Tour Roussillon - Soaked in Ochre and Perfect for Fall

Ochre and orange are having a seasonal moment and no where else on the planet does the color orange like the village of Roussillon in Provence, France.  Oranges, reds, yellows and even soft pinks cascade across the village, making this Provincial village the perfect design trip to be awe inspired by the Fall's seasonal colors. 

The technicolor glory of this hilltop village is reflective of the palette of the old ochre quarry that resides at the base of the village.  A visit to the town would not be complete without a tour of the ochre quarry and its Mars like caverns.  The village houses sit along cobblestone spiraling streets all saturated in what seems to be 50 shades of ochre.  Situated at the top of a red cliff offering stunning views of the contrasting green Luberon valley, Roussillon is one of the most photogenic villages of Provence.  Which also means that Roussillon is a tourist haven in the Summer, but virtually empty during the off-season of Fall.  If you're in search of a Fall destination, Roussillon offers seasonal appropriate beauty.

Images by Brooklyn Boheme.

Picasso in Paris

One of the most anticipated museum visits of Paris this October was Musée Picasso Paris.   I can't tell you how many times I attempted to visit this Museum over the past 6 years only to find that it was STILL closed due to a seemingly never-ending renovation project (it went vastly over budget and schedule).  Paris unveiled the fruits of its extensive 5 year renovation last October (2014) and was celebrating the Museum's one year anniversary during my visit.  The Museum has been criticized for its curatorial approach - discontinuity, void of art labels and the loose assemblage of themes.  I, however, loved the Museum and would place it on my "must do" list for Paris. 

Musée Picasso Paris is housed in a two-story 17th-century home, the Hôtel Salé, in the Marais.  With its garden, courtyard and architectural eye-candy, the house itself is worth a visit.  Plus, I loved the juxtaposition between the stately mansion and some of Picasso's more abstract cubism works.  Overall, the collection is a triumph in presenting the complex art life cycle of Picasso and the breadth of his artistic skills (and sometimes terrible artwork) - from classic paintings, to sculptures, pen drawings and his more famous cubism works.  For an amateur art lover like me, the curated collection is a great lesson in the evolution of a single artist over a period of time.  And, unlike the overwhelming volume of the Louvre, Musée Picasso Paris can be visited within an hour, making it the perfect cultural pit stop in a day otherwise filled with shopping in the wonderful Marais.

Courtyard entrance to the Museum.

The grand staircase.  It's difficult to imagine that this was somebody's home centuries ago.

The modern white sculptural chandelier pops against the period details of the mansion, and a Picasso piece in the background.

A museum lover viewing some of the 400 plus works on display.

One of my favorites - Picasso's Portrait D'Olga.  I love the unfinished state of this piece.

A view into the garden from the wavy glass of the Mansion's antique windows.

Images by Brooklyn Boheme.

Packing for Paris

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I'm off today for Paris (and London)!  I've just pulled out my carry-on suitcase (yes, carry-on...no checked luggage for this gal) and am strategically planning my outfits for the week.  My strategy is to leave plenty of space in my carry-on for room to bring home brocante and vintage couture treasures while at the same time packing suitable ensembles to avoid the "Homeless" look.  I err on the side of under packing because, well, why fret about whether you brought enough undies, socks or pants when there are laundries widely available in Paris (or you could just buy more)? 

When packing for any destination, I try to pack staple pieces that are culturally appropriate - for Paris (Parisians are known for their effortless fashion ensembles, usually coordinated in muted tones and always with a scarf), this means basic black and gray layers - I opt for a basic black T by Bailey 44, long-sleeve gray T by Barneys, gray cashmere cape by Skull Cashmere, black leggings by Ella Moss and a navy skull-print scarf, and comfortable (but fashionable) tennies.  These clothing pieces accomplish my goal of soft thin textures that are easily rolled (less volume), intermixable and wrinkle free!  I also always pack a chic but cotton dress noir - mixes great with a cape and ballet flats, and you never know when you might be invited to a dignitary's for dinner!

Site Seeing Outfit

Dress Noir for the hypothetical Dignitary dinner.

Comfy Outfit for the Plane

Since Paris weather can be moody, chic layers are an essential.  Layers also allow you to change your "look" without extra luggage weight.  That one pair of jeans can go from tourist trailblazer to cocktail hour elegant with the change of a top and accessories.  I like to keep a pair of ballet flats in my handbag, so I can easily switch out my touristy trainers for smart shoes before a shopping or site seeing pit stop into a restaurant or bar (who has time to head back to the hotel first?).

Follow my adventures in Paris on Instagram!  I'll be back in a week!  A Bien Tot.

All images by Brooklyn Boheme unless otherwise noted.

Hilltop Hideaway: Hotel Crillon Le Brave in Provence

A stylishly designed stone sanctuary that occupies an old hilltop village in Provence, Hotel Crillon Le Brave is a bucket-list worthy destination for any design tripper in search of organic, luxurious relaxation.  Crillon Le Brave is perched above the Vaucluse Valley, offering views of vineyards and olive trees.  This boutique hotel exemplifies the simple pleasures for which Provence is famous. 

The hotel, which occupies eight village buildings in a town that dates back 2,000 years, is ideally situated in the region - 25 miles from Avignon. You are within close proximity to the major sites of Provence, yet heavens away.

We stayed three nights at this historic village property in the shoulder travel month of October (which means deals and no crowds), and I have been dreaming of returning ever since.  Six months pregnant at the time, Hotel Crillon Le Brave delivered much needed pampering (one of the best masseuse ever), comfortable bedding and silky linens, deep soaking bathtubs, and breathtaking views of the Provence floor that can only be described as "relaxation at a higher level than yoga".  Oh, and let's not forget, the seasonal, epicurean delights served in an ambient stone cellar or on the sun-bathed terrace.  The staff was lovely, attentive and helpful in an informal way (no butler gloved hands lingering over your shoulder at this resort). 

Simple elegance of the main entrance

Historic well overlooking Provence's ground floor

Vineyard views

Image from Crillon Le Brave

Charming shutters

Image from Crillon Le Brave

Sun-bathed terrace

Magical sunsets

My girlfriend enjoying the perfectly designed breakfast room

As Provence is my vacation destination of choice (how couldn't it be with its beautiful, colorful, artistic landscape (just ask Van Gogh), gorge-worthy food, inspiring design and down-to-earth living?), I am admittedly biased in this review. 

Design Trip Notes

• Shoulder Season: Provence virtually shuts down during the Winter and is a tourist zoo during the Summer.  Traveling during the shoulder season, late September to October or April to May, not only avoids the crowds but also enables luxury accommodations at motel prices.  Call Hotel Crillon Le Brave in advance and ask if they have any specials - you'll be surprised by the offered discount!
• Brocantes: France is a treasure trove and a pilgrimage for flea market lovers.  Avignon and nearly every other village holds a brocante (e.g., flea market) once a week.  Ask the Hotel upon arrival and they should be able to provide you with a schedule of the neighboring markets.  In April and October, large brocante festivals are usually held at select villages throughout Provence, the most famous of which are Barjarac and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
• Seeking Lavender: Lavender season is June to August, but this is also prime tourist season.  The beauty of the rows of purple balls may just be worth the price and crowds.

Images Brooklyn Boheme (unless otherwise noted)

Paris in High Contrast

Dreaming of Paris today (well, everyday).  One of the things I love about Paris is the contrast of the city - striking the balance between ancient and modern design, and the culture's mutual appreciation for old and new generations. 

In the heart of the Saint Germain, long live the classic Parisian cafe and the leisurely time of a bygone era that it represents.  Youth and age alike appreciate the long-standing cultural pleasure of sitting, sipping and enjoying.  A simple game of cards still reigns as the cafe entertainment of choice.

The ancient bones of Notre Dame cohabitate in a city littered with fashionable graffiti and mopeds.

Modern sculptural lights contrast against the historical architectural details of Musee d'Orsay.

Victor Hugo's Place des Vosges re-purposed for the modern daily workout regime.

Paris transcends the eras, it fashionably exudes history and persistently emerges at the modern forefront.  Audrey Hepburn couldn't have been more correct, "Paris is always a good idea." 

Images by Brooklyn Boheme.