 
|
|
|
Paris, France
ShoppingThere are thousands of shop windows in Paris full of exquisite displays of clothing, shoes, purses, linens, home furnishings, wallpapers, eyeglasses—anything your heart could desire and with style—from avant-garde to classical. Since the list is endless and many are so well-known, I’m including only a few I fancy. Beth’s Bets
Iskandar
Le Bon Marche La Grande Epicerie Website: www.lagrandeepicerie.fr One of my favorite stores in Paris is the BHV, where I’d never been until we arrived in 2002. It was the place I found almost anything I needed whether hardware, office supplies, stationery, art supplies, storage containers, clothing, bags, home furnishings, and more (though no shoes). The BHV has it all for your household needs! 4th Arrondissement. Metro: Hotel-de-Ville. BHV (Le Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville)
Gallerie Daniel Besseiche When I’ve been in Paris, I’ve stopped by Simrane for years. I’ve always been drawn to their colorful and well-designed fabrics, bedspreads, and linens. Somehow I always find myself on the street outside the store’s window. And then I go in. 6th Arrondissement. Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Simrane I like funky icons. I admit it. In the Marais, I found a treasure trove of these fun and funny objects at Litchi. If you’re of the same inclination, give it a look-see. 4th Arrondissement. Metro: St Paul. Litchi |
|
Copyright © 2005 James Morgan & Beth Arnold. All rights reserved
|
|
When
we first arrived in 2002, I was drawn to Iskandar repeatedly. Faultlessly-shaped
silk lanterns with rich and vibrant hues of blue, gold, pink, red, copper, and
more, splendid in patterns and textures filled the shelves with other exotic
merchandise from Vietnam. The prices were reasonable for such quality. I was
impressed. When I talked with the proprietor, I found that the merchandise changes
periodically. Different countries are represented. I find that a plus and will
return to see it. 3rd Arrondissement. Metro: St Sebastien Froissart.
Tons
of art galleries line the Paris streets. Art is in the eye of the beholder, but
we find much of it to be uninspiring. The gallery that always excites us is Galerie
Daniel Besseiche, and the exhibit that initially captured our attention was Pierre-Humbert.
The colors, composition, and technique were exceptional and echoed Pierre-Hubert’s
hero, Henri Matisse. “He was always looking for light,” his widow,
Anne, told us when we met her. We love her husband’s work. Gallery representative,
Alice Mellor, is British but has lived in France for many years. Alice is knowledgeable,
open, and beyond obliging to clients who walk in from the street. The owner,
Daniel Besseiche, exhibits an engaging mix of artists. He and Alice show quite
an “eye.” Drop by for an artistic treat and a moment of pleasure.
6th Arrondissement. Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Odéon.