Another week has flown by here, largely thanks to the perfect weather. It’s hard to believe that the temperature has been hovering around 70°F (21°C) as a high. I absolutely cannot complain. Temperatures in Paris are expected to rise drastically next week, so I can’t promise I won’t complain then. This week’s Five Friday Finds from France features my favorite peonies of the year, an unexpected potager in the Jardin des Tuileries, a terrasse in the Jardin du Luxembourg you need to have on your list, a piscine margarita and more!
My Favorite Fuchsia Peonies
I look forward to peony season all year. I love everything about them from their smell to the different colors and how they change as they open up. When we first came back to Paris from Normandy I bought a bouquet of peonies at Marché Raspail and they were so perfect that I haven’t bought them anywhere else since.
This week I was running late to the market and experienced my first visible price drop. On my first pass by the fleuriste the peonies cost 12€ la botte. When I walked back by to purchase, they cost 10€ la botte. I’ve been loving the light pink color but I’m so happy I chose the fuchsia. I think they’re just gorgeous and my new favorite!
A Potager in the Jardin des Tuileries
Did you know there’s a potager (vegetable garden) inside the Jardin des Tuileries? I didn’t until last weekend. It’s filled with an assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs as well as contemporary art sculptures by Anne Rochette.
In the original Tuileries layout Catherine de Medici included space for potagers to supply the royal family and court with fresh produce. In 1991 when the Tuileries were redesigned this potager was added, perhaps as an ode to the garden’s heritage. I haven’t been able to find out but I’d love to know who gets the produce today.
The Piscine Margarita
It’s no secret that I love Le Voltaire and their margaritas. However, I didn’t expect my love to grow even more this week. I saw another regular drinking a mimosa – piscine style. Piscine means swimming pool, and in the context of drinks it’s when you add ice to your rosé or champagne. Something I thought was a major faux pas clearly isn’t – Veuve Clicquot even has a special champagne specifically for piscines.
Back to the margarita – it seemed like a piscine would be the perfect way to serve it. The margarita stays super cold (just how I like it) and it’s also has a very eye-catching appearance. A margarita swimming pool just has a ring to it.
A Terrasse in the Jardin du Luxembourg to Add to Your Paris List
I know that I’m Team Tuileries, however Jardin du Luxembourg has a major edge on the terrasse scene. La Terrasse de Madame couldn’t be any more charming and it fits just perfectly amongst the trees in the garden. I can’t think of a better place to be on during a hot summer day.
If the terrasse is full, they also have a to-go counter where you can order drinks or picnic-friendly foods to take and enjoy (likely on a green chair) somewhere in the park. It’s a great terrasse to add to your Paris list!
Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
The highlight of my week was without a doubt when the waiter at Bar du Marché told me, in English, “don’t worry, everything’s gonna be alright.” I’m still not sure if he was quoting Bob Marley or not, but it made such an impact on me.
I’ve thought about it throughout the week (especially yesterday when I took a picture and a man decided to flip me the bird, but that’s another story). It was just a nice reminder to spread a little positivity whenever possible. I think it’s true that you can still tell when someone is smiling even if they’re wearing a mask.
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Five Friday Finds from France. Be sure to look out for my new Weekend Links series this weekend!