Shopping in Paris and other Delectible Discoveries
Bonjour,
Yes, it was hot in Paris yesterday, a high of 93, but not too steamy to discover a few wonderful delights.
Before the temps soared, I was out doing some shopping which I have saved to the end of our trip: a new pair of walking shoes and a new shoulder purse. The very street where we live is dotted with exquisite small shops like the two I patronized yesterday. My new shoes are Ecco and came from Zone Nordique run by a Danish fellow who told me he had done a very successful business on rue St. Paul for over ten years. As boutique shops go in Paris, that is quite amazing. 
The other shop is just down the street and is called Les Nguyen Paris, and the proprietor/designer is a lovely Vietnamese lady named Han. It’s a must-see if you’re looking for hand-tailored fashions using exquisite Liberty Arts Fabric from Regent Street in London. The pictures tell a little of the personality of the shop, but a personal encounter with Han is definitely called for to get the full ambiance.
In the late afternoon, we met Jim and Peggy Bilbro for a rendezvous at the gorgeous newly opened Russian Orthodox Church here in Paris called the Cathédrale de la Sainte-Trinité. The structure along Quai Branly opened in March amid years of controversy politically and financially. It is nicknamed “Saint Vladimir’s” for obvious reasons and has five gilded domes which dot the landscape around the Eiffel Tower. It is 4800 square feet and houses a parish center, auditorium, book store, exhibit hall, offices and apartments, a cultural center, and a French-Russian primary school for 150 children. What we would call the sanctuary was the main viewing area, and it was ornate beyond words.
We also visited the exhibit hall filled with paintings from a Russian artist whose long, complicated name now has left me. His work was in watercolor, and Paris scenes were his subject.
To end our very nice day, we had dinner at a new spot called Le Basilic very near Musée Rodin. The food was delicious, but we were roasting from the still hot temps of 87 degrees!!
Today is supposed to be a few degrees cooler. Let’s hope so!
À bientôt,
L & B
July 19, 2017 @ 7:43 am
The Russian artist is Alexander Serebriakoff. I enlarged his name on the Montparnasse work and googled it…I like the images you showed of his work.
Sad to know these are your last days as it has been a terrific time to read and see, this year, again.
Love your new purse!
Are you going to blog your trip to Norway ( I think it was) later this year?
July 19, 2017 @ 8:26 am
Thank you for the name of the artist! I knew someone would figure it out! We are hoping our side trip next year with Bernie’s cousins will be Norway!
July 19, 2017 @ 8:07 am
Your new shoes are really cute, and not at all what we usually see from Ecco. Why can’t we find these cute but comfy styles in the US?? Bernie’s photo of the cathedral dome is great! Kudos to him!
July 19, 2017 @ 8:24 am
Merci, Peggy! Yes, the Eccos are distinctly Paris.
July 19, 2017 @ 10:53 am
I enjoyed your photos and agree about the Eccos. They are my favorite brand for walking but I have not found any as pretty as yours!
July 19, 2017 @ 11:07 am
Great photos of St. Vladimir’s and adore the shoulder purse! It looks so pretty against your white dress and dark belt.
Recently I’ve been pointing out to Clive on the metro different bags with the link/’chain’ straps — very fashionable 🙂 Putting Han/Les Nguyen on my list – merci!
Cheers and enjoy the cooler (!?!) temps.
July 19, 2017 @ 11:39 am
We think the ornate piece is just called a chandelier with icons. (Monica went to Orthodox services for a year in the 1970s.) Your accounts of daily tours are all so fascinating, and Bernie’s photography enhances everything.
July 19, 2017 @ 2:34 pm
Merci for the information. I started to call it a chandelier but didn’t want to appear stupid if it had a special name. Glad you have enjoyed!
July 19, 2017 @ 2:51 pm
Stay cool. I know you all have had a great trip…thank you for sharing it with us.
See you soon.
July 19, 2017 @ 2:52 pm
Yes, see you soon! Say “Hello” to Dorcas for us.
July 19, 2017 @ 6:16 pm
Enjoyed seeing all the icons and beautiful art. Jim collected Russian icons at one time, I think. The dessert is a Wow! We are suffering in 90 degree weather as well. But as air conditioning made the South, not melting as in Paris.
July 19, 2017 @ 8:09 pm
Today has been like a steam bath. It rained just a little this morning and then the heat moved in with very high humidity. Ugh!