is now being led by the sisters who design for Sandro and Maje respectively. I love the French coquette -meets-each chic vibe, and picked up an adorable ivory silk peplum-waisted top which I can’t wait to wear. I also love to buy French silk lingerie (Chantal Thomass, Princesse Tam Tam and Mimi Holliday are fun), a tiny jewel (usually a brooch) from Chanel to add to my collection, and a copy of Vogue Paris at the Eurostar terminal (the funnest way to use up my Euros).
Vintage treasures, Chanel brooch, Claudie Pierlot sillk bow top and beautiful silk lingerie
What do you love to souvenir when you travel? Do you have any favourite Parisian treats?
Love, Miss B xx
Dear Miss B,
I have been swooning after reading this post (and your post on your visit to the Mothership on Rue Cambon). Anything Paris related makes me feel like a floaty bubble, I simply and totally adore it. Some of my favourite places is Cafe Marley at the Louvre, Rive Gauche (especially around the super-wealthy part) and Montmartre…thats to name but a few. Maje and Isabel Marant are two of my favourites also, and when I go in Feb/March ’12, I will be sure to try to pick myself up a treat or two! I shall also check out Claudie Pierlot, so thank you for the tip!
Your treats your bought yourself look so pretty in these photos, thank you for sharing with us! (thank you also for allowing me 2 minutes of Parisian-escapism whilst reading this)
Bella x
Paris is one of my favourite places and I love how like me you have special little tokens that you pick up on your travels. I am also a postcard hoarder, I need one from everywhere I go, the quirkier the better, but I like the vintage touch.
I also adore all your piccies xxxx
What a beautiful post! I’m now dreaming of Paris… I do love your eye for the loveliest of things and your wonderful attitude. I always feel invigorated after reading your posts and far more able to find the beauty in everything. xx
Very jealous of your Parisian trip! I love the Chanel brooch, i have been hoping Santa might bring me one for christmas. When first went to Paris i had to buy my first ever bottle of Chanel No5 and its only been out of its box once for my 21st birthday. Hoping to visit Paris next summer and ill definitely have to visit Laduree & Pierre Herme and of course also pinch a Menu from Cafe De Flore.
L. xx
Not even exaggerating here, this post has literally put the BIGGEST smile on my face, everything is so pretty and cute. Ohhhh Paris is just perfect, I love that you’re still being able to enjoy Paris through all these wonderful treasures you’ve picked up! XX
Oh, B., your posts always brighten up my day! (And trust me, it’s not easy these days!)
This one in particular made me think of the three unforgettable summers (yes, entire summers!) I spent in Paris many years ago. There’s no better place for a twenty-something girl to explore, get lost and daydream. But I kind of have the feeling you already know that… 😉
I used to love Claudie Pierlot when I was a Paris-craze teenager. It was available in Japan in 15 years ago. Great to know they still making cute clothes in Paris.
Yes, I need to visit there soon again – just my lack of knowledge of French keep myself from doing it. Still miss the place. Lovely lunch at a bistro and coffee on the side of Seine… oh I miss them much!
Divine travel finds! I cannot wait to for Christmas in Paris!
There is nowhere lovely to pick up souvenirs than Paris. And you did an excellent job at that. Nice photography, too! (what camera do you use?) – even your lighting is perfect.
Love that you managed to pocket a Cafe de Flore menu.
The best bite of food I’ll ever put in my mouth was Nutella and banana on hot crepe, made by a street vender in Paris. It’s the bite to which all other bites will forever be compared. Thank you for your memories. They prompted mine.
Good fun!
My most precious souvenirs of Paris are my own photos (which I’ve printed in sepia and framed in vintage-y wooden frames). On my wall is a photo I took looking straight up the spiral staircase of an 18th century house on the Ile St. Louis, so I am surrounded by Paris every day. I also love Claudie Pierlot….Have you yet visited L’Eclaireur? Ah.ma-zing.
Instead of a menu, I took a photo of my table at the Deux Magots.
I also bring back vintage postcards and my favorite thing is textiles: my desk is covered in sage-colored ticking from the flea mkt and my balcony pillows covered in vintage 30s fabric I found there as well.
i also love the food markets, patisseries, and just people watching. Your blog is now my favourite. I am so in love with Paris. we stayed in lovely apartment in Rue de grenelle in October.
I sound like a broken record: I love your pictures!!!
Ah those are such lovely pictures! I have a couple of eiffel towers from trips with friends over the years. I also have postcards, old fashioned ones, with views of Saint Germain that I treasure. I think it is important to have these little reminders. I think I have a shell for every beach holiday I have been on 🙂
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I hope this isn’t too rude a question, but I was wondering whether the Laduree candles are expensive in France? I found a stocklist in Australia and they sell them for $99!! That just seems a bit too insane for a candle.
You know where to shop the best! Regarding candles, have you ever been to the Cire Trudon store in the 6th arrondissement? It’s a very refined brand, worth a look. On top of the “traditional” macarons, clothes, cosmetics and candles from Paris, I love to shop books in my native language and bring back souvenirs from the great exhibitions the city has to offer (with a preference for the Yves Saint Laurent foundation in the 16th arrondissement).
Ooh I actually love what I’ve seen/smelt of Cire Trudon so far (sadly I didn’t get a chance to make it to their store, but will remember to smell them in Liberty in London next time I’m there). And love all your souvenir ideas!
B xx
Can you suggest a boutique or shoppe that Iwould be able to purchase a small gift for my daughter who one day journey to Paris. Hopefully I will be travelling with her. I would like to purchase something for Christmas. Thank you so much!!