I'm Susan — devout Francophile, mother of twins, writer, creative director, and aspiring author. I've been sharing my life here since 2010...thanks for reading!
During my last trip to Paris, I stayed in a lovely apartment in Montmartre, provided by Haven in Paris. I had the opportunity to truly experience the neighborhood, and subsequently fell in love with it. While I’m anxious to spend even more time getting to know the area, I had some very enjoyable adventures in and around the famed butte. I shared some of my favorite addresses over on their blog, and I’d love to know your favorites…please share!
If you’re looking for a delightful little sanctuary to grab breakfast, brunch, or lunch in (or near) the 9th, Café Marlette is your place. I first discovered the Marlette brand while brunching at Claus – their (delicious) organic bread and cake mixes were sold there. On my last trip, while staying nearby, I made the café a destination. I ended up there for a late lunch after a morning of exploration, and it was the perfect spot to recharge (both literally and figuratively). They have a wholesome selection, and I enjoyed the soft-boiled eggs, along with the chau fleur salade (shown below). My dessert consisted of a slice of their divine banana bread, which was perfectly accompanied by a cup of great coffee, supplied by Coutume. The interior is minimalist and cosy, and the staff is friendly and attentive. If you’re short on time, take a snack à emporter!
Café Marlette | 51 rue des Martyrs 75009 Paris
I’m forever grateful for the blogging community, and the friends I’ve made along the way. Erin Austen Abbott is one of those friends, and while we’ve never met, our connection as mothers and small business owners is tangible. She recently launched a lifestyle blog focused on travel with kids in tow, and invited me to share our experience traveling with kids to Paris. It was the ultimate field trip for us of course, and I could wax poetic for days on this topic. Don’t worry, I narrowed it down to our favorites, including where to play, dine, shop and stay. Follow the link below…merci encore Erin!
The Musée Picasso was high on my list during my last trip to Paris, and it didn’t disappoint. Between the amazing collection and the breathtaking architecture, I was in heaven. The museum underwent an extensive renovation that lasted five years, despite the intended timeline of two years. It was worth the wait, in my opinion…the 17th century mansion in the Marais is as equally stunning as Picasso’s work. I must admit, as an interior designer, I’m a bit biased – the mansion had me at hello with it’s commanding gates and Baroque architecture. Formerly the Hôtel Salé, it has a rich and fascinating history, as almost everything in Paris does. Inside, the collection is staggering (it’s the largest in the world) – with pieces spanning his entire career. The range is impressive, encompassing works from every medium he explored.
My preferences tend to be his sculptural works from the 1930’s-1960’s, with the exception of my favorite Picasso piece. It always amazes me how art can be so specific to an era, and yet also timeless. In 1955 the artist moved to Cannes, where he hunted for pieces of old furniture, branches, and lumber scraps which he would incorporate in the only multi-figured sculptural ensemble of his career (shown above). He was not trained as a sculptor, so these were very experimental. I was extremely attracted to the mid-century modern vibe, and the natural textures the figures have. Of course, the view of the courtyard beyond distracted me from the art…the old, wavy glass making the scene all the more beautiful.
There was so much design porn here I couldn’t even capture it all – it took my breath away. The museum was quite busy, so all of the architectural shots I attempted were thwarted by entranced visitors. I did however wait (15 minutes or so) for one “money shot”, and I’m glad I did. Some things are just worth waiting for, especially when you’re somewhere so special. This image makes me think about all the elegant inhabitants of the mansion over the centuries, and what it would be like to call this home. If only walls could talk…oh, the stories they would tell here.
Musée Picasso | 5 Rue de Thorigny 75003 Paris
Palais Royal ranks among my top five favorite places in Paris (as well as being a favorite of Henry + Marie’s), so this one is an automatic win for me. Situated (more like hidden) along the beautiful historic arcades and gardens, Café Kitsuné could probably serve Folgers and I’d still be happy (ok fine, that’s a bit of an exaggeration). Many people rave about their matcha latte, and their sorbets in the summer. The interior is minimalist and efficient, and not meant for lingering…there is a standing bar where you can quickly down an espresso or noisette (or photograph your latte before heading outside, as I did). If you plan to stroll the gardens (ahem, you’re not allowed to visit Paris without doing so), start your day here and enjoy your drink from their garden seating, which begs for both fountain and people watching.
