Fun, Flowers and Food with Cousins
Bonjour mes amis,
The problem with family visits is always how short they are!! Our last day with Pierre and Laurie was filled with blue skies and sun which we absolutely deserved after Wednesday’s trudge through the rain.
We met them at La Bourse du Commerce which we have already shared with you. However, we wanted to see how much of the signature exhibit by Urs Fischer had melted away in almost two months. Here are some comparison photos.
They enjoyed the visit but like us have limited appreciation for modern art but found the renovation of the structure to be fascinating. We scurried off to a lunch at Le Village at Place de la Madeleine only to find a jam-packed patio with lots of noise and cigarette smoke. We were disappointed but made the best of it.
For the afternoon, we had reservations for the Van Cleef and Arpels exhibit of classic, exceptional jewelry captured in a floral setting, thus the exhibit was called “Florae.” It was simply gorgeous, both the very expensive creations as well as the ambiance of the exhibit. The introductory film suggested that we should all become like insects and crawl into the flowers! Here’s some info in greater detail if you choose to read it.
First some photos to capture the sensual feel of the exhibit when walking through it. The mirrors, the light, the music all created a wonderland maze. I wanted to be a butterfly.
Now for some of the jewelry which was valued in the thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of euros. 
Our final dinner together was at Le George for the view. We looked around and decided that we were the oldest people there again!
We said Au Revoir to Pierre and Laurie this morning about 10:30 as they head home to Soultz-Haut-Rhin.
Door of the day and lovers of the day:
If you’ve followed my blog for several years, then you know what to expect next week! You will all have the opportunity to vote for your favorites over several days! I’ll select 10 doors and 10 lovers to finish this year’s themes. Thursday, I’ll post the winners.
Next Friday will be my farewell blog, and then we head for home on Saturday, September 25. What an incredible three months we have shared together!
À bientôt
L & B
September 17, 2021 @ 10:48 am
Hmmm, I saw this exhibition in NYC, or at least one like it at VCA.. VCA makes my favorite jewelry! I am lusting after the very first “pair” you showed in blue and red,,, called Rose de Noël. I should have bought them at auction years and years ago when they were a mite bit affordable, Suddenly not only have auction prices gone sky high, but the commission amount due to the Gallery rose to 25-30% from previous 5-10%. So my auction days are over! I now admire the jewelry from afar… So beautiful. Since I am new here,,, are you French? And you spend every summer in Paris? I used to live in Paris, I went to school there, and was on track to becoming a French citizen when my mother got sick and of course I came home. That negated the time spent! Suddenly, with covid, I am once again reminded how wonderful it is to have two passports! I was to leave for Belgium for a family celebration yesterday.. but found out that the Belgium had changed the American baselines.. I hadn’t left time for a day or two quarantine, so I am not going! oh well, so much for that and the stay with old friends in the South of France! Enjoy the end of your stay, and safe trip home!
September 17, 2021 @ 1:14 pm
Ellyn, I am not FRENCH. BERNIE is. And yes, we do spend part of every summer in PARIS. I am so sorry about your trip. These are crazy times for sure.
September 17, 2021 @ 11:43 am
Oh no! Please don’t go home😢 I will miss your blog SO much! And also, if you get the chance, buy me a couple of those absolutely gorgeous brooches!
September 17, 2021 @ 1:11 pm
Merci!
September 17, 2021 @ 12:55 pm
Great picutres. What kind of camera do you use?
September 17, 2021 @ 1:10 pm
I have an iPhone 8 and it’s a workhouse.
September 17, 2021 @ 1:31 pm
Ready for us to meet for a nice outdoor meal some place. Enjoy your final week. I feel as if I’ve traveled there again. I know it will be hard to leave.
September 17, 2021 @ 2:05 pm
Yes, let’s get together! I’m so thrilled about your baby Bradley! What a blessing that you all needed right now!
September 17, 2021 @ 2:42 pm
All the colors today are very cool. Thank you.
September 17, 2021 @ 2:57 pm
You’re most welcome. I know this post had more of a female appeal or at least that was Bernie’s opinion!
September 17, 2021 @ 3:55 pm
Beautiful jewelry, though much more elaborate than I would ever wear. I will just admire it from afar. Considering the prices, thank goodness my tastes don’t run in that direction! So glad you had nice weather for your last day with Pierre and Laurie.
September 17, 2021 @ 7:02 pm
Oh my goodness what lovely and unique jewelry pieces. Your pictures captured the details and intricacies very clearly.
September 19, 2021 @ 4:33 pm
In all the blog entries in general & this one specifically, I enjoy pictures of food, people, & flowers. This jewelry was a bonus! I’ve never spent extended time in Paris so thanks for bringing me along. Amy