A weekend in Paris
A city break in January
Every time I go up to Paris I often ask myself why I don’t go up more often. I mainly, well always, go for work. It’s always the inevitable problem of finding somewhere to stay that’s in budget, unless I’m staying with my friends near Chantilly, but then that’s not really staying in Paris.
Mike and I went up this weekend arriving Saturday lunchtime and taking the last train back on Sunday evening.
For those who don’t know it’s been a hive of activity in Paris with the Maison & Objet (twice yearly event) and the Deco Off. I was there for the Deco Off, well to see my dear friends Anthony & Benoit of Atelier Vime. I have been working with them for many years and am delighted to also be part of their new book which came out last year.
They were hosting an event at the private studio of Edouard MacAvoy on the rue du cherche midi, which is normally closed to the public, so it was an occasion to step in behind closed doors. It did not disappoint. It was also a pleasure to have one of my photography pieces available.
We ate in a restaurant down that road and then wandered towards Le Bon Marché, Deyrolles and down the Rue de l’université towards Yveline Antiquités where Antoinette Poisson were exhibiting. The road was full of lampshades and all around that area was buzzing.
We ended up staying in the 16th Arrondissement which is an area I know nothing about. We didn’t have time to explore as we were invited for a private dinner in the quartier.
The next day we took a taxi (there were 5 of us) for a Champagne breakfast event organised by Toma (the owner of the Antique Diva Tours that we are part of) at the Mob House centrally located at the Puces de Saint Ouen. A really interesting contemporary new place and the rooms/suites are really lovely. There is also a garden and swimming pool!
After the event we walked around the Puces, although a little disappointing but it is January. We are also privileged because we have so many good Antique Markets in the South of France.
After lunch we headed to the Jeu de Paume to see the Tina Barney Photography exhibition (everything else was also booked out, it being a weekend in Paris!). An interesting look at life in the USA as Tina captured her wealthy East Coast Family & Friends. The photographs are thought provoking, not particularly flattering but there is something intriguing about them.
We then walked through the Tuileries Gardens along the Seine towards Notre Dame to have a look from the outside. As it happened there was a service going on and we were allowed to enter. It is truly impressive and it is hard not to leave without feeling emotional.
We then headed towards the train station. A short but lovely weekend in Paris.
On a short photography note I actually went up to Paris with just my 50mm lens which at one moment whilst doing Interiors I did question why I came up with this lens but then it’s nice to have the constraints of a fixed lens and it was good to get to know the lens better. I also took a lot of photos at dusk and early evening which I don’t often do.
Couple of Notes:
Spotted at Zara Home the book Irving Penn Centennial. Definitely on my wish list! It was just too heavy to carry around Paris.
If you love Photography books then head to Jeu de Paume!
Peter Lindbergh is on show at the Galerie Dior
Joanna xx
Looks like a perfect weekend!
Lovely photos/weekend. My 50mm/1.8 would probably have been the one I'd have packed too!