this month in Paris - marie laurencin

Today,  in my series about things to see in Paris, I invite you to the Musée Marmottan.  Permanent home to the world's largest collection of Monet's paintings, the Marmottan is one of my favourite museums in Paris.  

It was originally built as a hunting lodge on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, it was bought by the Marmottan family who converted the lodge to a 'hotel particulier', [the French name for a large private town home.]

In 1932, Paul Marmottan bequeathed the property, and the art collection inside it,  to the Fine Arts Academy;  ever since it has been a private museum, open to the public all year round.

Up to the beginning of June, they are showing the paintings and watercolours of Marie Laurencin.

Contemporary to Picasso, Braque Douanier Rousseau and many others, she was successful in her own lifetime, as a painter, a portrait artist and as a writer.

She portrayed many well known names, such as Coco Chanel, shown here.

Her life was fun and tumultuous, and she most certainly needed a great deal of personality and obstinacy to find her place in the artistic circle of the time. Hard to believe it when you see this picture of a sweet little lady, photograhed here in 1904.

April in Paris - getting romantic

April in Paris .... remember that?!

What could be more romantic than a trip to Paris in the month full of blossoms and the promise of Spring.

Today, a couple of suggestions to enjoy in the capital next month ... on a romantic theme ....

First of all the romantic hideaway  ....  coming home to your own little apartment on the left bank is way more romantic than checking into a big hotel.  How about either of these love nests, beautifully furnished and rented out by my friends at Haven in Paris.

Just imagine padding around here in the morning,  taking your time, listening to Paris waking up ...

 The beauty of staying in an apartment is that you feel you are part of the neighbourhood; imagine yourself a true Parisian.  In the morning you slip out to buy fresh croissant from the boulangerie on the corner .... come back to the apartment, and plan your day comfortably over breakfast .... and at the end of the afternoon, you come 'home' to rest, shower, open some champagne ..... before going out to dinner

Now what to do with your romantic afternoon? .....  Paris is a city to walk around.  To soak up the atmosphere, to savour.  Of course you can take in a museum or the  Eiffel Tower, but more enjoyment may be had sticking to  St Germain and maybe picking out a painting to take home at one of the many little art galeries along the rue de Seine.

 and when you feel like a rest, then stop at a favourite Parisian café, La Palette, either sitting outside and watching Paris go by, or inside where you can admire the original artwork on the walls.

 

And finally,  the romantic place to dine?   It's hardly difficult to find a good restaurant in Paris, but if it were for a special and romantic occasion, then why not go to a very special Parisian address?

Lapérouse, a restaurant whose history dates back to the 18th century!  How could you not feel special as you walk through those doors?

Voilà ... just a few ideas, quickly put together for you.  Whatever you end up doing, I know you'll enjoy your very own April in Paris!

next month in Paris - Eugène Boudin

I know that many of my readers travel to Paris during the year, so today I am starting a new series 'next month in Paris'.    Each month I'll endeavour to highlight an upcoming exhibition or show that you may like to include in your itinerary.

Today I want to tell you about the Eugène Boudin exhibition starting third week of March.  This is a show that is in my diary, I plan to go with a friend in early  April.

Eugène Boudin was born in normandy, and was one of the first painters to grab his easel and leave the atelier to paint 'en plein air'.   He didn't stick to the Normandy coastline though, and he was seen with his easel painting through Europe.

He is known for his breathtaking skies, and it is said that Claude Monet admired his work and considered Boudin his master teacher.

The charm of this exhibition is that so many of these paintings no longer live in France.  Boudin was a popular artist with the american clientele from the word go, and many of his canvases have never been shown in France before now.

Eugène Boudin

22 March - 22 July

Musée Jacquemart André, Paris