Chic in Paris: A Warm Welcome
by habituallychic
05 . 17 . 14
I couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome to Paris. The weather has been absolutely beautiful with bright blue skies and no rain. This and my fabulous finds from the brocante (above) make up for the fact the hot water is broken in my friend’s apartment. And as with everything regarding the French ce n’est pas possible to fix it until Monday. But now my dirty hair makes me instantly French.
To clarify, a brocante is a moving flea market. You either know about it from a website for your neighborhood or look for the yellow banners announcing the dates. The puces are the flea markets that are always in the same place. I found the beautiful chairs at the brocante printempts de la rue de Bretagne, as well as the painting, mirror, silver baby cup, tea towels, and ashtray from the Royal-Monceau. I plan to use the silver cup for Q-Tips and the ashtray for my jewelry.
The living room in my friend’s apartment.
Paris is know as the City of Light and the French take advantage of this with their large windows. Unlike America where we waste electricity, here you don’t even have to turn on the lights all day. It also stays light out until 10pm which is amazing.
My friend lives right next to the Palais Royal which was strangely closed on Thursday but not completely unexpected. You also have to be prepared in Paris that there will be a strike or unplanned closure of something. They might have been getting ready for an event but we’re not sure. The Palais Royal is always under renovation so that could have been the reason as well.
I love the handwritten signs at the flower shops.
Usually you can cut directly through the Louvre to get to the Seine but it is also under construction. Mais bien sur. But I passed this beautiful garden as I walked around the building.
The Louvre never ceases to amaze me.
I really can’t believe the beautiful weather so far. People were getting sun along the Seine everyday.
A quiet corner of the Louvre.
More sunbathers.
The shadows add to the beauty of the buildings.
Non, I did not place a lock on the Pont des Arts. You should be very careful in this area of gypsies and pickpockets.
While walking in Saint Germain, I passed the birthplace of Edourd Manet. Walking along the same streets as famous artists and writers is another thing that never ceases to amaze me in Paris.
My doors of the Upper East Side posts have now been replaced with the portes of Paris on Instagram.
Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic
28 Comments
Looks like you are already in your element. Who needs clean hair when you are living in the City of Lights?
“Paris is always a good idea”
A great first post, Heather. Keep em coming. We followers are going to have a wonderful trip with you.
Thanks for your posts of Paris Heather. I’m sorry I missed the brocante this time but I’ll be there on Friday. Any inside scoop on where I should look next weekend?
Merci!
Your friend’s apartment is so chic!
Goodness, I’m so jealous of you right now! It all looks so, so wonderful! Thank you for sharing.
(I’ll have to start planning my next trip right away)
Beautiful! I am sure your friend is enjoying having you, Heather, it’s nice you are doing this. Go grab some eclairs at L’Eclair de Genie, I don’t think it’s too far from where you are. I followed David Leibowitz’s recommendation and they were great! Every time I see you post one of those Parisian doors, I have pangs of jealousy. Enjoy!
Beautiful! I am sure your friend is enjoying having you there, Heather, it’s nice you are doing this. Go grab some eclairs at L’Eclair de Genie, it’s not too far from you. I followed David Lebovitz’s recommendation, they were awesome. Every time you post a picture of one of those gorgeous Parisian doors, I have pangs of jealousy. Enjoy!
I apologize for misspelling David’s name – David Lebovitz. Terribly sorry…
Love seeing your finds from the brocante! My favorite (permanent) brocante in Paris is “L’objet Qui Parle”. More info here and here.
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Your friends apartment is wonderful and you are well on your way too finding some very special pieces for your own place! Ahhh, the City of Light!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
P.S. I check out this site for upcoming dates and times of brocantes
totally looking forward to every post! xxx
I am so happy for you and really thankful that you will share your experience on your blog. Your pictures are fantastic.
Hello. I don’t usually comment (I get your posts via e-mail) but I have to say I’m so excited for you and your trip. I lived in Paris 20+ yrs ago as a fresh graduate and it changed the way I view everything. There will be good things and many bad things too, but the experience will be life changing. Be sure to check out the 19th, esp Buttes Chaumont for amazing views. That’s where I used to live. I can’t wait to see where your French adventure takes you.
Fabulous apartment, hope you brought a supply of dry shampoo!! Love the flea market finds!
I am going to Paris in September with my brother and my partner. We have booked a lovely apartment through airbnb. Your photos made my heart sing with excitement.
http://llibbyslifestyle.blogspot.com.au
I enjoyed this post, except it made me yearn for a return trip.
I encountered a flea market that I was reluctant to purchase from, because I did not know how I would ship back to the US.
Also, I love your friend’s apartment. I had to settle for the HIton…not a total immersive experience,lol.
Dear Heather, I have been reading your blog for years via email but am not one to comment. I just wanted to say that I am very happy that you are embarking on a new adventure in the most beautiful city in the world. I spent three years there at one point in my life and if it weren’t for life’s obligations, would be back in a heartbeat. So good for you! You will be feeding your heart, soul and mind.
Loving your Paris coverage and your finds. Picture a bare, minimalist room with those chairs, a table, that painting over a single bed and, of course, your signature flowers…all you really need.
Your friend’s apartment is stunning. Can I move in?? 😉
And you’re right, such gorgeous weather! I love all your flea market finds. This post just made me more excited for my upcoming trip! xo
I’m jealous……..thanks for taking us along on this gorgeous journey. Be well. Mary
Heather, I am a interior designer in the Midwest with limited visual resources for art, furniture and design. I too get up everyday to your blog to experience exciting New York and now Paris. Thank you for sharing your life.
Pam
I wish you would post what you are wearing, especially what shoes! Need to know what to pack.
Bonjour Heather,
Like another reader commented, I am curious about how and the best way to ship flea market finds back to States. But perhaps you have other plans … 🙂
So happy for you.
Best,
Charlotte
I’d give up a shower for a couple of days in exchange for that! gorgeous!
x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/
Love the images!~
Paris is a moveable feast
We had our secret honeymoon there!
Divine!
Dean