A taste of Paris

I have just returned from my latest trip to Paris so I thought I would give you a little taster of a typical Parisian morning. I never cease to be amazed at how the French shop for their bread, patisserie and flowers before their working day begins. Almost every Parisian can be seen each morning with a baguette under their arm, a patisserie box tied with string over a finger and a bunch of flowers in the other hand.

A mouthful of Eiffel

The patisseries in every town are a feast for the eye. From the elegant interior of Cafe Pouchkine with its rows of delicate, mouth-watering gateaux:

Cafe Pouchkine

Cafe Pouchkine patisserie

To the beautiful, avant-garde displays and indulgent treats at La Patisserie des Reves:

La Patisserie des Reves

Unlike the UK where every street corner seems to have a Tesco Metro or other supermarket, Paris has the local boulangerie. I can hang around those places for an age, so delightful is the smell of their fresh bread. This is one such boulangerie I passed just outside Paris in Crecy la Chapelle. I just love the beautiful and original shop signage -and please note the baguette poking out of the shopping bag!

La boulangerie

I don’t wonder that everyone seems to buy flowers on their way to work, who could resist with shops such as Odorantes where the bouquets are arranged by scent rather than by hue? The shop is peppered with exotic stuffed birds and beautiful furniture, definitely one to visit should you ever find yourself in Paris. In the mean time you can get a Parisian style fix via their website, which is fittingly accompanied by some vintage French music.

Flowers at Odorantes

I came across this florist in Meaux. To the French it would be just a run of the mill florist but to me it was heaven. It really is the small, sensory details -like the smell of this floral pavement display- that make a trip memorable.

Florist in Meaux

Whilst a pre-work shopping trip will be pushing it for many of us, why not bring a little Parisian magic into your home this weekend? Shop for a warm, fresh-smelling baguette, pick yourself up some fragrant blooms and, of course, some tasty patisserie.

Based in Northumberland's National Park, Di Overton (owner of mydeco.com's very own supplier Ghost Furniture) has a passion for all things rustic and vintage. Lovingly restoring lost and forgotten furniture found at flea markets and vintage fairs both in the UK and France, Di has a great eye for a piece with potential. Take a look at her blog here - designersblock.blogspot.com. You can follow Di on twitter @GhostFurniture Read more posts by Di.