Leave it to the French to turn such a thing of practicality into one of beauty. These six sets take stairs take to a whole new level of gorgeousness. Musée Picasso This is one of the most beautifully preserved Parisian staircases, and — with its lacy balustrade and floridly carved ceilings overhead — one of […]
Belle Époque
The Marvellous Tale of the Merry-Go-Round
Like so many of the lovely things in life (the little black dress, confetti, macarons, ballet, and so much more …), the carousel originated in Paris. Rewind to the jousting tournaments of medieval times, knight games that were in part inspired by the myth of Sir Lancelot — that passionate lover, brave fighter and all-round dreamboat. Lancelot […]
The Prettiest Old Bookshops of Paris
Shakespeare and Company The iconic store has been nestled into this prime position (with its pinch-yourself view of Notre-Dame) since 1951, and a pilgrimage-like destination for lovers of literature, including lauded authors and misty-eyed writers-to-be. (Originally Le Mistral, the shop was reborn after Sylvia Beach gifted founder George Whitman the name of her own legendary bookstore, which had welcomed the likes of Ernest Hemingway back in the 1920s). […]