For the first several years after we started Elsie Green, JP and I had kids at home, so one of us would travel while the other held down the fort at home. It worked very nicely, but we never had the opportunity to shop the French countryside together.
Now that Andie and Jack are living their lives in other cities, and Katie is in college, we felt like the winter trip last year was our chance to finally experience an Elsie Green shopping trip together.
We both looked forward to visiting our favorite vendors and sharing our favorite local spots in Paris and Lyon with each other.
We started our trip with a quick three days in Paris
Day 1
Arrive Hotel des Academies et des Arts in in Montparnasse
Walk to Jardin de Luxembourg for a Cafe Gourmand and some fresh air after a long flight.
Walk to Notre Dame to see the re-construction of the cathedral and the night life around it. A highlight was a team of roller disco performers in the square.
Delicious and very traditional dinner at Allard and a nice walk home past Liberté. File away for a visit for petit dejeuner later in the week.
Day 2
Metro to Paul Bert Serpette at Puces de St. Ouen
A long walk to Merci and a stop at Atelier Brancusi for Laurie
A good book back at the hotel for JP
Day 3
A quiet morning and rainy walk to Rue Mouffetard, the oldest street in Paris, to collect treats for a lobby picnic back at the hotel.
A visit to Grande Galerie de l'Evolution, one of Paris' most beautiful museums
Then it was time to head to Lyon and start shopping. It was fun for me to see the markets and shops through JP's eyes, and it was fun to see what little details he noticed that I missed and vice versa.
We both agree that this container is one of our favorites, filled with the perfect combination of treasures that represent each of our unique tastes. Highlights were visiting our favorite market together and visiting Domaine Celadon in Ardêche on our way to Avignon.
Visit What's New to see what we found >
Or better yet, come by the shops and see all the treasures in person >