Paris purchases...

Paris was full of wonderful galleries, churches, museums, cafes, bistros, gardens and parks.
It goes without saying that Paris has wonderful shops and boutiques and I ventured into many of them...
One of the gals on the tour and I took a leisurely stroll through the Chanel boutique and had a browse at the clothing...which was lovely but exceeded my budget and the garments do not suit my retired lifestyle.

We popped into the fabulous boutique ~ Didier Ludot.

They sell vintage and gently used designer goods.

If you want to purchase a Hermes Kelly bag this is a great place to look!

Didier Ludot stock luxury goods and there are lots of tempting treasures inside the store!

The white cocktail dress would be fun for a summer party.

 And how about lunch with the ladies in the red Chanel suit?

There were so many shops with gorgeous clothes...

I just did not devote time for much shopping.

I wasn't on a mission for clothes...

I wanted to experience the art, history and culture of Paris.

I bought this vintage Jeanne Lanvin silk scarf at a pop up vintage shop in BHV.

I bought this striped top in COS in the Marais.

The Hermes scarf which I showed in a previous post was my big purchase.

(a wearable souvenir!)

I bought this fun grey mesh sweater and silver necklace

in the Marais at a shop whose name I have forgotten.

Since I have been home I have been lusting after a black leather jacket like those I saw women wearing in Paris...

and my lovely daughter saw this one on sale and the rest is history.

I bought this rustic vintage jug in the south of France.

I wanted to have something to remind me of the countryside and this will be perfect for my roses.

Shepherd hut

seen on the drive from the Pech Merle Caves to the enchanting Village of Saint Cirq-Lapopie.

Signage adjacent to the hut.

Very basic shelter...and at this altitude it would make for a very cold night.

The stone buildings are so quaint and picturesque.

For gifts 

I bought French soaps, chocolates, magnets with the Eiffel Tower depicted on them...

 hand made semi precious beaded bracelets, a pottery necklace, a book for the grandchildren, scents from Hermes for my sister and husband.

(This post was in response to Jill's question ~ and thank for posing the question Jill!)

Paris ~ The Palais Garnier

Opulent and ornate are the two words that spring to mind when I think of the Palais Garnier,
the Beaux Arts architecturally designed building in Paris. Formerly The Paris Opera House which is now home to the Paris Ballet Company.

When we were there on tour we were treated to a little rehearsal...

I would love to be in the audience for a full performance.

Can you imagine the beautiful and luxurious gowns that women would have worn to the Opera?

I can visualize arriving by carriage with a lady's maid at my side...

a modern day Cinderella!

So many marble stairs to navigate with a commodious gown and delicate footwear...

one would definitely want to be accompanied by a smart well heeled gentleman.

The intricate designs are utterly breath taking.

from

the radiant lighting 

the colourful fresco's

the scale of the space

the marble carved pillars

the inlaid mosaic flooring...

it's amazing.

We'd convene here for a glass of bubbly during the intermission!

Looking up at the gold and crystal... 

could be a dizzying distraction from the performance.

I'd want opera glasses!

It would be convenient to have one's own box to sit in...

Paris Opera House is a beautiful place to visit...

read more about it here.

I've settled back into my daily round.

The pedestrian life that I lead now has a touch of Parisian glamour.

I've got a bundle of photos and a heart full of delightful memories that are with me as I weave my way through the rooms of our humble home and slowly and mindfully meander along the streets of our charming neighbourhood by the sea.

It's not Paris,

 but there's a wee bit of Paris that has come back with me to my home here in Victoria.

I'll cherish this trip for years to come.

Je t'aime Paris.

South of Paris ~ Auvillar.

After 2 fun filled weeks in Paris I headed south on the IDTGV to Agen... where I was met by friends and driven to the charming Village of Auvillar.

The quaint and beautiful Village of Auvillar is where our good friends John and Cheryl stay as host and hostess of the Virginia College of the Arts for artists staying in residence while working in France. This is the historic house that they reside in and it is so cozy that I can see why they want to return every year.

The 11th century Chapel next door...

The Romans influence is still evident today.

Colourful shutters...

Town square...

where grain was sold and traded.

Cheryl's garden shed...

What a lovely place to call home.

An elderly woman lives here...

I waited until she went inside before snapping this photo as I didn't want to be intrusive.

Lovely gates...

gorgeous gardens inside....

Loving the paint on the shutters and doors...

Outdoor Chapel....

Cheryl Fortier and the local school children collaborated on this Auvillar mural...

Pilgrims walk this route on their way to Spain.

Dining al fresco...

Cheryl Fortier is a very talented artist.

I love her boat series...

There were beautiful plants growing in the lush village gardens.

I walked every day and wove my way up the hill into town snapping pictures as I delighted in capturing the beauty of this wee Village.

I'll post a series in a few days of images on the flowers and roses that captured my fancy...