Written by One of the simple little things that make walking around Paris such a treat is that beyond the bakery on every corner, you’re also likely to find a flower shop. This is a loose sketch of a Monceau Fleurs shop on L’Avenue Denfert-Rochereau. We’ve walked to this area quite a lot in order to take the Metro without having to make several changes, so I’ve past this shop several times and finally decided to make a sketch of it. You’ll find another one of these on the street where we’re staying as well, but the corner location of this one makes it a far nicer view. Though flowers are beautiful in their own right, the presentation is really quite exceptional. Walk a few feet and you’ll even find a butcher shop with equally immaculate presentation. Here, everything is displayed with such pride and artistry that you feel like anything you purchase is a little gift to yourself.
I’ve definitely purchased a few gifts for myself while I’ve been here, but have shown quite a bit of restraint so far. Mostly because the nearly empty suitcase I brought will still fill up rather quickly if I’m not careful. I’m mostly saving room for more clothing, as we have a coupon to use at my favorite clothing store. Flowers don’t travel well, so I’ve just been enjoying the view as I pass the various fleuristes on our walks. There are lots of things I’d love to sketch, but my schedule has made it difficult to stop and do so as much as I thought I might. But I have no regrets. I’ve had such a wonderful time visiting with family and friends here. Well, that’s a bit of an overreach considering my deplorable French, but let’s just say I adore their company regardless of the language barriers.
This is the beginning of our final week here in Paris, and I’m happy we get to stay a bit longer on this trip. We’ll most likely be returning for just a little over a week each year after this, so I’m enjoying the extended time. More days to enjoy the wonderful aspects of Parisian life and keep walking as much as humanly possible to offset all of the fabulous food I’m consuming. I adore France and I know I’ll miss it once I’m back in Kansas City, but it’s a comfort to know that we’ll be back each year. Back to wandering through the lesser-known tiny streets, dodging bicycles and motorcycles, before returning to our lovely Parisian apartment. If we actually lived here, perhaps we would stop for flowers on the way home. In my dreams, we would do just that. At the end of the day, we’d grab something beautiful to add a little dash of fragrant color to our tiny little apartment, just after purchasing the next day’s baguette.
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I love this one Charlie.
I was smitten by all the florists also..no matter which arrondissement we visited..in a whirlwind fashion..I was never disappointed by the Fleuristes..
Brown paper packages..tied up w/ string..
Bulging peony buds when we were there in June..pots..filled to the brim like bleachers in a flower auditorium or field.Breathtaking..they are all artists the floral shopkeepers there.
Awww thanks, Monique! 😃💕 What a fabulous description!! It’s totally like that! Love it! And yeah… it seems every shopkeeper is an artist in France. It’s amazing!
it’s rare to see flowers displayed this way where i live, though it wasn’t always true. seems the local supermarkets have appropriated floral shops, or maybe we lazy, bargain-hunting shoppers are responsible. so it’s wonderful to see your doodlewash of monceau fleurs with its alluring flowers leaning out like a visual choir, a colorful performance for all passers-by.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 You’re so right… supermarkets are the primary flower store in the States. Lovely to see when you walk inside and rather convenient, but nothing takes the place of a full florist’s shop!
Wow!
Having lived for a while in Paris, you got the memories going. That’s the beauty of the city – each neighborhood is self-contained, with all you need nearby. And the city itself is like an open museum, you never tire of walking around…
Thanks, Marina! 😃💕 And so cool that you lived here… I think if I did, my French would be much better. hehe… it’s a wonderful city, but once I’m home I’m sure I’ll appreciate the less crowded streets and peace and quiet. 😊
You can’t beat a flower shop with the beautiful display rolling out into the road, stunning ❤️
Thanks so much, Rebecca! 😃💕 This one was tough… hehe… totally faked in all of the details, but it was fun to paint.
ooooohhhh so glad you found time to make this sketch! It’s gorgeous! What a joy it must be to walk with such beautiful surroundings.
I’m always surprised when the florist arranges my bouquet, yes they are true artists !
Beautiful way to show the florist shop, you made, just like you could’nt choice because of so much sorts of flowers in front of you ! It’s good to know you can come back each year and see things you didn’t see before. Paris is always new and I lived there some years, and as I walked a lot, I always discovered new things, new detail in the architecture, new steets… Have a nice last week here !!
aww, beautiful, Charlie! And gee, don’t the really good time pass too quickly?! But, lucky you, to have an apartment in Paris, to which you can always return to 🙂
Thanks so much!! 😃💕 hehe… unfortunately, it’s not our apartment, but just one we’re borrowing through AirBnb. We’re not that cool! Lol But it would be wonderful to have an apartment here of our own to visit each year.
Ah, AirBnb! That makes sense. Maintaining apartments and the additional paperwork that comes with it can be a headache. Speaking of AirBnb, I should also start with including AirBnb options to my travel plans. Never really thought about it until now. Thanks Charlie!
Yeah, this is the first time we’ve tried it, but the experience was wonderful! Not sure it always is, but based on one try, I’d highly recommend it!
Wonderful sketch to capture the flavor of the shop. So fun traveling with you too
Thanks so much, Teri! 😃💕 Glad you’re enjoying the trip! hehe… A bit of a different view since I don’t hit the tourist spots when I’m here now.
A beautiful sketch Charlie. I feel like I am there. You are showing remarkable restraint by not having that almost empty suitcase of yours full by now. 🙂
Thanks so much, Susan! 😃💕 Actually, I can’t claim restraint, we’ve just been super booked with plans with friends and family. I’ve only have a few hours to shop so far. We’re heading back to hit the shops tomorrow though so we’ll see how much restraint I show! Lol
I just purchased a bouquet of flowers today to draw. 💐 Such a special treat! So glad you get to treat yourself with this wonderful vacation, Charlie! Beautiful Doodlewash!! 🌟🎨💕
Thanks so much, Jill! 😃💕 yay! Love your flowers! I’ve been behind on viewing WP posts since I’ve been here, but will be back to viewing them all when I return.
No worries, Charlie! 😃🌈🌟
How wonderful and how very Parisian in the immaculacy of presentation – it leaves me most envious, as I don’t think we’ve a single florist nearby to admire! A fine floral display is always a winner – artistry indeed. I love the little peek indoors in your doodlewash, too – I wonder what else is inside!
Thanks Jacob!! 😃 Glad you liked the interior…I wasn’t sure how to fake that in properly! Hehe… Made me want to buy flowers seeing these displays but I never did.
Great capture of the flower shop. It makes me feel like I’m back in Paris – always a good thing – although it’s been too many years.
Aww thanks!! 😃💕