A lovely quote and a lovely thought....

Rachel Ashwell - Shabby Chic.

Picture Love...

(image courtesy of Tara Bradford @ Paris Parfait)

No words necessary.

Pied-à-terre ...

From Wikipedia - A pied-à-terre literally translates from the French as "foot on the ground". This is said to be because pieds-à-terre were traditionally ground floor apartments, however, more likely, is to have a foothold, refering to territory rather than elevation. A pied-à-terre is a residence that will be used temporarily, mostly as a second home.

On days when my husband and children drive me nuts I often have dreams of escaping to my own pied-à-terre in Paris lol.

While researching accommodation in Paris for our trip last year I discovered this amazing website I'd forgotten I'd saved filled with the most beautiful vacation apartments or pieds-à-terre with view's that'll take your breath away.

I HAD to post some pics from these heavenly spaces.

I have to say, while in Paris myself, I nearly got hit by passing buses and cars many times as I couldn't keep my eyes off the magnificent bewitching architecture. I was trying to offer commentary to my accompanied video camera but I was often rendered speechless.

I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to wake up to a view like this every morning :)

Côte de Nuits

This 2 bedroom luxury apartment boasts 4 french doors opening onto your private balcony. Stunning herringbone parquet floors and all the creature comforts you can imagine.

I am completely smitten with those silk curtains in my favourite duck egg colour.


Gorgeous gorgeous blue and white toile and stripes in bedroom 2.




Sauternes

The divine master bedroom

Stunning bedroom 2

Volnay

Champagne

Côte de Beaune

This looks very similar to the Swedish stoves Joni from Cote de Texas has beautifully illustrated in her latest post.

Merlot


All of the apartments have a beautiful display of authentic French antiques.


Two stunning antique stone bowls made into sinks sit atop a limestone bench.

Sancerre

Probably my favourite of them all, this is such a bright airy space. I love that it's on a corner with French doors all around.

I think a zebra rug would have looked better ;)

Romanée

Pinot

I hope I haven't tortured you with these enticing images. Perhaps it may put your Parisian holiday plans a little more forward, however you'll need to save your pennies cause as you can imagine, with these beauties, what you pay for is what you get ;)

Happy Weekend!

City of lights...

The lovely Anastasia of Anastasia drawings and dreaming blog just finished hosting a week of French. One of her posts featured this link to an absolutely AMAZING panoramic view of Paris (thank you Anastasia!). Click the link below and scroll across this phenomenal image and you'll feel like you're right there! Enjoy!

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http://framboise78.free.fr/Paris.htm

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http://anastasiac.blogspot.com/

Les Puces De Paris...

During my stay in Paris one of the most important places I was BUSTING to visit were the famous clignancourt flea markets.

We caught the train early to porte de clignancourt station. The area of Saint-Ouen to my surprise and somewhat horror wasn't really what I was expecting. I mean, I'd read and heard it wasn't the nicest of places in Paris but that truly was an understatement. The 10 min walk from the station to where the markets began was a little on the intimidating side with people walking along side you hassling you to buy watches etc from inside their coats. Gangs of large individuals and homeless beggar's claiming to be war refugees are all along the route. I know I sound like I'm grouping them all into a stereotype but as my children were by my side I couldn't help but feel a tad uncomfortable and overprotective.

Once we arrived at the actual markets the atmosphere change. The buildings still looked run down but that's exactly what makes flea market shopping so fabulous. Immediately my eyes nearly popped outta my head when at the top of the lane was a gorgeous blue and white toilet bowl. It was so lovely and just thrown atop an old velvet chair. OUTSTANDING! lol. Of course this was a family holiday and not a shopping holiday so any purchases had to be small and inexpensive.

I slowly rummaged from stall to stall while dragging my husband and kids behind me. I felt myself "sighing" out loud with every breath as I was completely surrounded by such enchanting treasures.

Antique and reproduction French furniture, vintage posters, costume jewellery, porcelain, paintings, rugs, rich antique fabrics, chandeliers as far as the eye could see.......you name it, they had it. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I wanted to buy it all and ship it home.

Unfortunately there were no purchases to be had that day. The only souvenir's I took home were photo's of my favourite finds. I desperately wanted the two pink handpainted lamps. They were too die for but I just couldn't justify spending the 300 euros each when we still had 6 weeks of travelling to do at that time. The vendor graciously allowed me to take some photo's of her stall in The Dauphine market I think it was.

There are so many markets to wander through but we had only the morning to spare so I was only able to get through two. The Vernaison and The Dauphine. I can't wait for my next trip to Les puces without the kids, spend all day and hopefully spend some money lol.