August came and went, we retreated from the heat just in time for a mountainous list of tasks to do. Hours slipped into days and before long it's been well over a month since my last published entry. You see, other than managing a household, being a mother and a wife - I have two incredible outlets for creativity and entrepreneurial pursuits, Lillou and Lore and Lea.
Since launching Lore & Lea at the beginning of August, I have had very little time to myself. But today, I am stealing some much needed time to sit and write an entry... So here I am, tucked away in a quiet corner of our home, listening to birds chirping beyond the windows as a gentle classical composition plays in the background.
Le Marais
3rd arrondissement
July 15, 2023
Paris, France
Bonjour from Paris!
Or rather shall I say, "bonsoir", especially as it is 10:20 in the evening. The sun has just set, though a diffused light continues to fill the streets. Ambient light from Parisian pied-à-terre (apartments) begin to fill the city with a warm hue. The city is bustling. Cars, conversations, footsteps. The city is alive! I am writing this, in our fifth floor hotel room within our petit Parisian balcony. Barely wide enough for a chair, but I make do and find a way to sit out here to write.
The beauty of the seine as one crosses a bridge, the bustle of conversations as life unfolds for the millions that call the city home. She is an enigma, a juxtaposition.
Paris is romance wrapped in the complexity of a metropolis. She created artists, revived souls, fulfilled dreams, all whilst breaking hearts - after all, it wouldn't be romance without a tragedy.
I love Paris, I truly and deeply do. I love it's ideal romanticized persona, so perfectly contrasted by the gritty reality of a modern city. I once read that Paris is the most desirable brand and I couldn't agree more. As I ponder on why that is, the more I realize it is partly because of it's layers. The complexity and variety is what makes Paris, Paris. It's rich in history and ever changing.
One of my favorite things to do is to visit historical homes and museums. It's a gateway to bygone days and thus a great source of inspiration for kindred spirits. Truth be told we have never braved a visit to Le Louvre, though some day I hope to plan well in advance to avoid the lines. But trust me when I say that there are a bounty of things to see and do in Paris.
Musée Carnavalet
Most recently we visited Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris. It was beautiful and inspiration abounds. The museum was free to visit, which was such a surprise! Allow yourself at least half a day, though I could have easily lost an entire day soaking in much beauty and inspiration. Afterwards, there is a beautiful cafe within the courtyard of the museum to recover and unwind.
I spent much time admiring this room, painted by one of my favorite painter Francois Boucher
Hotel de Soubise
Situated within the Marais, Hotel de Soubise is full of beauty and inspiration. Though it's been years since I've stepped foot into this museum, I often look through photographs from our visit. This place is full of inspiration, especially for those longing for rococo architecture and design. The National Archives Museum - Hotel de Soubise is a free entry.
Orangerie
The home of the Water Lilies by Monet. This lovely museum can be found at the end of Jardin de Tuilieries. If you are an admirer of Monet, it is certainly worth a visit. We visited years ago and looking upon Monet's greatest work was a sight to behold. If you find yourself strolling through the Tuileries, why not make a stop here.
Officine Universelle Buly
It seems that each time we visit Paris, a stop at Officine is in order. It has become a sort of ritual and going home without a personalized calligraphy, gold foiled marbled box to fret over during airport security seems like something is missing. What Ramdane Touhami created is a masterpiece, a source of great inspiration to me. Somehow he revived a historical brand and in under 10 years, created an empire and a most beautiful world to get lost in. Officine is not a museum, but it is a portal to an old world which time traveled to modern Paris. Not to forget to mention, their fragrance is a true favorite - I love their classic Rosé Damask and most recently Abe gifted me their recent release of Cucumbre mint, it's heavenly.
Musée Jacquemart-André
It was during our early travels to Paris that we first paid a visit to this museum. Though we haven't returned since then, I often look back at photographs for inspiration. What is astounding is that it is a private collection, once the home of Édouard André (1833–1894) and Nélie Jacquemart (1841–1912) who was an artist.
A favorite painting of mine by Nattier can be found in the grand salon of the museum.
