"The Love Lock Bridges" in Paris

My first day in Paris last September, was spent strolling around the city before the others arrived.  There were a few of us who decided to venture out to see what we could find.   We  ended up on the bridge Pont de l'Archeveche, where the lover's locks hang in masses from the bridges mesh walls.   For those of you who aren't familiar with the Love Lock Bridges, I wanted to share it with you.  The old saying goes that lovers write their names on a pad lock attach the lock to the bridges wall and toss the key into the Seine to pledge their undying love forever.   The Parisians cannot remember how it began, but find it rather irritating.  Sentimental folks like myself, find it rather charming, but I was unaware of the how the weight of locks may cause damage to the structure.  Couples visit from all over the world and place their declaration of love on the bridges, Pont des Arts and Pont de l'Archevêché. 

(click the title to continue reading to find out the different in the two bridges...)

Quintessence Playground , Marches aux Puches de Saint Ouen, France

Visiting the Marches` aux Puches de Saint Ouen, which is considered the largest antiques market in the world, was one of the highlight of my Parisian travels with Design Trust in September.  To visit the Parisian fleas, has been a dream of mine for many years.  I must say I wasn't disappointed and would return on a dime, if asked.   Steve Nobel, the head of Design Trust and organizer of our trip made sure we didn't miss out on the true market experience.  It was a wonderful day spent with good friends, who happen to be designers with an appreciation for antiques and adventure.  

"Les Puces" or "The Fleas" as known by the locals is located on the northern edge of Montmartre. I was a little confused  about the French fleas,prior to my trip. Fellow designers had attended, but no one had ever really explained the layout to me. I had been online and read about the market, but still didn't quite realize there are actually fifteen individual markets and over three thousand stalls in this half mile radius along the Porte de Clingnancourt metro station.  In other words, the market area is massive, which means you'd better know where you are going or be prepared to just wander around and enjoy the day without an agenda.  Luckily for us, Steve knew just where to take us.   We arrived private bus to Marché Paul Bert.  The minute we exited the bus, our group was ready to explore. We were given the lay of the land and

told if any of us decided to strike out on our own we were to meet up at lunch at the Bistro Paul Bert.  We began our excursion by meandering in and out of the shops along the street.  It was like dipping our toes into the perverbial "market pool of antiques".  There was a combinations of street dealers and those with actual stand alone shops. It was intriguing to see what each had to offer.  This is an area of fine antiques found on blankets spread on the sidewalk and beautiful trinkets casually thrown in boxes.  You keep your eyes peeled because it would be a mistake to overlook anything or anyone. Your perfect treasure could be lurking around the next corner hidden amongst things disguised as attic finds. 

It's a place for the person who truly enjoys the "thrill of the the hunt."  If you are that kind of person the Paris fleas are utopia. It's really hard to take it all in.  I think I could have spent three days just at the fleas, unfortunately our trip only allowed for one day, so we had to shop fast and furiously. 

One of the first stops we made was to Quintessence Playground owned by Ludovic Messager.  Lucovic's business card listed him as an interior design and antiques dealer, but I would also add artist to the list.  His artist ability was evidence around the shop.  The shop is a combination of antiques, curiosities and whatnots.  As we talked with Ludovic, we learned that he was instrumental in helping Restoration Hardware create the look that has dominated their stores for the past few years.  Take a look at my photographs,I think you will see  familiar concepts.

  

[click the title to continue...]

Snapshots of Paris

Paris is amazing!  There is so much visual stimulation.  Everywhere you look there is something interesting to see.  I have gotten lost from my group several times because I stop to take pictures of things I see along the way.  I thought I would quickly share some of the things I have seen.  Sorry for the short post but we are running to the Eiffel Tower for lunch and I must depart.  I will be posting more in depth about each of these pictures and sharing more about the experiences related to them.  

Maison et Objet was incredible.  We found amazing furniture and ran into some really

interesting people whom I plan to profile.  It was a visual feast for the eyes!

We shopped the markets at Marche Paul Bert, Saint-Ouen 

We visited Chateau Vaux le Vicomte which was exquisite!

We visited Pierre Frey's fabric archives and saw beautiful fabrics from as early as the 1600's.

Our visit to Jacques Grange studio was a fun and exciting day.  This is his precious dog!

A highlight was the Architectural Digest Show house!  This was simply amazing, inspirational and breathtaking!  The sculpture above of the little boy is made of feathers!

 Walking along the streets I can't help but stop and snap photos.  Everything is so beautiful and so Paris, just as I thought it would be.  

I visited a Perfumerie with some of the group and watched while the shop keeper

 mixed the fragrances then put each person's name on the bottles.  

So far I think I have taken over 3,000 photos.  We are hitting the streets again today.  Yesterday we visited the Louve and saw Mona Lisa, did you know that the size of the painting is really small?  We also visited Musee d'Orsay. 

 Can I just squeal a minute?

It's all so fab and I will take you there in the following months with posts

 about it all.  We must go now, our reservation is at noon!  Au revoir!