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Flowers,
always and forever! |
The French art of living celebrates beauty, and this is especially
evident in Parisians love of flowers. Most Parisians don't have gardens, so
they bring fresh or artificial flowers into their homes. In Paris, a floral
shop can be found on practically every corner, with gorgeous blossoms spilling
out into the street. Pass through the door, and the mingling of delicious fragrances
from a vast array of blooms is intoxicating. Each store is unique, a masterpiece
- the florists are artists, the flowers, works of art.
When visiting the City of Light, embrace the French lifestyle
and treat yourself to flowers, whether to mark a special occasion or to brighten
any day. Choose from the elegance of traditional bouquets, the contemporary
style of exotic plants, the charm of the smallest, most exquisitely delicate
arrangements. The flower shops in The Marais are imaginative, creative and offer
something to suit every floral taste. Here we have listed a few of our favorites.
Tip: When you are
invited to a dinner party in a French home, remember that just as the wines
are meticulously selected to complement each course, flowers are carefully chosen
to create an atmosphere and set the stage for the meal.
If you wish to give flowers as a thank-you gift, it is
best not to bring them with you, send them the morning of the dinner or the
next day. Avoid red roses as they have romantic undertones, and chrysanthemums
as these are considered funeral flowers.
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secret gardens of le Marais
Le Marais has a number of public parks and gardens
springtime visitors shouldn't miss. Our favorite is Place des Vosges
(originally named "Place Royale" during the time of Louis
XIII and inaugurated in 1612). It is an absolute square, surrounded
by perfectly symmetrical brick and stone apartment buildings sitting
atop a colonnaded walkway. Under the arches are some of Paris' chicest
designer boutiques, art galleries, three-star restaurants and four-star
hotels. Planted with well-pruned square-shaped trees, there are
patches of lawns that only a few years ago were opened to the public
for trespassing on -- sunbathers and picnickers quickly spread their
blankets. Children play in the sandboxes and the harmony of the
scene is entrancing.
A hidden garden worth taking a peep at are
just behind the gates of the Musée Carnavalet at 16, rue
des Francs Bourgeois. The museum is dedicated to the history of
Paris and is formed of two 16th and 17th-century mansions around
a perfect example of a formal French garden. It is designed to reflect
the time of Madame de Sevigné, who was born there in 1626,
and where she died in 1694. The true secret gardens of Le Marais
lie behind the massive doors of the "Hôtels Particuliers"
that the average visitor doesn't venture into. Don't be afraid to
peek in. Very often, the "digicode" allows entry during
the day with the press of one button and what you will discover
are quiet cobblestone courtyards and lovely gardens. Those who live
in the converted apartments of these private mansions overlooking
such serenity cannot help but to truly love living in Le Marais! |
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Au Nom De La Rose
33 rue de Bretagne 75003 Paris
01 42 78 12 12
Hervé Gambs
9 Bis rue des Blancs Manteaux 75004 Paris
01 44 59 88 88
Les Mille Feuilles
2 rue Rambuteau 75003 Paris
01 42 78 32 93
Les Succulents Cactus
111 rue de Turenne 75003 Paris
01 48 87 07 18
Lambert Bayard
6 rue du Renard 75004 Paris
01 42 72 17 40
Pascale Meunier
Place Louis Lépine 75004 Paris
01 43 54 06 40
Art et Nature
15 rue des Archives 75004 Paris
01 42 77 72 13
Au Jardin d'Edgar
37 place Louis Lépine 75004 Paris
01 56 24 42 44
Comme A La Campagne
29 rue du Roi de Sicile 75004 Paris
01 40 29 09 90
Double Pensée
35 rue des Archives 75004 Paris
01 48 87 98 80
01 48 87 06 57
Jardin du Temple
52 rue du Temple 75004 Paris
01 42 77 54 11
La Rose du Désert
27 rue des Rosiers 75004 Paris
01 44 54 99 18
Le Sans Soucis
38 rue St Antoine 75004 Paris
01 42 76 96 95
La maison de l'Orchidée
place Louis Lépine 75004 Paris
01 43 29 66 77
Orchidées et Compagnie
41 pl Louis Lépine 75004 Paris
01 46 33 96 45
Meunier Philippe
Place Louis Lépine 75004 Paris
01 43 54 00 60
Villa Turenne
7 rue Malher 75004 Paris
01 42 71 69 17
Sylvine
98 rue Beaubourg 75003 Paris
01 42 71 31 35
Aux Fleurs de France
15 rue de Bretagne 75003 Paris
01 44 54 08 69
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