I had a delightful stay with Caroline, Hubert, and Charlotte at this charming B&B on the outskirts of Aix en Provence, France.  The breakfast was typically French: croissant, homemade jams,(made by Caroline) granola, yogurt, fresh fruit ,coffee and juice. I enjoyed the peaceful mornings spent on the sunny patio, surrounded by lavender, rosemary, cottage flowers and herbs.  The rooms are equally as charming, each with a different color scheme and provencial style antique furnishings.  The weather is perfect for sleeping with the shutters open, the birds singing in the early morning to wake you. I loved my time here and cannot wait to visit again.

Next time you long to visit Provence, I highly recommend this wonderful B&B . For more information visit http://freres.gris.free.fr.

Caroline & CeCe Exploring the Shops in Provence

Au Revoir

The colorful and beautiful store(so French) is located on Rue Bonaparte in the charming Saint Germaine area of Paris.

The boutique showcases lovely napkins,placemats,tablecloths,tea towels, robes, guest towels,and beach towels in high fashion colors, all in typically French designs. All of the designs for Fall in the Parisian Collection are a must have for Belle Chambre, especially since I have been strolling the streets of this quaint area for several days now.

Bistro Tea Towel in Porto

Bistro has a classic bistro chair, along with a glass of wine, which depicts such an important part of French culture.

Paname collection

Paname Collection features a few of the famous monuments such as Sacre Coer, Eiffel Tower,and Notre Dame.

Metropolitan Collection

The Metropolitan Collection shows a large distinguishable Metro Sign, which is famous in Paris at the entryway of all Metro stops. Each collection is offered in 3 colors, cappucino,curacao,porto.

If you love Paris, I certainly do, these towels are definitely collectible for this fall season. A wonderful hostess, bridal shower,or thank you gift. They will be available in September on our website , and in our store.

If you are not familiar with Le Jacquard French Linens, we would love to help you choose something special for your home so that you can experience the quality of these exquisite linens from France.
Until next time.
Au Revoir

Laurence and Michel of Le Jacquard Francais indulged me with a visit to Laduree in St. Germaine, one of the most famous Tea Rooms and Patisseries in Paris.  It is typically French and charmingly classy fascade is so beautiful, that I stand across the street just to absorb all the wonderful details.

The window displays are always unique and inspiring, always including some of the signature Laduree Boxes in pastel colors, delectable macarons, and irresitible pastries.

The

 Delectable Treats

St Germaine

The

Tea Room

St. Germaine

The

Tea Room

Champs d’ Lysee

Laduree is famous for their macarons, offered in some of the same colors as the packaging .  Soft pastel colors of crisp meringue, crisp on the outside, with flavorful fillings on the inside. My favorite is the pistache, a pale green with the most divine pistachio flavor, but I always have to try several flavors in the petite size.  I can never decide whether or not I love the beautiful box, or the delicious treats inside the most.  I never miss a visit to Laduree when I am in Paris. Visit their website at www.laduree.comto be inspired to visit next time you are in Paris for a quintessential French experience!  If  you can’t wait until your next visit to Paris to satisfy a craving for macarons, visit Bouchon Bakery claimed to be the best macaron in New York City. www.bouchonbakery.com

Charming Linen store in Saint Germain

I often wonder why Americans have such a fascination with all things French and Italian. Is it because we have read so many books and articles in magazines that speak so vividly about the lifestyle in these foreign places?  I never visited either country until I was in my mid twenties, and at that time,I wasn’t as curious as I am now.  Possibly because my obligations as single woman, mother, shopkeeper, and the demands of routine  seemed to take every ounce of energy and time that I had available. Now that my life has changed into living in an empty nest, I am discovering many things I have not had the time for in years past.  In the last couple of years, I have been fortunate to visit Paris, parts of Tuscany, and Venice, although only for short periods of time.  Of course I noticed the linens in Italy and France . Every little town I visited had offerings of luxurious sheets, guest towels,and embroidered napkins.  Italy has luxurious embroideries, and sumptuous sateens with quilted bedcovers, mostly in elegant classic colors. Some of the contemporary printed  linens in Italy are not as appealing to most of the American market, but look beautiful in the Italian countryside. In France, I noticed more casual bedding, such as boutis quilts and matelasse, cool crisp white sheets,  bright colors for table, and romantic quotes on boudoir shams such as Bon Nuit. 

 Contemporary linens in France seem to be closer to the style we are accustomed to here in America, more solid colors mixed in unusual combinations. Belle Chambre offers a vast selection of all styles of  French and Italian linens in our store, just ask one of our sales people to show you.

Even the most simple of sheets in my hotels smelled fresh, and were crisply pressed. We all enjoy sleeping on freshly laundered and pressed sheets, especially when on vacation.  Try a freshly pressed set in your own home and feel the difference!!

Bodycare is also important to the Italian and French people. The many Pharmacie’s in Paris are practically on every street, and you may buy fine skincare, luxury body lotions, shower gels, and soaps.
In our country, we consider fine soaps, lotions and bodycare a luxury. In France and Italy, these items are essential to the lifestyle.
I have been inspired, and my curiosity has become stronger than I could ever have imagined since experiencing these countries first hand!!  I have realized how many products we offer in our store that are passionately created in France and Italy. 

It is with great pleasure,  that I am able to share with you through my new Belle Chambre blog.  I will begin in Paris, and continue through the country of France this month to share my adventures, knowledge, special finds, and passion with you.  It is my promise, to continue to inspire you through visits to our store,  entries on my blog, blog.bellechambre.com and the offerings on our newly updated website, www.bellechambre.com  Until next time…        

Bon Nuit!!