Sunday Faves: Paris Edition, Souvenirs, What I Wore & Charming Hotel

Good morning and happy Sunday. I’m writing this still a little jet lagged, unpacking a suitcase full of French mustard and antique fish prints, which tells you about the kind of week Howard, Teresa, Billy and I had in Paris.

It was hot in Paris. But not too bad wearing my favorite hat (25% off now) and walking on the shady side of the street. Would I go again in July or August? Absolutely. Many of the Parisians take their vacation then so the city streets felt less busy…more like how it seems on “Le Weekend.”

But again…I would probably go to Paris anytime of year if you asked me.

I just posted about where to eat in Paris and today I want to walk you through our Paris souvenirs, the outfits I wore, and the hotel that made this trip feel special. It’s Sunday Faves time with Annie and Cindy.

Astier de Villatte PARIS 1

173 rue Saint Honoré, 75001, Now in Two Storefronts

If you’ve followed CCH for any length of time, you know I never leave without a stop at Astier de Villatte for a little Paris souvenir. This trip I discovered they’ve expanded into two storefronts along Rue St. Honoré, and it’s worth wandering into both. The signature ivory glazed stoneware is still there from plates and mugs to candlesticks, but the second space gave me room to actually see everything.

I came home with a small tray that can display my perfume when our bathroom remodel is complete (it starts this week). If you’ve never shopped there, it’s pricey but the pieces are handmade in Paris and every one is a little imperfect in a good way.

I bought this tiny pitcher last time that I display with match sticks with a adhesive striker on the bottom.

Antique Prints from Athanase, Galerie Vivienne

One of my favorite finds this trip wasn’t decor exactly, but it will become decor once I get it framed. Athanase, tucked into the beautiful Galerie Vivienne, is an archive of thousands of antique botanical, zoological, and Paris-themed prints, all organized into these wonderful old wooden card catalog drawers labeled by category.

I spent a half hour flipping through the “Poissons” drawer and came away with a few hand colored sea life prints of fish, crabs and shells. That I can already picture grouped together in our new bathroom.

If you want something with real age and character instead of another mass produced print, this is the place. The prices are more reasonable than you’d expect given their age…but the expensive part will be the framing.

Bibliothèque Nationale de France

After Athanase, go across the street to the National Library.

Walk into the quiet three story oval reading room for a little respite. It’s free and lovely.

Petit Bateau For Kids Clothes

We bought the grandkids, Louisa and Leo matching Paris pajamas.

Bon Marché Food Hall, My Favorite Souvenir Stop

We always end up spending more time than planned in La Grande Épicerie at Bon Marché, and this trip was no exception. It’s the easiest place to pick up food gifts that you want for yourself.

This time Howard and I came home with a stack of Pommery mustards in those classic stoneware crocks, a jar of rillettes au foie gras, a bottle of shallot vinegar, and a few jars of Edmond Fallot mustard from Burgundy.

All of it packs well and makes for the kind of hostess gift that actually gets used. My cousin Billy and sister Teresa bought things too and enjoyed the experience.

I also couldn’t resist the Savon de Marseille soaps, the sugared candy decorations shaped like teapots and roses from Canasuc as a gift. We bought an insulated canvas La Grande Épicerie grocery tote for us and a smaller insulated lunch tote for our son, Tommy who takes his gourmet leftovers to work.

And Howard had some of the French butter vacuumed sealed to take home with us (all the rage on Instagram). It made it back nicely in Tommy’s new lunch bag.

Side note: They have a very nice public bathroom in the basement. 🙂

What I Wore – July/August in Paris

For this Paris trip, I packed pieces that could go shopping and site seeing in the day and for dinners at night (all while having a heat wave).

Our Home Base: Charming Hôtel Duc de Saint-Simon

For a change of pace, we stayed at a smaller hotel: the Hôtel Duc de Saint-Simon in the 7th arrondissement. This historic 18th-century townhouse has preserved many original architectural elements. 

The entrance is tucked on a quiet side street. It has four stars (reasonably priced) and is an easy walk to Rue du Bac and the Bon Marché. Inside (they have air-conditioning). It’s the kind of layered, lived-in elegance that takes time.

My favorite were the breakfast rooms built into the original stone cellar walls, all exposed limestone, gilt mirrors, and clusters of small artwork. My cousin, Billy enjoyed his daily coffee and the morning news there.

That’s this Sunday’s roundup: Paris Edition, Souvenirs, What I Wore & Charming Hotel.

Another side note: Finally, I’d like to mention regarding the Paris souvenirs…at the airport I bought four French home magazines and Howard bought us each authentic Paris soccer team (PSG) caps. A perfect way to spend our remaining Euros.

You may also like: Planning A Paris Trip: Round-up Of Best Posts.

Fresh Peach Scone Recipe From Kim At Northern California Style

Originally from Rose’s Bakery in Paris, I just saw this on Kim’s blog…making these may help me ease back into life at home 🙂

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Let’s see what my friends have discovered this week:

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