Tis the season to be inundated with “gifts for the Francophiles” in your life. Instead of recommending crazy over priced items I want to share with you a few of my favorite things from really wonderful people. You may even decide you need one or two for yourself.
Jean-Charles de Castelbajac has been a designer and artist for over five decades. His colorful creations have dressed the runways and stages by the biggest stars but it is his sweet little chalk angels he leaves all over Paris that I love so much. This Fall and Winter the Centre de Pompidou is holding a special interactive exhibit for children, but big kids can check it out too. Although they thought it was a bit odd when I walked in and the guy let me know it was kids. I just said, oui, mais j’adore JCDC. The event runs until May 9, 2022.
When I saw that he put together a book of his lively colored designs and angels I had to have it. It’s not an inexpensive book, that's when my discount at the Louvre bookstore comes in handy. You can find it on Amazon on the US or French site, its less expensive on the French site even with the conversion. For a less expensive version check out the color and activity book, now I wish I also got that one. And when in Paris always keep an eye out for an angel left behind for a loved one.
John Baxter has spent his life sharing the stories of Paris and the biographies of the most interesting people. His newest book is out now and dedicated to actor of the Silver Screen, Charles Boyer. Charles Boyer, The French Lover is the story of the suave actor known for his wonderful voice and amazing roles. I loved him as the eccentric neighbor living in the attic about Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in Barefoot in the Park and also as the host of a wonderful 1964 documentary on the Louvre. John’s books are the best and are the perfect gift for the film lover or reader in your life.
The perfect gift for anyone that has ever been to Paris or just dreamed about going is a lovely sketch of your favorite restaurant in Paris. Former New Yorker editor John Donohue found he loved spending his days capturing the facades of the restaurants of New York, London and Paris and chased his dream to do just that.
Each sketch is done in under 30 minutes and include many of the best places in Paris. Check to see if yours is included. Had the best hot chocolate of your life at Angelina? A wonderful meal on your first trip at Le Grand Colbert or L’Ami Jean. However, I think you all know which one I need and maybe even one as a gift to the L’Avant Comptoir as well.
Check out his entire collection here and pick up one for yourself at the same time.
I have to admit, I always thought it was a bit ridiculous to spend money on an expensive candle. Well, that all changed when I saw a special Diptyque candle created with artist Jean-Michel Othoniel and how it’s tied to the Musée du Louvre.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of I.M. Pei’s Pyramid the Louvre asked Othoniel to create a new version of his book, Herbier Merveilleux, the Secret Language of Flowers. More than 5000 works of art in the Louvre include flowers, so he needed to narrow it down. One piece stood out to him above many and from that he also created six paintings.
Peter Paul Rubens captured the moment of the marriage of Marie de Medici to Henri IV by proxy as we just talked about the other day. At the base of their feet laying on the step is one single red rose. With the vastness of the room that is the Medici Gallery it is this one rose that stands out. Othoniel believes it is the symbol of the entire museum, the image of passion and power. For what is more delicate and strong than a rose?
Diptyque has been making candles since 1961 and still operates it’s original store at 34 Boulevard Saint Germain. Each year they develop special edition candles that fill your room with deep and beautiful scents. They also make perfume, room sprays and more. Now I can’t wait to go visit the flagship store and know I am now on a slippery slope of fancy French candles. I love each afternoon when I light it for an hour and am reminded of the paintings Othoniel left in the Cour Puget. Find the special candle and more here.
They will ship from their US location and have a few stores around the country as well.
On the carrefour de l’Odéon just steps away from the best wine bar in Paris is the Zoé Ferdinand boutique. Filled with distinct pieces you can take home to mark your trip to Paris and also a collection of great shirts based on some of the best books ever written. I could be a bit biased about that but, c’est la vie. One day I was walking by the lovely facade of the store covered with flowers in the window when I spotted a great t-shirt and HAD to have it.
We know the great Hemingway book published after his death as A Moveable Feast, documenting those early years in Paris and the friends that filled it, it is a must for any Francophile. However in France the book is known under the title “Paris est une fête”. So spying this treasure in the window I had to grab it.
Since then Zoé has added candles, sweatshirts, necklaces and even some undies. Check out her entire collection online and when you are in Paris stop by before you pop into L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre.
