The beautiful capital of France is a special city. Every time I visit Paris I find myself on an adventure of discovery. This time round I have found a few interesting and unique shops, most of which reside in the fashionable Marais area. First, 'Les Mille Feuilles' - an interior decoration shop filled with seasonal, hand-picked objets d'art rarely seen in the mainstream.
Then I came across 'Carrelages Du Marais', which boasts the most unusual collection of tiles and floor coverings. Certainly useful if you are looking for an authentic period floor tile.
Strolling down the Vieille du Temple I came across not only a great gallery, but an interesting concept, too. The idea is very simple: exhibit original art by a variety of 30 artists sold in four different formats, for four different prices. "The first goal of Carré d’artistes is to bring art within reach of everybody", says the website from which one can directly purchase. The gallery has been a big hit in France, no wonder then that the company has just opened a venue in London, at 9 South Moulton Street.
My day in Paris ends at the peaceful Atelier Brancusi, ingeniously conceived by the architect Renzo Piano. Reading the booklet I came across this very apt quote about Brancusi:
"He saw an artist as an intercessor who reveals 'the cosmic essence of the material' lying at the very heart of the medium he uses." Sitting opposite the glass encased space which replicates, in almost its entirety, Brancusi's studio and workshop with all its intricate tools, I could not help but wonder about this artist's relentless dedication to material, its form, movement and beauty.
As far as a great place to stay, try Le Petit Moulin or Le Belle Chasse. Both designed by fashion designer Christian Lacroix, these boutique hotels are both daring aesthetically and yet luxuriously playful.
