Bagni di Lucca and Beyond

On my way home from Italy I stayed in Paris for a couple of days. I was there the first day of the Art Deco exhibition at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs. Art Deco is my favourite style era, so after a friend sorted the ticket issue, we went to the exhibition.

The first exhibit was a recreation of some Orient Express train carriages. What fun it would have been to travel in such luxury!

I think this rug would fit perfectly at my house.

As would everything else I liked, especially this chair.

…and all of these lovely things.

 

 

There was a Paul Poiret exhibition on in the same museum. He was a French master couturier during the first 2 decades of the 20th century. He was born in 1879 and died in 1944.

 

Thee were a few items designed by more recent designers in the spirit of Poiret.

Poiret’s fashion house declined when Chanel and other designers came along with more simple clothing…things change.

The Bourse de Commerce was originally used as a place to negotiate the trade of grain and other commodities, and used to provide services to businesses by the Paris chamber of Commerce during the latter part of the 20th century. It is now a modern art museum housing the contemporary art from Francois Pinault’s collection.

There is usually a temporary exhibition in the central room. I am very sorry I missed the water pool earlier this year. The current one was not the reason for my visit.

The building itself is a work of art.

The frieze inside the dome is a historical 19th century painting depicting scenes of international trade and commerce. It has been recently restored.

Don’t miss the 18th century double helix staircase!

Coffee might not be art, but this new coffee destination could  be called art. I came upon Copains Rive Gauche at 68 Rue Saints-Peres and immediately stopped for coffee and a financier.

Coffee and a pastry in Paris is now around €14 in many places. That is quite a bit more than the coffee and sfoglia I have at Bar Italia across the bridge from my apartment in Bagni di Lucca. It is a steal at €2.40 and is every bit as delicious.

Food can be art too. My favourite place to have lunch is Lucien Le Grande in the gorgeous Galerie Vivienne, one of the most beautiful covered passageways in Paris. The luxurious walkway was built in 1823. I recommend a walk through even if you don’t stop for lunch.

Originally a gourmet grocery store, Lucien Le Grande opened in 1880 and 5 generations later it is now an iconic destination in Paris for gourmet food and fine wine. The wine cellar showcases wine from all over the world from over 370 winemakers.

Delicious food in a delightful setting. (More than 1 lunch)

This Dries Van Noten clutch was seen in the window of the shop. It is definitely art.

Rick Owens boots seen through window of the shop might be a bit difficult to wear, but are definitely works of art.

I will finish wth some beautiful public art in the Palais Royale.

There is much to love in Paris.