CATEGORY: Paris

La Maison Champs-Elysées, Paris

I just learned that Martin Margiela designed a hotel in Paris. One of my all time favorite fashion designers + a hotel + Paris?  I flipped out when I heard the news. And when I saw these first photos, I really flipped out. La Maison Champs-Elysées is scheduled to open in a few weeks and here is a first peek.

I’m going back to Paris in a couple of weeks and I’ve already booked my hotel but you can bet I will be paying La Maison Champs-Elysées a visit!

For more about Hotel Picks FROM THE RIGHT BANK, click here. For all of my past hotel picks, click here.

Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!

Things I’ve Been Enjoying in Paris, in Pictures

I hope you’re enjoying this week of FROM THE RIGHT BANK from the right bank as much as I am. :)  Here are some of the things I’ve been enjoying so far.

My little balcony with a view over the Tuileries:

….. and down this street:

lunch at sidewalk cafes:

coffee at sidewalk cafes:

great meals:

at cozy wine bars:

the most gorgeous sunny days:

and spring blooms:

There’s so, so much more but this internet connection is S-L-O-W and I’d rather be outside than sitting here with my laptop. I’m sure you understand.

More to come tomorrow though …..

(I took these with the iphone instagr.am app.)

(Photos: FROM THE RIGHT BANK)

Tips FROM THE RIGHT BANK: Favorite Home Decor Shops in Paris

One of the questions I get asked the most is: “Where should I go shopping in Paris?” Obviously there are thousands of places (there are entire books dedicated to this topic) so the answer really depends on what you’re looking for, your style, budget, location, etc., etc.

A while ago, I put together a list of antique and vintage clothing shops in response to a reader’s question. To supplement that list I’ve compiled all the home decor store recommendations I’ve made over the past year or so here. (These are the stores I’m visiting on this trip.)


The Collection
Boutique showcasing home decor items and furnishings created by European designers.
33, rue de Poitou, 3e


Caravane
6, rue Pavée, 4e
19 & 22, rue Saint Nicolas, 12e
Furniture, lighting, decorative objects, linens and textiles with a global flavor.


Sentou Galerie
29, rue François Miron, 4e
26, boulevard Raspail, 7e
Fun, contemporary furniture, housewares, and gifts representing a wide array of designers.


Cire Trudon
The world’s oldest -and arguably the best – candle maker established in 1643. Yes, 1643!
78 Rue de Seine, 6e


Khadi and Co.
37, rue Debelleyme, 3e
Clothing and home textiles made of hand spun traditional Indian cotton.


Tombées du Camion
Some call it junk, others call it found objects. Either way, this place has a lot of it.
17 rue Joseph de Maistre, 18e


Emery & Cie
Fabric, wallpaper, paint, rugs, tiles, hardware ….. to die for.
18, passage de la Main d’Or, 11e


Astier de Villatte
Exquisite ceramics beloved by all.
173, Saint Honoré, 1e

unnamed
Marche Saint-Pierre
Mega fabric store.
2 rue Charles Nodier, 18e

I already blogged about the store, Merci, almost two years ago here. I don’t think I have time for it this time but if you haven’t been, I definitely recommend it. I also posted earlier about  Cote Bastide, Blanc d’Ivoire and Habitat.

Treasures at the Oldest Public Auction House in the World

As I mentioned yesterday, auctions are on my Paris itinerary. Specifically, I’m going to Hôtel Drouot and I can’t possibly begin to describe how glorious this place is so let me quote from their site:

“Drouot is the oldest public auction house in the world. A crossroads of the art market, and an inexhaustible supply of paintings, furniture and objets d’art from all periods and at all values, Drouot is a magical, ephemeral museum open to everyone. Not only can you stroll in front of the exhibition windows and consult the sales catalogues, but you can also go up close to the works, examine them, see their estimates…and perhaps acquire the object of your dreams – a thrilling experience.”

Yeah, what they said. Here’s just a little taste of the treasures you can find there.

If you’re visiting Paris, I highly recommend it. Even if you don’t buy anything, just go for the inspiration. Some of my blogging pals and I have been talking about a group trip one of these days. Would any of you be up for that?

Drouot
9, rue Drouot
75009 Paris

***Don’t forget to enter the giveaway of Irish blessing prints!***

Hotel Amour, Paris

I was giving tips on Paris to a couple of people recently which reminded me that I never posted about Hotel Amour. I love the playfulness of its funky decor so I’m making it one of my Hotel Picks FROM THE RIGHT BANK.

On my last trip to Paris, I had lunch there in this courtyard. It’s a fun place to hang out and people watch – if you can get a table, that is. It was packed.

Happy Traveling Thursday and bon voyage!

My Dream House AKA Balmain Boutique

The Balmain boutique in Paris was given a makeover earlier this year and when I saw these images of it, I had to catch my breath. It’s as if it stepped right out of my dreams.

That’s because it’s housed in a hôtel particulier (think mansion) so it has those Parisian architectural details, moldings and parquet floors that I love so much.

*Sigh*

As if that weren’t enough, I absolutely love the palette and all the vintage furniture and accessories.

I wouldn’t mind if they left those Balmain shoes and bags on the shelves either . . .

(Photos: Balmain)