Today, in addition to visiting the Marmotten Museum (housing many Monet paintings, as well as an extensive exhibition of Marie Laurencin paintings) Tom and I explored two historical business ventures, both claiming to be the 'oldest' in Paris and still very famous. The first was Bon Marche', claiming to be the first department store in the world. I spent my time roaming the elegant floors while Tom did his homework at L'Orangerie in preparation for tomorrow's train ride to Giverney and Monet's studios and gardens.
In 1852, Aristide Boucicaut with his wife Marguerite transformed the idea of selling singular items from one stall into the expansive idea of combining merchandise of various types under one roof. This revolutionary couple heralded the advent of lower prices, mail order, promotional sales, and even home delivery. This soon became the model for modern shoppers. Bon Marche' was established, the first of its kind. Today it is branded as the most exclusive in Paris, featuring art exhibitions and at the moment an exposition called "Le Bre'sil rive gauche" featuring artists and artisans, fashion designers, perfume, and food from Brazil. The classic architecture of the rive gauche (left bank) store has been highlighted, making the shopping experience very elegant.
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| In the perfume department tropical fish smell good. |
In 1988, a high-end gourmet food store was added as a subsidiary to Le Bon Marche. Housed next door this fine epicurian delight is called, La Grande Epicerie de Paris. After browsing the aisles, Tom and I thought it fitting to eat in their small luncheon restaurant.
The second historical place of commerce visited today was Sennelier, the foundation of modern oil paint. It was only when paint could be stored in a lead tube that paintings could be created outside a studio, and time was freed for the artist to actually paint instead of mix pigments. In 1887, a chemist named Gustave Sennelier, established himself as a purveyor of fine-Artists paints. His address was on the Quai Voltaire in Paris, where it remains today. His customers included Cezanne, Picasso, and Bonnard to name a few. The quality of his oil paints have made him a resident in the world's finest museums. This year the art store Sennelier celebrates its 125th anniversary. We visited the store today...
Please tell us what you were eating! Tom's looks like stuffed tomatoes, -- what's inside? -- but elegant beyond the normal, and yours I can't really tellat all. As a high school friend used to write in letters, 'Curiosity abounds.' I would love to have gone to that dept. Store -- how handsome! I have to ask,did you buy anything?
ReplyDeletewe're about to go out to dinner with friends, to that informal Italian place in Clairemont Square, and will eat outdoors.
Have a grand day tomorrow! I envy you -- and will be soldiering away taking notes of the business meetings (I'm the backup) at Conf. Annual Gathering -- just trying to guilt-trip you!
Vive la France! Sally
Tom's lunch was a tres chic version of a Caprese salad. The fresh mozzarella was light and creamy layered between the thin slices of tomatoes, and an extra little mound with basil beside. My choice was a crab wrap--using fresh wonton skins, thin slices of mango and avocado. The sauces that accompany each dish really set the French food apart from the rest of the world. The pesto served in the tiny glass jar on Tom's plate was magnificent. The coin sized squirts of a mayonnaise sauce on my plate were garnished with pomegranate seeds. All very lovely. Cost with wine and perrier was about $50, so no need to try buy anything else in the store!
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