A Stroll Thorugh Montmartre

 The winding streets of Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, is the bohémien side of 

Paris. The hilly and winding streets has long been a haven for artists; Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet...
Above is the Musée de Montmartre and is a good place to start to learn more about their adventurous and often over indulgent lives here. 

 

Truly a mix for the senses, from the noisy and scandalous (in my opinion) cabarets and 'shops' of Pigalle to the quiet and shuttered homes and apartments that make you feel you're in the country. 

You're sure to find an abundance of people, places and things that are interesting, delightful and surprising. 

A good place to start is on the steps of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre to enjoy the gorgeous views of Paris. If you time it for a perfect sunset that's even better. 

à bientôt! 

Handcrafted Olive Wood Items

Shopping at Premier Pression Provence for fresh olive oil from small producers in the south of France. 

Feel free to taste all the unique flavors and ask how which goes best with what. 

Tapenades, sea salt, and mustards are also available to taste...  and chocolate-covered almonds. 

Handcrafted olive wood cutting boards and serving bowls make perfect gifts, 

and did I mention the chocolate-covered almonds? 

Morning Café

The timing could not be more perfect. The lull between breakfast and lunch and a great spot for people-watching in this café on the Blvd Saint-Germain.

It is one of my favorite rituals I have living in Paris. 

A morning café-crème with my mini laptop and my days's schedule to plan. 

Do you have a morning ritual? 

Sparkle at the Paris Fleas

A little sparkle at the Paris Flea Market - Puces de Clignancourt. 

This is a drop in the ocean of treasures at this fabulous market. 

it is truly unlike any market in the world, 

and advertised as the largest! 

Paris Travel Groupe specializes in private market tours for friends, boutique owners and designers; 

help with negotiation, French language, shipper introductions...  

Mention you saw this blog post for a discount! 

 Private tours of Paris and surrounding areas are also avaialble. 

Settling into Paris

Tour a fabulous Paris Apartment with us in the current issue of Belle Inspiraiton. Situated on the beautiful Île Saint-Louis in the middle of the River Seine. Owned by American, Doni Belau, - you may know her from her popular website Girls' Guide to Paris - she takes us on a tour and explains how she decorated it all in 10 days with the hemp of her hubby. 
If you'd like to read more head over and subscribe to Belle Inspiration - http://bit.ly/1srtJTj

Belle Inspiration BOX

We are excited to join the bHome app and be a part of such a talented group of bloggers & magazines who all share a love of Home & Garden! 

To celebrate Belle Inspiration joining the bHome app 
we are offering a 20% discount 
on every Belle Inspiration BOX just for bHome users!  

Follow us on bHome and you'll receive the 
exclusive bHome discount code.

The Belle Inspiration BOX  is a monthly 
curated BOX sourced from the

Paris Flea markets, Artisanal Boutiques & Ateliers. 

Click the link to see more! 
http://bit.ly/1V5PLpk


Happy to be a part of the bHome team!

www.belleinspiration.com

New Issue of Belle Inspiration

The latest issue of Belle Inspiraion is online now!

The delicous tea service on the cover was taken at Nina's paris, our favorite tea boutique in Paris, 

just off the Place Vendome. 

Nina's has an exclusive partnership with the King's Kitchen Garden at the Château Versailles from which they gather all the incredible ingredients and fragrances for their teas. 

There is so much more inspiration in this issue of "Living the Good Life". 

Come join us!

www.belleinspiration.com

Artistic Paris

The gorgeous artistic photographs of Dawne Polis are unique and romantic. 

It was our pleasure to feature her work in two article and we still marvel at her artwork. 

You can find out more about Dawne and how to buy her pieces on her site:

http://frenchatheart.blogspot.fr/

Reminiscing - The Cover of Issue 1

After a delightful chat with Yvonne at Stone Gable Blog, we could not help but talk about the first cover of the very first issue of Belle Inspiration. It was September 2010... can it really be that long? We'll soon be celebrating our 5th anniversary of celebrating la joie de vivre!

Yvonne was kind enough to write and photograph the cover story for that first issue.

www.belleinspiration.com

Paris Flea Markets

If you love flea markets then you need to experience one in France. Our favorite one in Paris is the Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt. A sprawling market unlike anything you've experienced in the US. 14 different marchés that have something for everyone and in every budget.

You can wander for days and still not see everything, so Paris Travel Groupe has created a special private market tour to streamline the experience and ensure a memorable time with a local insider by maximizing your time by zeroing in on exactly what you're looking for, help with negotiation, French language help, and shipping introductions if you need to ship those larger items home.

www.belleinspiration.com

Paris Markets - Shopping Antiques in Passy

So much to see and do in the markets and brocantes of Paris. Here's a peek in a lovely little antique boutique in the Passy area (16th arrondissement of Paris).

The delicate colors of a miniature, the golden glow of the gilt, the alabaster lady. Each piece is unique in its own way but put it all together in one place and it is a treat to all five senses!!

www.belleinspiration.com

The Next Issue of Belle Inspiration is Almost Ready!

Finishing final details of the upcoming issue of Belle Inspiration - Nina's Paris is our cover story. We think Nina's the THE best Salon de The in Paris!

We also visit Doni Belau of Girls' Guide to Paris as she settles into her lovely Paris apartment. Then a quick stop to the Palais Garnier to learn about their new line of shoes!

You can join our 32,000 + readers here: http://bit.ly/1nMklRt

www.belleinspiration.com

Perfect Paris Pink

Pink is a favorite color - the thought of living with it on the walls... not so much - but the way it looks in this gorgeous room in the Musée Carnavalet in Paris would definitely work!

It may be the way the light from the chandelier softens the color and the greenish-taupe accenting the ornate woodwork. Either way we love it? What do you think?

Belle Inspiration BOX - Mother's Day Pop Up Sale

The perfect gift for Mother's Day - a Belle Inspiration BOX. A BOX filled with a bit of France delivered to your mailbox each month.

Each little treasure in your BOX is sourced from the Paris flea markets, artisanal boutiques & ateliers. Payment plans are available too!

We have a special Mother's Day Pop Up sale going on right now - head over a take a peek HERE!

Trip Down Memory Lane

Taking a trip down memory lane with past issue of Belle Inspiration while getting the newest issue finished up.
This is the Spring French Style Issue and we're all about celebrating la joie de vivre. This issue highlights several marvelous Parisian businesses and
businesses and the beauty that Spingtime in Paris!

Window Shopping

Stocking up for the window boxes - the Hibiscus topiaries will work for the balcon (balcony).

Blossoms in Paris

The first blossoms are bursting out all over Paris. The parks and café terraces are filling up with Parisians anxious to soak up the rays.

Cathédrale de Notre Dame is looking pretty with these new pink accessories!

Printemps in Paris

 

Printemps in Paris! We've been waiting a long time for these first blossoms of spring - so worth the wait! 

Gorgeous artistic photo by Dawne Polis! 

Madeleines - French Tea Cakes

Madeleines are light, fluffy and buttery gâteaux (cakes), much like a sponge cake. The perfect side to your afternoon café or tea, with just the right amount of sweetness that won't put you into a sugar coma.

Warm, melted butter makes the inside moist and tender inside, and tastes divine if you can eat it right from the oven.

These delicious cakes with their distinct shape originated in the town of Commercy in the Lorraine region of France. Madeleines are baked in a scalloped shaped pan mold and the pretty shape makes even the simplest snack a bit more fun.

You can infuse them with a variety of flavors including lemon, vanilla, lavender, cinnamon - your choice, though the original buttery flavor is still my favorite.

Nina's Paris - THE Best Tea in Paris!

Nina's Paris is one of the loveliest little tea salons you'll find in paris ... or anywhere for that matter.

What makes Nina's so special besides the jewelry box interior and the gorgeous pink and gold packaging? The long history of Nina's dates back to the 1600s; all of their teas are gathered from the King's Garden at the Château de Versailles. 

A bust of Marie Antoinette along with an exact replica of one of her dainty shoes is on display and lends to the elegant atmosphere. 

We think we've found the perfect place to gather your girlfriends together for a relaxing and fun tea time! Read more about Nina's Paris in the next issue of Belle Inspiration, and be sure you download the coupon to receive a free tin of Nina's Teas. 

Favorite Macaron Flavors

The flavors of macarons have expanded from original chocolate and raspberry to salted caramel, lavender, rose, and orange blossom. 

The new recipes range from the stuff of dreams to more avante garde tastes Pierre Hermé,  the King of Macarons, is famous for his experimental flavors has a version with ... are you ready? ... ketchup and tiny chopped cornichons (pickles)! 

My own palate is much more subtle (boring?!). My new favorite is salted caramel or pistache (pistachio). Which is your favorite flavor? 

Photo: Elaine Biss

Shopping the Local Markets

The food markets in Paris are a highlight for residents and visitors alike.The food vendors here take their food seriously, and the displays are mouth-watering to say the least. 

Many vendors will offer you a little taste - a peu de goût - so you can be sure of the freshness and quality of their products. They enjoy sharing facts and cooking tips so don't be shy if you have a question.

There is always a breathtaking selection of flowers at the markets that are hard to resist. You'll soon notice the French carry their wrapped flowers upside down.

A Dash of Green

The setting sun does not dampen the color of this festive door. This doorway is on the rue de l'Annonciation, a pedestrian street in the 16th arrondissement.

There is everything you need on this cobblestone street from fleurs and fresh fruit to fromageries, butcheries and even a caviar boutique.

There are several cafés to choose from if you need a break from all the shopping so grab your rolling cart and off you go! 

Spring is Around the Corner

Spring is nearly here, but not quite. There's still a chill in the air but the when the sun is shining you may forget that winter is still clinging on and spring is around the corner.

Chilly temps won't stop a trip to the flower market is sure to make you feel like tinges of the fever that the season is sure to bring!

Photo: Krystal Kenney