Paris & Ile De France | A French Collection

Le Clos de Montmartre – One of Paris’ Last Remaining Vineyards

Did you know that there is a hidden vineyard at Montmartre? It’s called Le Clos de Montmartre and you can find it at the junction of rue des Saules and rue Saint-Vincent. The wine from this remaining and very pretty Paris vineyard is called Clos Montmartre.

Le Clos de Montmartre: One of Paris’ Last Remaining Vineyards

This interesting area of Montmartre is home to the charming pink café, Le Maison Rose, the famous Cabaret Au Lapin Agile and the almost secret vineyard, le Clos de Montmartre. The vineyard covers a steep area on the corner and is quite small for a vineyard, covering only 1600 m2. But while it may look like it’s been there forever nestled in amongst the surrounding houses, it was actually only planted in the early 1930’s.

Le Clos Montmartre was the clever idea of the Major of Paris together with the Commune Libra and the Republic of Montmartre to save the site from developers and create a ‘green space’. ‘Clos’ or enclosed vineyards were originally maintained by Monks throughout the city.

La Maison Rose – The Pink House of Montmartre, Paris

La Maison Rose: The Picture Perfect 'Pink House' at Montmartre

Montmartre in Paris is well known for its famous buildings, sacred monuments, cafes loved by artists and la Maison Rose, the pretty 'Pink House' which is located on the corner of rue de l' Abreuvoir and rue des Saules, Montmartre. You may have read about this iconic and picture worthy cafe or even seen it yourself already.

What you may not know is some of the cool facts and stories about la Maison Rose, which I think makes this little pink house even more interesting. La Maison Rose is part of the very fabric of Montmartre, being around for over 100 years, and long before the separate community of Montmartre became part of Paris (read our blog post The History of Montmartre).

Ritz Hotel Paris and A French Afternoon Tea

Ritz Hotel Paris

Imagine feasting on a luxurious and delicious afternoon tea taken in surroundings reminiscent of the Belle Epoque period and in one of the most famous of all Parisian hotels. Sound wonderful? Well, read on about the Ritz Hotel Paris and their special "French-style teatime".

French-teatime is typically a teatime with petite cakes and bite sized morsels enjoyed late in the afternoon and in the company of friends and is associated with a genteel style of living so you can understand why the Ritz offers their own special French-teatime.

Marche Saint-Ouen (les Puces), Paris – The Largest Antique Market in the World

Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen or Les Puces, Paris

Antiques and vintage your thing? Then you’ll love Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, or Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. This huge market, which the Parisians simply call Les Puces is the collection of a numerous smaller markets made of many stallholders. If you hear the market referred to as les Puces de Clignancourt by the locals, that's because they are referring to the Métro stop and périphérique entrance/exit here. The first time I went I really only scratched the surface of what was available, but my subsequent visits have made up for that and I have spent many happy hours finding items for my French house.

The History of Montmartre, Paris

The History of Montmartre

"From the days of the pilgrimages, in the Middle Ages, Montmartre has always been a spot where barriers are dropped and pleasures are indulged.

With a history stretching back 2,000 years, the village of Montmartre blends religious mysticism, cabaret life and the full-range of the arts." - Montmartre Office of Tourism

We’ve Adopted a Star to Save The Oldest Church in Paris

Adopt a Star to Save Saint Germain des Pres Church in Paris

A French Collection joins the American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés Church to help save the oldest church in Paris which would you believe dates back to 543.

Adopt A Star - The Oldest Church in Paris

As you can imagine after centuries of use and dirt build up, any building will show its age and need to be restored, and Paris' oldest church, Saint Germain des Prés is one such building definitely needing restoration. When I read about the American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés Church raising funds in the unique way of offering 800 'stars' on the celestial ceiling of the Monk's Choir for adoption, I knew I had to get on board. The project started with 3,000 stars available for adoption on the ceilings of the Transept and the Nave but due to the popularity of the project there are now around 800 stars available.

What To Do in 24 Hours in Paris in The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain

Saint Germain & The Latin Quarter in 24 Hours

Paris is made up of 20 departments or arrondissements and each one has its own unique style and vibe and they are divided into two major groups separated by the River Seine, the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) and the Right Bank (Rive Droite).

Deciding where to spend your time in Paris can be a difficult choice at any time and especially if you only have 24 hours to spend in the City of Light. One arrondissement that never fails to delight me is the Latin Quarter, and I'm not the only who loves this charming area. Helen Andreou of London Meets Paris Blog, writes how she loves "to wander off the predictable tourist traps because Paris is yours for the taking, it’ll mesmerise and seduce you until it has you firmly in its grip squeezing you tighter and tighter with each visit".

Why Are All Paris Benches, Signs and Fences Green?

Paris is famous for its iconic green benches, chairs, fences and signs but have you ever wondered about the story behind why the public furniture and fixtures around Paris, including the beautiful Wallace Fountains, are painted green? The green colour is called 'Carriage Green' and it has a history all of its own.

Here's the story about the colour Carriage Green'. It originates from the dark period of history of the French Revolution and the beheading of France's King Louis XVI on 21 January 1793.

« Previous Page

Le Clos de Montmartre – One of Paris’ Last Remaining Vineyards

Le Clos de Montmartre: One of Paris’ Last Remaining Vineyards

La Maison Rose – The Pink House of Montmartre, Paris

La Maison Rose: The Picture Perfect 'Pink House' at Montmartre

Ritz Hotel Paris and A French Afternoon Tea

Ritz Hotel Paris

Marche Saint-Ouen (les Puces), Paris – The Largest Antique Market in the World

The History of Montmartre, Paris

The History of Montmartre

We’ve Adopted a Star to Save The Oldest Church in Paris

Adopt A Star - The Oldest Church in Paris

What To Do in 24 Hours in Paris in The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain

Saint Germain & The Latin Quarter in 24 Hours

Why Are All Paris Benches, Signs and Fences Green?

Why Are All Paris Benches, Signs and Fences Green?

PRESS & MEDIA

Follow Us

GET OUR NEWSLETTERS

JOIN ME IN FRANCE ON INSTRAGRAM

afrenchcollection