One of the wonderful things about Paris is the abundance of paper and stationery shops, something that has virtually disappeared in the U. S. and even New York City.
Rue Pont Louis Philippe in the Marais is a paper lovers haven with four paper shops on one short block. Calligraine is my favorite shop with the most exquisite and unusual papers, cards, objets, paper sculptures, and small leather goods. Many of the papers are handmade by artisans. One of the most unique items is a series of sculptures by artist Jean-Michel Letellier. He slices fruits and vegetables micro thin (most likely on a mandolin) and then presses them flat so that they look like they are glued together. The approximate 8” X 12” delicate sculptures come in a wide variety including leeks, apples, lemons, onions, eggplant, and kiwi and are best mounted and framed. Letellier’s wife Miki Nakamura from Japan makes three-dimensional sculptures for the shop such as a hand woven ballet slipper out of white paper fibers.
The supple leather wallets in sharp color combinations and unusual shapes are by Isaac Reina and the small range of bags and purses are softer than a baby’s blanket. There are hand painted blank greeting cards plus paper and envelopes come in the most sumptuous colors. Handsome leather bound journals come in an assortment of sizes and there is a series of signed and numbered journals.
The owners, Marcel and Vanessa, are soft spoken and genteel and take much pride in their pristinely kept shop.
Calligraine is one of those shops where I can spend hours touching and feeling everything and I wish I could have at least one of everything.
Calligraine
6 rue de Pont Philippe, 75004
Metro: St. Paul or Hotel de Ville
Open Tuesday to Saturday 12PM to 7PM
http://calligrane.fr
Fruit and vegetable sculptures by Jean-Michel Letellier
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.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. 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
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
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, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). 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: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
Just beautiful, Richard, a "bonne adresse" to save for my next visit.
Posted by: John | February 21, 2013 at 04:18 PM
LOVE IT ALL..........PARTICULARLY THE WOVEN LIKE PAPER.....RIBBONS
Posted by: JAYNE | February 21, 2013 at 04:53 PM
Ohhhhhhhh Richard, I LOVE paper shops.
We have lots of these in Germany too.
San Diego is down to one, I think. Ugh.
Thank you so much for this.
Posted by: michael | February 21, 2013 at 04:54 PM
Thanks for this, Richard. Of all things, I walked by here many times and just wasn't paying attention. Now I will.
Posted by: lynn | February 21, 2013 at 04:59 PM