The spring has not been particularly clement this year, far from that, and I wonder if it is not the general lack in vitamin D that transforms any stroll in (rarely) sunny Paris into a magnificent experience, more enjoyable than ever. At least these were my last weekend impressions in Palais Royal and its gardens. Love this magic and quiet place right in the heart of the city. Boutiques under the arcades have some kind of confidential aura around them and among designer stores you can find Rick Owens, Stella McCartney and Serge Lutens here.
Another reason I am fascinated by this area at the moment is that I have been reading (discovering or rediscovering) Colette's novels for a couple of months now and Palais Royal is the "village in the city" where she spent around 20 years of her life. Apart from being a bulldog lover (which obviously transforms her into a particularly sympathetic figure!), Colette was a talented writer and music-hall performer. Her novels, sometimes autobiographical, are a perfect reflection of the tumultuous life she had left. Although often focused on solitude and futility of love, they create an enchanting and somewhat elegant atmosphere of Paris during la belle époque and that leaves us eager for more. Luckily, she was a pretty fecund author and there are still some hundreds of pages to explore.
Isabel Marant Bertille Skirt or here, Vanessa Bruno blouse, Charlotte Olympia Melody wedges or similar here, Gerard Darel Syracuse Bag, Isabel Marant Okura necklace
Photos by Ernesto Engadin
