Canal Saint Martin

I did not have the opportunity to spend much time in the 19e arrondissement during my first month here, but on Sunday, after a brunch at Rose Bakery, I did manage to have a nice walk around the area and along the stretch of the canal. It could be because the 19th is more of a residential area, it was comparatively (to 3e or 4e) quite happening during a sunday afternoon. People chilling by the canal, having some quality couple or family time, little kids riding by in their mini scooters while their parents stroll behind, and young people chatting over a cup of coffee. Then again, there is something quiet and special about the canal. Walking along it, seeing the reflections of buildings and trees as well as observing the colours and designs of the street art along the walls of buildings, all contributed to a very enjoyable relaxed Sunday.

Isabel Marant sweater / Acne jeans and boots

La Hublotière

The work I have to do for my thesis for the most part of time regards the study of archive's documents and draws, but sometimes also the visit of some hotel particulieres such as Villa Berthe. After have sent some email, yesterday I finally got the chance to go to Vasinet to see this beautiful building. Villa Berthe is one of the first Hector Guimard Art Nouveau projects and it's called "La Hublotière" due to the presence of round openings in the form of windows at the base of the side walls. The house is built on three levels, and each facade has originality and identity. Sitting on a stone base blonde treated so millstone recalling medieval times, the house seems well placed and yet remains light and enjoyable to watch. The entrance gate, located on the right of the field, immediately sets the tone, with its wrought iron "vert tige" and its fine curves, slender, with "coup de fouet". This curve is the main characteristic of the style of Guimard, which is found on almost all his works. La Hublotière is a remarkable symbiosis of neo-Gothic influence, inspired by his master Viollet-le-Duc, and the abstract naturalism that the artist liked so much. The architecture of the outside and the inside together create an unusual but beautiful and interesting  place to live.

Burberry trench coat / Acne jeans / Celine bag / Stuart Weitzman boots

Ile Saint-Louis

Ile Saint Louis is my favourite place in Paris where to go and walk when I need to relax and recharge my batteries. The Island is a mix of fine harmonious architecture and of magnificent views on both right and left banks and on the Seine. It offers a peaceful timeless atmosphere and contrasts a lot with its neighbour the Ile de la Cité which is much more crowded with people, cars and visitors. I am used to enter the Island coming from the right bank, through Pont Marie and I like to walk around the Ile Saint Louis on the ‘Quais’ before getting into it and strolling in its main street, the Rue Saint Louis en l’Ile. The buildings on the Ile Saint Louis date from the 17th century and most of them are beautiful ‘Hotels particuliers’ with wrought iron balconies and carved stone doorways. All the roads around the Island are narrow and cobbled and very few cars drive there. It's a really peaceful and charming place. I was there yesterday afternoon for lunch to make a break from my studies and to enjoy the first sunbeams, wearing my mid-season uniform: jeans, ankle boots and leather jacket.

Isabel Marant leather jacket / Balenciaga bag / Acne jeans and boots

Keep me in mind

A week is already passed since I am here in Paris and nothing could be better, except the weather: it has always been rainy, windy and cold. Although that last Saturday I have gone out for a walk in my neighbor around my favorite place, Place des Voges. This excellent example of Louis XIII-style architecture is the oldest planned square in Paris and its charm comes from the regularity of the façades. I took a stroll around the ground level of the stone arcades populated by restaurants, galleries and designer boutiques and I was lucky to find some musicians playing the classics in a most extraordinary busking performance. I really had a nice time, especially when I stopped at Boot café for a delicious breakfast made of cappuccino and a piece of cake. I think this place is going to become my favorite breakfast's spot here in Marais.

Bompard cashmere sweater / Celine bag / Isabel Marant skirt and boots

Premiere recontre

I am in Paris since yesterday and I'm going to stay here for at least three months to do some researches in the historical archives, study the documents and finish my thesis on Guimard and Art Nouveau. I have rent an apartment in Marais, in rue Poitou in an old building at the fourth floor without elevator: it's really small, but well designed and really cosy. I couldn't be happier. This morning after unpacked all my stuffs, I went out for my usual ritual: coffee and croissant, of course at Café de Flore.

Bompard cashmere sweater / Acne jeans