Comments on the style saloniste: Diane's Paris Journal

Brenda- Your Paris--Jules Verne restaurant and mu...

2010-07-26T16:46:49.561-07:00

Brenda-

Your Paris--Jules Verne restaurant and museums and gardens--sounds like a dream.

Yes...I think at one time the first thing we would do would be to dash to Chanel and Dior and all the top boutiques and to Louboutin. But most of their best pieces are available here, there and everywhere.

So we have to go and look for the soul of Paris--and while we may dive in to Chanel to quickly buy some new ballerina shoes--so we find it in off-beat streets and walking miles, and lingering on a bridge, and setting out in the evening after dinner to find a Cassic sorbet at Berthillon. Walking...everywhere...is the best way to come face to face with true pleasure. Please stay in touch.
I love your blog and will be sure to visit. cheers, DIANE

Hi Diane, thank you for this lovely journey throug...

2010-07-26T16:26:52.952-07:00

Hi Diane,
thank you for this lovely journey through my favourite city! My first trip to Paris was last October. We woke each morning and set off to explore the city, discover hidden treasures and make new friends. I originally planned to shop at many of the luxurious boutiques and malls but I felt that would take too much precious time. We visited many museums, Sunday mass at the Notre Dame, the breathtaking Jardin du Luxembourg and any street that looked interesting. We must have walked 10-15 miles per day.
While we dined at Le Jules Verne, Les Amabassadeurs for brunch, Le Train Bleu, Cristal Room and, of course, Laduree' on more than one occasion, it was shopping the Rue Cler market, patisseries, fromageries, wine shops and discovering brasseries and bistros that we loved most. We rented an apartment in the 7th that was most charming.
I fell more in love with this city than I already was. I didn't believe that was possible.
When we returned home, I enrolled in architecture courses and purchased many French sourcebooks. I am inspired to learn more. I look forward to returning as soon as possible as I feel there is so much more to discover. I will be sure to print your wonderful recommendations. Thank you for taking the time to write such a beautiful post!

Best regards, Brenda

Oh swoon!! Another fabulous report chock full o...

2010-07-13T16:19:48.182-07:00

Oh swoon!!

Another fabulous report chock full of yummy descriptions and brilliance!

And a wonderful new motto!!!

I love mottos! Can't wait for your next post!

The article on our house comes in the next House Beautiful!
Written by Julia Reed!

With you; another favorite writer!!

Hi Maryanne- 'Enjoying yourself'...it'...

2010-07-13T10:47:25.396-07:00

Hi Maryanne-

'Enjoying yourself'...it's the only way. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Paris can be a series of quiet pleasures. In summer, days are long and so much can be experienced and savored. I usually set out on a mission around 10am, perhaps to revisit the Jacquemart-Andree museum, or to revisit (nearby) the Nissim de Camondo house. Or it may be the day to meet up with my friend to scoop up something (a vintage book on Fernand Leger) at the scrappy Marche de l'Aligre, which is sometimes just cheerful junk and perhaps, your lucky day, books or a lovely piece of white porcelain. Viewing and admiring the superbly displayed and dewy nearby vegetables, fresh from Normandy, at the produce market, is almost better...well, as good as, looking at contemporary art at the Pompidou. Yes, I do love Paris. cheers, DIANE

I loved seeing YOUR Paris.....I always learn somet...

2010-07-13T07:22:58.025-07:00

I loved seeing YOUR Paris.....I always learn something new there and in your posts...This will go in my file for additional things to try next time I go. Sounds like you've been enjoying yourself!!!!!!!Maryanne :)

Dear Wissal-You are so kind to send such a generou...

2010-07-12T22:50:20.242-07:00

Dear Wissal-You are so kind to send such a generous comment. I appreciate your lovely insights--and hope I can live up to your high praise. You are most valued as a reader...and a friend on Facebook.

Dear Joan--yes, the Hotel d'Aubusson is a favorite of many of my friends. When you are in Paris next--I think you would like the discretion and privacy of the Recamier--which is also privately owned, by a chic woman. I like the hidden corner where it is located--and the proximity to so many things I like. These last few visits to Paris have been about private pleasures...(not the public act of shopping) and quiet byways. Please stay in touch and let me know if I may be of any assistance and encouragement with your future plans.

Hello, Abby--well, yes, I too am rather 'homesick' when I return from Paris. So I always make plans to return as soon as possible...and then I start to plan the visit. There are so many moments that stay in my mind. I hope you have read my earlier Paris features--on a Sunday afternoon in the Jardin du Luxembourg, or flea markets or an apartment I used to stay at in Paris. Do check the archive. I have more French features in the works. do stay in touch.

CHEERS TO ALL DEAR READERS, DIANE

Hi Diane! Thank you for these wonderful posts. Y...

2010-07-10T14:21:48.128-07:00

Hi Diane! Thank you for these wonderful posts. You are making me "home-sick" for the beautiful light that peaks through the tiny market roads and the impromptu window shopping trips through St. Germain after school. Sigh...will anyone ever tire of Paris? I don't think it's possible.

Abby Stopper

Diane, Well, now you have done it!! You've m...

2010-07-09T14:37:23.724-07:00

Diane,
Well, now you have done it!! You've made me miss Paris so much that I just might have to make the trip! (We have, in fact, been contemplating a trip at the end of the month, as a rather 'large' birthday looms and I thought it would ease the pain to be in Paris!) What an absolutely wonderful journey you have taken us all on, and I so appreciate all of your generous resources.
While we have stayed at the lovely Hotel d'Aubusson, my favorite places to stay are the small, quiet individualy-owned hotels.
We adore St.-Sulpice, having accidentally stumbled upon it on our first trip. It is now a pilgrimage on each trip. I do not think I ever leave without shedding a tear at it's beauty.
Although we have only been to it once, another museum that I greatly enjoyed was the Musee de Cluny.

I thank you for your lovely comment. I was thrilled to find it.

au revoir,
joan

Dear Doriane, I am proud of you! You have the sens...

2010-07-09T12:02:37.155-07:00

Dear Doriane, I am proud of you!
You have the sense of the distinction and all over it: the sense of Great Taste "à la française"...
You are The (I insist particularly on this capital letter) ambassadress in my opinion of the French culture and the taste of excellence in America.
You are not one of those people who think be enquired about French culture, above all, I like it.
My profond respect, madam!

HI DEAR PATRICIA GAYE- How lovely to hear from yo...

2010-07-09T11:36:34.078-07:00

HI DEAR PATRICIA GAYE-

How lovely to hear from you.
I love the idea of writing this aphorism on a piece of paper and putting it in your shoe!
I should do a blog post on MOTTOS ...Yes, I plan to.
I've also:
Written a motto on a piece of paper and eaten it.
Written a motto and stuck it front and center on the fridge door.
Scribbled a motto and placed it near the phone.
Hand written a motto and placed it in my waller.
It all works...
Happy days, DIANE

I’m looking for experiences—not things. that says ...

2010-07-09T04:34:04.867-07:00

I’m looking for experiences—not things. that says it all doesn't it? I am going to write this out somewhere and put it in my shoe. You are an extraordinary guide. pgt

HI GREET- One of these future trips to Paris..I wi...

2010-07-07T12:26:26.890-07:00

HI GREET- One of these future trips to Paris..I will take the Thalys and come and visit you! That would make a wonderful feature. I hope you get to Paris soon. It is particularly beautiful this year.

Hi Carol--well, you are the expert on Paris and Macaroons and Herme the kind of pastries...(I hope you saw PARIS PATISSERIES from Rizzoli, which was very authentic and extensive in coverage. Cheers--I love your art.

Hi Francine-- L'Hotel is gorgeous and so well located...and hidden. I like it at night, especially, and sometimes drop in there with friends. Happy days and happy wandering.

Jennifer-Hi! So glad you came along with me on my trip. I hope you'll come and visit us here on the coast soon. It is cool you today...can you imagine?

Hi Leslee--yes it was Michele Halard, and it was on a budget, but chic. Now it will be taken to a new level. Mme de Lattre...she has a fine group of hotels now, and many of my friends stay at the Therese. Happy trails.
Lovely travels...real and vicarious (often the best kind) to you all.
cheers, DIANE

Hello Diane, Glad to hear that the Verneuil will g...

2010-07-07T08:01:59.556-07:00

Hello Diane, Glad to hear that the Verneuil will get a make - over and what a make- over it will be! I love your friend's work.. understated with bits of surprising pizazz! The original Hotel Verneuil was, if I am not mistaken, designed by Michelle Halard. It was quite a beauty in its day, but this will be a wonderful new lease on life for this little gem , with great bones in the most perfect location!
Sylvie de Lattre is the consummate hotelier, a prefect host. I always felt as if I were coming home to my own private town house. It never felt like a hotel experience. And I always looked forward to beginning and ending my trips to France with this quiet respite. On one of my last trips, I stopped by to say hello to her and introduced her to my dog. She said she would make an exception for us, but with the upcoming renovation, I am sure it will be sans chien!

What a lovely trip to Paris I had this morning! A...

2010-07-07T05:53:51.690-07:00

What a lovely trip to Paris I had this morning! As always, I feel as though I were there, smelling the flowers, tasting the strawberries, and most importantly, experiencing Paris!

Such a wonderful read....I think we must follow th...

2010-07-07T03:51:25.946-07:00

Such a wonderful read....I think we must follow the same trail around Paris. I go at least every january and September (during the shows)and in between if i have time. My favorite pass time...getting lost...and so often I have...I usually walk at night as I am at the shows during the day, then dinner, finally I can put on my flats and go and explore.This September i will be staying at a small hotel where i have not been since my younger wilder days, l'Hotel near Saint Germain.I feel actually as i am betraying my usual hotel on Rue de l'Universite where chocolates, a bottle of wine with a note always welcomed me.

I'm out of breath trying to keep up! It's ...

2010-07-07T02:04:25.085-07:00

I'm out of breath trying to keep up!
It's been a long time since I stayed at the Recamier... All those little hotels, that used to be such fun and affordable are now chic enclaves with OTT prices. I miss the old days too...
Wonderful breath of fresh Paris air
merci
carolg

Oh Diane, You make my mouth water! I would love to...

2010-07-07T01:40:15.242-07:00

Oh Diane,
You make my mouth water! I would love to have some more time to visit all these gorgeous places! I have visited yet some of them but I really want to see so much more of Paris! And I ever stayed a weekend at the Ritz and by reading these beautiful thoughts about the Ritz here, I could pack and go !! Only,... I am so busy for the moment! Maybe in August!
Thank you so much for your wonderful Paris tour!
xx
Greet

DEAR FRIENDS- I am so gratified by your comments. ...

2010-07-06T23:00:01.041-07:00

DEAR FRIENDS-
I am so gratified by your comments. They are so appreciated and treasured.

Hi Elizabeth: Vicarious thrills are great thrills. Yes, lingering is key (sitting beside a fountain in a square, resting in a garden, watching children sail boats in a pond, chatting to people opening a new boutique, sitting and observing Monet's stirring works)...and I linger selectively. I want to fill my day with discoveries and encounters and experiences and new ideas and new directions. I walk fast. Those Chanel ballerinas are perfect companions. Happy trails!

Hi Leslee: yes, indeed, this is the same Mme de Lattre, and she has really stepped up with the Hotel Recamier and she is usually there every day. Most impressive woman. You will be happy to know, and it has not been formally announced yet, that a big renovation of the Hotel Verneuil is about to take place--under the direction of Jean-Louis Deniot. Mme de Lattre was so happy with this Recamier project that she has already hired him to do this hotel...just a few seconds from his headquarters, as it happens. I will read the book--and any others you recommend.

Hi Ann-Yes, shopping in Paris used to be such a discovery and a treasure hunt, but now fashion is universal and anything can be purchased from anywhere, anyway. I love to window shop! At night! During the day I might make a quick swoop through Lanvin and certainly Hermes, for pure delight, but then I am off in a new direction, perhaps to Drouot. I walk a lot. If I'm in a hurry I take the Metro. I love the challenge...it's like a puzzle to be analyzed.

Hi Shiree: 'Content rich' is a wonderful compliment. Thank you. Yes, that is my approach. Long features. I write for magazines so I like information and detail. To note: I have friends in Paris right now who have printed out this new Paris feature and are following along with me, going to the restaurants I recommend, and checking out every recommendation. I have friends who are about to leave..print-out in hand...and other friends who are departing in September (hello, Brian and Paul) and they'll take all of my Paris notes from the last year. Fine travel companions, that is the concept.

Hi CC in Bangkok--Yes, you are right that sitting at the Cafe Deux-Magots can be a dream...I always go there for breakfast when I first arrive in Paris...but then I am ready to roll forward, and head out on my next adventure, perhaps to visit a rare book shop I just heard about, or to check out some prints at one of the Left Bank rare print galleries, or ...to zoom into DRIES VAN NOTEN's wonderful boutique, spritz on some Frederic Malle Carnal Flower, and then walk over to the newly developing northern edge of the Marais, around rue Charlot and a few blocks there that have some directional new shops with style. Or I might take the Metro over to ave. Montaigne to check out Bottega, or to explore the length of rue de l'Universite or rue de Verneuil, right to the end. Then there is always Karl Lagerfeld's book store on rue de Lille. Gallignani, magazine kiosks...that is why I don't usually do long lunches. Free as a bird. I love to join friends for dinner...and then go walking long into the night. Stop for a drink, then walk and talk. I adore it.
cheers to all dear friends, DIANE

I'm with you on the notion of not wasting hour...

2010-07-06T19:51:21.837-07:00

I'm with you on the notion of not wasting hours over lunch when you're visiting a city as beautiful as Paris. It sounds contrarian, as many would enjoy the people watching afforded by the cafe culture, but personally I feel it is time wasted not exploring the treasures all around, be they internal or external. My other half doesn't always share my priority in this one!

Oh my Lord! You are amazing dear lady! No seven wo...

2010-07-06T16:02:43.186-07:00

Oh my Lord! You are amazing dear lady! No seven word blog posts for you! Love the Hotel Recamier and Jean-Louis Deniot. Yours is a content rich endeavor. Shiree'

This is a post to star , save and print! Thank yo...

2010-07-06T14:43:42.021-07:00

This is a post to star , save and print!

Thank you so much for the insider tips for our next trip to Paris. I also do not go for the shopping or restaurants.

You have a way with words...

-Ann

Ah, your Paris is my Paris! A wonderful vicarious ...

2010-07-06T13:29:18.857-07:00

Ah, your Paris is my Paris! A wonderful vicarious trip! For years, I stayed
at Mme. de Lattre's Hotel Verneuil, sublimely intimate and a wonderful
location. Alas, I had to stop when I was travelling avec le bi- langue chien!

If you have not already read it, I might suggest reading Graham Robb's
The Parisians. Wonderful historical vignettes, that are true, but right
out of Balzac!

Hi Diane! I feel I am reliving Paris a bit and fil...

2010-07-06T13:11:00.635-07:00

Hi Diane!
I feel I am reliving Paris a bit and filling in the gaps during my visit. I now feel I must return...and take it in a bit more slowly. I'm forwarding this on to a friend, who will be leaving tomorrow for London/Paris and will have time to enjoy Paris in the way you recommend. Love seeing a few things we both adore!!! xo, Elizabeth