Two generations of friends enjoy Paris.

Two generations of friends enjoy Paris.

Two generations of friends enjoy Paris. What a wonderful weekend we had. After an early morning start to catch the 7.53 am Eurostar from St.Pancras we arrived in the Gare du Nord in plenty of time to check into our hotel in the 6th Arrondissement. St. Germain is my favourite area in Paris. There are a large number of side streets packed full of quirky little shops and fashionable boutiques. After a quick wash and brush up we headed for the local cafe overlooking the Place de St. Sulpice.

French perfume

My daughter and I wandered around the shops in the afternoon. We spent some time in the Annick Goutal perfume shop. I do love their fragrances especially the “Rose Apsolue” and the “Figue“. Annick Goutal perfumes are available at (US) and (UK).

Annick Goutal perfumes

We came out smelling of roses!

Two generations of friends enjoy Paris.

There was a mini-heatwave with the temperature on Saturday afternoon as high as 28 degrees. My well-planned capsule wardrobe, which would normally be excellent for late September would not have worked at all well. I had to re-pack the day before we travelled. My Cos dress came in very useful and the other outfit I took were my patterned trousers and sleeveless top (originally from People Tree). Plus another sleeveless cream top, a lightweight cardigan and my green parka (seen in the first photo). sun hat, sun glasses and a selection of scarves.

Colourful french shoes

I did not get an opportunity to check out the latest autumn styles and colours as favoured by chic Parisienne women as they were still wearing their lightweight summer outfits, mostly dresses worn with trainers/sneakers or jeans and a tee or simple top.

I did notice that there were a variety of very colourful shoes in the shops. Blues, yellows and reds, patterned or plain.

Colourful french shoes

Lace up shoes and ankle boots were also in evidence along with the many styles of trainers/sneakers.

Travel hand bags

I really like these bags. They were made of a combination of rubber and leather (very sustainable). Several of the styles were ideal for travelling as they had separate gadgets for all ones stuff. No more searching in the bottom of your handbag. I rather regret not buying one I will definitely be getting one next time I am in Paris.

Atelier des Lumières

Now for the most exciting part of the weekend. The Van Gogh exhibition at L’Atelier des Lumieres. If you are ever visiting Paris I would highly recommend this experience. It is the second time that I have been there and it is amazing. A full sensory experience combining art, music and technology. I also loved the Klimt exhibition which I saw with Susan of Une Femme last year.

Van Gouh exhibition

An overwhelming experience.

Van Gogh art
Van Gogh exhibition
Two generations of friends enjoy Paris.

Another aspect of Paris that I love is discovering these wonderful small courtyards.

Two generations of friends enjoy Paris.

Paris would not be complete without a patisserie!

I hope you enjoyed this mini tour.

13 Comments

  1. Eileen
    30th September 2019 / 16:01

    So beautiful, thanks for the mini tour

    • Kathleen
      1st October 2019 / 06:11

      Josephine

      Thank you for this ..

      I feel like i have had a mini retreat ..

      25 years ago we stayed in that arrondissement and the perfumes are my favourite ..

      You are so inspiring
      I am loving autumn
      Thank you ,
      Black and white ⚘⚘⚘
      Kathleen

  2. Jo Johnston
    30th September 2019 / 16:17

    Very interesting. The perfume shop must have been a real treat!

  3. Maura
    30th September 2019 / 16:18

    I’ve been using Anick Goutal products for years and love all of them. I even remember when the cologne bottles were refillable, something US stores would offer at least once a year

  4. Julia Lovatt
    30th September 2019 / 16:33

    Love your blog Josephine and this one is really nice, especially the shoe shops!

  5. 30th September 2019 / 16:34

    L’Atelier des Lumieres… I’ve seen this exhibit referenced before and would love to go! How blessed you are to be able to pop over to Paris!

  6. Brenda Chell
    30th September 2019 / 17:00

    Thank you for the mini tour, it was very enjoyable. Looks like you all had a lovely time.

  7. Jacqueline
    30th September 2019 / 19:22

    What a lovely travel bag those would be. What brand are they? I have been looking for a good travel handbag. Please share when you purchase one!

  8. Jayne
    30th September 2019 / 20:38

    Looks like you had a lovely time. Oooh, I would be so broke if I could shop for those amazing shoes and boots!!

  9. Angela in NZ
    30th September 2019 / 22:29

    You have described my worst nightmare regarding a last minute changing weather pattern! I had become quite adept at not overpacking but with an upcoming 3-week tour of China my resolve is a touch wobbly. Layers, a packable down jacket and scarves are my “fingers crossed” option. So glad to see some cooler colours in the Paris windows and flat footwear.

  10. Francie Newcomb
    1st October 2019 / 03:29

    I’m glad you had such a lovely trip with your daughter and friends! Thank you so much for the soft blue green wool scarf; it will be pretty and useful as the weather cools off, which is going to happen this week!

  11. Susan Harper
    1st October 2019 / 16:28

    I think we were in Paris at the same time! We stayed for 10 days. The colors I saw in the shops for fall were deep rusts, browns, spice colors.

  12. 2nd October 2019 / 04:39

    I’m a little bit jealous, not only of your time in Paris, but while you were enjoying a mini heatwave there, it snowed here in Alberta, Canada! Thankfully it melted away today and I was left with two lonely snowmen standing on the grass, reminders of the grandchildren who visited on the weekend.

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