As you know I have a penchant for courtyards. Some of my most cherished Paris moments have been spent discovering hidden courtyards and I love the surprise of finding an an astray door or iron gate that leads to an unexpected treat. Many have lush, full gardens and plants, cobblestones, ivy climbing up to the tops of the buildings, and little country cottages, making it feel like a bit of rural relief in the urban jungle.
I recently uncovered some new courtyards and decided to do a series called Courtyard Week.Today's courtyard is close to my house on the rue de Jarente, a typical, narrow, charming Marais street. These are photos of two courtyards next door to one another. Rarely are either of these open to the public, but on a lucky afternoon a few weeks ago, the gates and doors of both of them were open. I love the tall, overwhelming tree that fills the center along with the budding pink hydrangeas. Also the romantic tin roofed and timbered beam little house.
4 & 6 rue de Jarente, 4th arr.
Metro: St. Paul
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook. First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte’s professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 3 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
What's the proper etiquette for exploring? Do you get yelled at for intruding? I think it would be worth it to discover such charming places!
Posted by: Evelyn | August 24, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Oh, so charming! What a wonderful start to my day.
Posted by: Style Spy | August 24, 2009 at 02:27 PM
So interesting to see a photo of where my best french friend lives right there on your blog. I lived in Paris about 10 years ago. Your photos of 6 rue de Jarente bring back so many great memories...Thanks
Posted by: M Lake | February 17, 2011 at 06:15 AM