I DO!
This week Carla Coulson's new book Paris Tango has been released and I have two of her delicious volumes to give away.
Carla's tango with Paris is as exciting as it is energetic - a visual whirl through all of her best loved discoveries. She writes of her move from Florence to Paris and takes us on her journey, as she settles into, and comes to understand the gorgeous city of light.
Carla's enthusiasm and joy are present in every word she writes and every image she captures. With her, we peak through the back stage door to the Moulin Rouge, we witness Paris through her 'black and white eyes' and we can skip through the gardens and outdoor spaces of Paris with just the turn of the page. Carla has an infectious grasp of this city, one that makes you almost feel 'Parisian' as you navigate through her chapters.
As a fashion lover the chapter that I want to sneak preview is Haute Couture. Carla takes us onto the runway as she shoots a John Galliano show for Dior and into the atelier of a master craftsman, Francois Lesage.
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Carla writes,
'As much as I loved the glamour of the couture shows, I am more intrigued by this glimpse into M.Lesage's atelier. His team of craftswomen, les petit mains (the little hands) as he calls them, smile as we enter each of the small interconnected rooms. These women work quickly and carefully as they sew coloured beads, sequins, bright jewels, red coral and creamy shells on to leather, suede, wool and gossamer silk stretched over large wooden frames. As we move from room to room, I see shelves of boxes labelled 'Nicole', 'Chanel' and 'Karl'. Women apply stencilled embroidery paper to lengths of fabric, while others sort, count and catalogue materials. In another room, women with dextrous fingers sit hunched over wooden frames, sewing tiny sequins onto fabric one by one. Everything is done by hand, not a stitch by machine.'
As many of you already know Carla is my great friend and the photographer behind my book, My French Life. To view her wonderful images or learn about the kind of photography Carla loves click on her links. To see even more of Carla's stunning shots of the Moulin Rouge pop over to the lovely Miz V at Visual Vamp and read her inspired post, Paris Tango.
So please write me a little comment (or a very long one) about anything you like at all... tell me why you would like to visit Paris or share something cheeky you managed to do or see on your first visit. Tell me if you can really Tango and if you have danced along the Seine, let me know what is your favourite Parisian taste or scent? Have you climbed the Eiffel Tower, had your caricature painted at Montmartre, grimaced at the gargoyles on the top of Notre Dame? Was it heaven, your first bite of a macaroon? What about the Louvre, the Picasso Museum or the Musee d'Orsay? Tell me all....
Any little Parisian dream, a tiny detail or a very grand fantasy and I will draw the winners next week.
Vicki, your book My French Life was my one and only request for a Christmas pressie from my husband last year, so I was so excited to discover your blog. I grew up in Latin America and have lived in Texas USA since going to college. I spent one wonderful year living in England, but didn't make it to Paris -- one of my life's dreams. This dream will come true next March as I will have the great opportunity to travel to Belgium for my work, and will have a 2 or 3day getaway to Paris. I am already making my itinerary based on the Paris chapter of your book! (Also a very short shopping list of must-haves which I have been saving for all year). I would love to receive one of Carla's books, if I'm so lucky. And about the tango -- as soon as my husband and I get our two remaining children out of the nest, we are planning to sign up for dance lessons! How romantic is that? Thanks for sharing -- love the images, words and thoughts. All best to you.
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki! To pick one story or memory of France is just too hard! I will instead remember the time I danced Tango (with my Grandfather) in La Voca in Argentina, where I am from! A beautiful memory, dancing among those brightly colored picturesque homes on the cobblestone streets where the dance was born! I would love to be entered to win that delicious book! It would be a great read for such a lover of Paris!
ReplyDeleteOh Vicki, how exquisite and what a read it would be ... I do have such grand dreams of Paris, I collect little things with Paris on them...my little dog is even called Paris. My sister in law said upon arriving back from Paris my Paris would just so much suit being over there! My friend is even going there next year and going to bring me something with Paris back on it. However in my world of bringing up a daughter with a disability I think all this will remain in my dreams (and what a fabulous dream, it is ongoing - there is so much to read/see/learn about Paris)... thank you for the opportunity to obtain a copy of your friend's book. Blessings to you,Dzintra
ReplyDeleteI've never been to France..or anywhere on that side of the world. But I intend to, someday, to see the light. Out of all the things to see over there, it is the light I dream about.
ReplyDelete(Totally odd coincidence, I spent the day yesterday reading Italian Joy cover to cover, and peeking through your My French Life. Funny. :p )
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI have so manay fond memories of Paris, where to begin....
I remember spending the day in the Louvre slowly enjoying th art and the buildings... when i noticed there was no one around, i had not realized it was past closing, well i walked and walked up stairs, down stairs couldn't find the exit after about an hour of doing this someone popped out of a wall panel (secret passage way!!!! wooo hhooooo!) they had me follow them to the exit.
then crepes at the base of the eiffel tower!
or getting lost (on purpose) following the smell of fresh baked bread in the morning.
Also, i will never forget being at the top of notre dame cathedral with my friend taking pictures of the gargoyles, when she dropped her camera, it flow out of the gargoyles mouth down to the water basin on the ground!
oh, i can go on and on. I love Paris!
Thanks for the great give away!
callie
Oh Vicki, where do I begin!??! Your post today is such a wonderful read complete with fabulous pictures and is completely 100% inspiring!!!
ReplyDeleteI danced in the streets of Paris, down by the Seine, one year during Fête de la Musique. I crave macaroons from Ladurée, lazy Saturday afternoons at Place des Vosges {where an artist painted me and some friends sitting at a cafe under the archs. I first initially declined to purchase the painting, later that day realizing I had gone temporarily insane, and I then hunted the artist down the rest of the day to make my precious, sentimental purchase} and the unparalled shopping, cuisine, architecture, beauty and craziness that make this city one of the loves of my life. I even miss taking the stinky RER train out to work at Nestle {and running in heels to catch it in time}. I miss living so close to grandeur, history and amazing chateaux! I am thankful for my time in France that gave me:
* a new perspective on life
* the opportunity to be inspired on a daily basis by even the simplest of things
* embracing me as an American when 9/11 happened
* introducing me to the world of scarves like I had never known it before
* opening me up to a wonderful worldwide network of amazing friends
* offering me job opportunities that are once in a life time
* building in me the strength I would need to continue on in life
* encouraging me to follow my dreams
* AND for introducing me to my wonderful hubby! Had I not been there, we would have never met!
So, of course I would love a copy of Carla's new book but it was just as much fun sharing a bit of my past with you.
Bisous,
K
Beautiful post...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to buy and read this book - sounds great (Husband and I are learning to tango; got the bug on a visit to Argentina..!)
I have a long-standing, extremely passionate, unshakable, deep-rooted love for Paris - for the city itself, with all its stunning architecture, cultural heritage, vibrancy, buzz and layers... but also because that is where I met my first French boyfriend..!!!
Bonne journée..:)
Prior to visiting Paris I knew France would be beautiful but there is no great description or image in a picture that can prepare you for the beauty and magic of the real thing. I don't think I can pinpoint a certain place or pick a favorite spot. To me the whole city was magic. Something dreamy that floats through the air and puts some sort of spell on you. I adored the sweet colors and tastes and Laduree, the glitter and glam of Louis Vuitton, the inspiring and original window displays of all the stores (some of my favorites in the St. Germain area are Bonpoint, Les Nereides) and the lush and stylish comfort of the Hotel Balzac.
ReplyDeleteI've most definitely been bitten by the bug and I cannot wait to go back!
xTrina
PS - Fabulous giveaway... thanks for doing it!
Vicki,
ReplyDeleteOh My Gosh!!I have your book and did not make the connection that you were the Vicki Archer who wrote it !! I feel embarrassed as I should have known.
Anyway, it is such a beautiful book and your photos are so very beautiful. I found myself drifting off in a dreamy state just thinking about how wonderful it would be to re-visit Paris.
I was able to go for a day and 1/2 on a return trip back from Zurich, Switerland. We stayed in a small hotel in the St. Germain area (which I am unable to remember the name of). The room was so tiny and the elevator so small going up to the 2nd floor that only two people and one bag could go up at a time!! The bath tub was so small that I could not extend my legs so they were bent the entire time I bathed!! My husband's associate, who was traveling with us at the time, had a shower in his room. He is around 6 feet tall and could not do anything but turn around with his arms up in the air. He said the space from his bed to the shower allowed him to roll right out of bed and into the shower. (and it was true!!) I laughed so hard I cryed!!
But how I loved being there viewing the city from the window in our hotel which overlooked the street, drinking coffee, people watching, and soaking up everything I could during our short stay.
It is my dream to once again go back to Paris to see the countryside and visit the antique markets. For me personally, I felt like I had come home.
Please enter me in your drawing to receive one of Carla's books. I would love to read it!!
Kris
To me, Paris is always a city of providence. It is sad that couples who kiss under a certain bridge over the Seine, end up together for life. It did the oposite to me. Twice.
ReplyDeleteBut I still love Paris and I still secretly dream to move there.
My parisian dream is to wake up early when the city is still sleeping and to walk in the streets , get into a little café to drink a chocolate at the " zinc" !Then go to make the line outside Ladurée shop and wait to buy these treasures . From Ladurée , I would walk to the Seine and I would have an appointment with my " amoureux" and We would have a picnic with tango playing in the air ...And we would dream Buenos Aires would be our next stop .....It won't be our last tango in Paris
ReplyDeleteMy youngest daughter lives in Paris and on visiting for her birthday a couple of years ago I bought a big expensive Raspberry Charlotte (also her name) from Fauchon. We were meeting in Place de Vosges to picnic. As I walked onto the grass carrying the Charlotte, beautifully boxed and tied with ribbon, I tripped over an almost invisible fence and fell flat on my face but the Charlotte was intact which is more than can be said for my pride.
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI am from Germany, since some weeks I read Your blog.
You love the same places in France like I and my family do. We spend lots of holidays in the Provence, we bought clocks and other antiques in L'Isle-sur-la Sorgue and we love the village Sault with the nougat from M.Boyer and the povence honey, the villages Menerbes, Bonnieux, Cucuron, Coustellet, Lourmarin, Gordes, Roussillon etc....
One morning, in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Princesse Caroline of Monaco walked along the road. It was like a dream and my daughter, at this time 6 years old, was really excited.
Our favourite capital in the world is PARIS. I feel me like at home in this big city. I was in this beautiful city about times.
The first time with my grandmother, later with my husband. He bought lots of antique clocks in Clignancourt. The museé d'orsay is my favourite museum. My daughter loves Louis Vuitton, Coco Chanel and the Place Vendome. We know all the famous places there..... New Year's Eve is a great time to stay in Paris and the last day of the Tour de France, too. I would like to be in Notre Dame on Christmas.
We have lots of funny memories when we think about Paris. I met there two TV-talkmasters and the Australian bicyclerider Stuart O'Grady.
In 2010 my daughter will be ready with school and we'll celebrate her 18th Birthday in the restaurant Ritz and she desires a Louis Vuitton bag for this great day.
I like to travel in Paris with the Metro, you can met there people from all over the world, the coloured clothes of the Africans are beautiful.
But the most exciting place for kids is Disneyland Paris. On our first visit we waited in front of the big castle and stood in the first row when a car came along and Mickymaus droped out. The heartbeat of the kids was faster. Mickymaus shaked with the big hands the small hands of the kids. A dream came true and they'll never forget this day.
Margrit
I adore perfume (hence my name) so much that all my dogs are named after perfume too.
ReplyDeleteSo Paris is the mecca of scent. It is here that we can see the original houses , Guerlain, Caron, Goutal , Rosine on and on. This and its beautiful buildings , pretty pretty shops and the Musee D"Orsay with its wonderful Impressionist art and pastels! This year I was fortunate enough to travel to paris again and I got to see Monets waterlillies in the Orangerie that has finally opened after its huge renovation. It is a "must see" - even better if you walk around the museum with a wonderful perfume on like - Mmm? Jicky, Mitsouko, Eau du Ceil , Infini............LOL
I was adamant that my first macaroon would be eaten in Paris. Nothing and no one could tempt me to break my eccentric streak of denial. I'd chosen the colors too -pink and pale green. Who cares if it was strawberry or raspberry, pistachio or spinach - I wanted to eat COLOR!! I entered Lauderee as if it were Cartier. The woman I was with was not the 'tea room type' and she carried my baubles out in a bag and plopped down on a bench. I watched her every move. From the pale green bag she lifted my frou-frou pink macaroon high in the air like a priest with a host. And just as I reached for it - she ripped it in half! What did I do? I grabbed my head in my hands and SCREAMED! And that is why - on the same trip - I chose to experience Versailles alone!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited about Carla's new book. I've always wanted to Tango in Paris - and someday I will. And like Carla - I'm crazy for Lesage -and have kept every article I've ever found on him. I would like to be locked in his atelier for a night!
Hope you're having fun - talk to you soon!
oohh, a photo book that combines paris and tango? ever since i saw the movie "the tango lesson" i've loved both tango and paris. i've been taking tango lessons on and off for the past 8 years, and i can never tire of hearing the music and watching tango dancers. i've been lucky enough to go to buenos aires, and i was happy to find that, like in a dream, there is a place where tango music is heard and tango dancing can be seen when one walks down a street. it's hard for me to pinpoint my favorite experience in paris; i love it for so many reasons and on so many levels - the food, the wine, the art, the parks, the architecture, the fashion. i love the juxtaposition of pure opulence with simple luxuries. i think that is the magic of paris; it has something for everyone who lives life with passion.
ReplyDeleteOh Vicki, no contest for me! One night in the Royal Suite of Hotel George V.
ReplyDeleteAlthough MOTH would be on strict orders not to greet the Concierge with his usual 'How ya going Mate' & ringing down to Reception to see if they knew the half time score of the Melbourne vs. Richmond game would earn him the feared Millie Death Stare!
Absolutely beautiful post - thank you for transporting me to the most wonderful city in the Universe for a few moments.
Millie ^_^
Great post! Now after reading all the wonderful comments and the memories people have had of Paris, I MUST go get a copy of your book!
ReplyDeleteThank you every one for your wonderful comments - you have made my week and I have absolutely loved reading them.
ReplyDeleteI think we all want to tango and where better than in Paris!
Oh you have once again transported me to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I am one of the lucky people who gets to visit Paris for work! My daughter came with me in January and we loved climbing the Eiffel tower, the carousel and we ate far to many Macaroons! Getting lost among the old streets and discovering the little courtyards that lay behind the beautiful architecture. Just thinking about it now makes me want to be there...It is so magical!! I cannot wait to return...Amanda x
ReplyDeleteIt's been a year since my trip to Paris and not a day goes by when I don't ache to be back. 1 week was simply not enough! It broke my heart when it was time to leave and I even shed a few tears as the plane took off.
ReplyDeleteI loved absolutely everything about Paris. When we first arrived, there was even a busker on the train from the airport playing traditional French music on an accordion, the perfect welcome.
We stayed at St Mande just on the outskirts of the city and I couldn't have picked a better place for a family. It was such a lovely area full of character and the friendliest of people. We thoroughly enjoyed getting lost on the maze of crossroads, visiting out favourite patisserie every morning for our fresh baguettes and sweets, pulling our little red cart along in the small supermarket, browsing through the street markets, marvelling at all the ironwork and large painted doors on even the most humble of terrace homes and dodging the dog poo on our daily route to the metro station lol.
One funny memory I have was the day we visited the louvre after walking from the arc de triomphe. My daughter by this time had very sore feet so she ended up taking her shoes off and walking around the grand museum barefoot lol - we're so uncouth! hehe
I have yet to Tango in Paris but believe me when I say oneday I will!
Anna :)
p.s I had a peek at Carla's book at Borders yesterday and it looks AMAZING! Definately on the top of my wish list.
How sweet of you to offer such a wonderful giveaway. I went to Paris about 4 years ago and fell absolutely in LOVE with it. I couldn't belive how comfortable I felt there, like I belonged there. My husband and I dream of retiring in France some day...to just sit and sip coffee at a cafe...what a dream.
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to celebrate my birthday in Paris. When I turned 25, my dream came true. My sister and I took a tour of Paris and Chateaux Country. It was my first international trip. It's years later and I would love to go back. In the meantime, my home is French inspired and I feel like I'm on vacation even when I'm home.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite memory is simple. I was a struggling art student when we first visited the city of love. We expected clichés, cold, superior French who looked down upon us with our meagre language skills. I discovered a kindness in the French and a beauty of manners that still warms me. Strangers who approached us in the street to help with directions unasked. Ticket sellers at Gare du Nord who greeted us with friendly smiles and twinkles uncaring of the queues that formed as a result of our confusion.
ReplyDeleteWe had very little money but Paris doesn't care about the tourists with very little money as her riches lie elsewhere. A baguette with fromage purchased from a supermarket eaten in a park, a simple omlette in a cafe. Meals that remain with you forever as they are spiced from the great city. The view from Notre Dame which reduced me to tears. The appreciation of 'Madame' in our cheap hotel over my animal print gloves. Years later, when we booked at the same Hotel, 'Madame' mimed the gloves to us in joy we had returned.
The long queues at art galleries, the appreciation for art and culture.
My Paris and France is where joy is to be found in the most humble of sights. One such sight remains engraved on my soul.
An old man on a train to the South of France with a face that has seen much of life. I watch his face, carved from the seasons of the countryside of France. He unwraps a napkin with care and places it on his lap. Next, a boiled egg which he unpeels as if he is making love to that egg. I am caught in his spell, his appreciation of his simple meal. A sprinkle of salt and the egg is eaten slowly, savouring every bite. I hold my breath as an orange is produced and the same elegant ritual proceeds.
Thus is one of my most cherished memories of France. A boiled egg eaten by a man with as much dignity as a king at Versailles.
The French are a great race because of their care to detail. In the most simple of everyday moments you find breathtaking artistry of life.
xx (Thank you for always reminding me of the beauty...)
Hi Vicki!
ReplyDeleteSo excited that you have a blog. Your book was my inspiration for my own book, My Marrakech, which will be published by Artisan Books:)
As for France, it has been in and out of my life forever. My first serious love was French and I spent every Summer in France for years! My father used to work for the Aga Khan and live in Paris and so Paris was my home away from home.
I WANT TO BE IN PARIS!
ReplyDeleteoh this is just delightful, my three favourite books; "paris tango", "my french life" and of course "a town like paris" are all from writers that (yourself included) are connected by carla (obviously including her to). i cannot wait to move to paris and those three books have just added to my passion
ReplyDeletethankyou and carla for writing such beautiful books
it is very much appreciated.
Dear Vicki
ReplyDeleteFrance is MY country, it is MY bliss, and it is MY soft place to fall. I have been in reality, in my mind, in my spirit, in all of my previous lifetimes. I try and go every year. Last time I went, I met someone, a lover who dances and who is extraordinary, my heart’s desire and soul mate. I know that I could forever and a day – toujours, toujours, wax lyrical about la belle France and French life. You know her well and I so do I. And so do the other readers who love your blog and who love this wonderful country. Bless her forever. Voilà.
Eniko Del Greco
Dear Vicki
ReplyDeleteFrance is MY country, it is MY bliss, and it is MY soft place to fall. I have been in reality, in my mind, in my spirit, in all of my previous lifetimes. I try and go every year. Last time I went, I met someone, a lover who dances and who is extraordinary, my heart’s desire and soul mate. I know that I could forever and a day – toujours, toujours, wax lyrical about la belle France and French life. You know her and I so do I. And so do the other readers who love your blog and who love this wonderful country. Bless her forever. Voilà.
Eniko Del Greco