Bagues d'Homme de Yves Gastou, l'Ecole Van Cleef Arpels

L'ECOLE VAN CLEEF ARPELS can always be depended upon for astonishing exhibits. Run, don't walk to see the ring collection of YVES GASTOU. His gallery of rare antiques is still on 12, rue Bonaparte next to the school of Beaux Arts. But 669 rings from his collection of a thousand can be seen for the first time at l'Ecole, 6, rue Danielle Casanova until 30 November. Above the pink topaz of a bishop.

'Jewelry is a talisman, becoming part of the wearer just as it bestows strength and confidence'.

Monsieur Gastou at the opening

There are seven themes in his collection. Here neoclassical rings. Other themes represented; chivalry (signet rings), Gothic, religion, vanitas, ethnic jewelry and curiosities.

An amazing display for the rings is in the shape of a medieval cross, especially designed by interior architect Jérome Thénot.

Gastou grew up near CARCASSONE. Medieval themes of Jean d'Arc and armor abound.

I spent only a week drawing in Carcassone last year and felt positively medieval. Growing up nearby could definitely make one prone to myths, heraldry and armor.

These turret rings - did they hide poisons..? Every ring in the collection tells a story.

Some rings date back to Egypt. Gastou was given his first ring at age four. He started collecting seriously at sixteen.

Moroccan ethnic rings.

A surprise to see university or even high school signet rings.

And quite a collection of 70s biker's rings

The top of this ring opens to hold who knows what?

The hor d'oeuvres at l'ECOLE VAN CLEEF ARPELS are always jewel-like. They offer a host of excellent jewelry classes at all levels.

I did wonder briefly whether M. Gastou ever considered collecting the toy rings inside Cracker Jack boxes. Somehow I think not... a riveting experience to visit this exhibit and very highly recommended.Thanks for reading Parisbreakfast. If you'd like to receive Parisbreakfast letters, maps and watercolors in your mailbox 📮, look in my Etsy shop. 

Bonne Vendredi PBers!

Le Marché des pays l'Aveyron

This past weekend was the big annual vendanges/wine fete de Montmartre and the lesser known, much smaller annual Marché des Pays de l'Aveyron in Bercy, 75012.

A 3-day marché that takes up just a few streets, yet chock-a-block with delicious regional food specialties. FYI l'Aveyron is in the Massiv Central department. I have yet to go there.

Masses of hand baked goods made with regional walnuts or prunes. Those buns were covered with hungry bees.

Tempting prune pockets were very popular.

Eau de vie from local fruits; pear, quince, plums. A small sample was way to strong for me cough, cough...

So many producteurs of Roquefort.

They all offered a variety so you tasted at least 3 vatieties per cheese maker.

This Roquefort cake mix looked interesting.

Beautiful knitted goods from (Correction!) FERME DE MALEFIGUE - Mohair from chevres/Angora goats.

Loads of duck products. Aubrac beef and charcuterie is also famous from this region.

Their Gateau a la broche is turned on a rotisserie

Its big in Paris Christmas markets because of its pine tree shape. The flavor is pleasent. Its more about the texture, form and regional tradition.

L'Aveyron Aligot is always served with saucisse. Made from mashed potatoes, Tome cheese and garlic.

I managed to grab a mini taste from sellers of the boxed variety. I'm sure the freshly made is far more flavorful.And much more sticky and stretchy.

There were long, long lines for these patties made with onion and blette (a kind of Kale).

I had small tastes of just about everything (who could resist) but I only bought a large pack of shelled walnuts, only to find walnuts in the shell around the corner. I am very well-supplied with nuts shelled and unshelled for the Winter and they go well with Roquefort. The l'Aveyron marché is a wonderfully rustic annual country festival you shouldn't miss if you're in Paris in October.

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Bonne semaine prochain

Chanel Spring/Summer 2019, les Impressionnistes à Londres, Petit Palais

The Chanel Spring-Summer 2019 show at Grand Palais always comes as the final coup de grace to Paris Fashion Week. The great advantage is after you're done gorping at the fashion plates rushing to get inside by 10:30/showtime, you can cross the street and visit the PETIT PALACE and see whatever is on. This is the last week for LES IMPRESSIONNISTES À LONDRES.

Leather or tweed bikers hats were out in numbers this year.

Chanel l'invitées were told to wear low heels or flats.

A sandy beach was waiting for them inside the Grand Palais

Including real waves!

Many fashionistas show up sans show invitation just to pose for all the photographers onsite.

I loved the double sweater effect of this photographer (two identical wooly pullovers - one tied around the neck).

The crowd was definitely smaller outside PETIT PALAIS across the street and less chic.

Many French artists like Monet, Sisley, Pissarro, Tissot and Daubigny sought refuge and exil in London during the wretched years of the Franco-Prussian war, 1870-1871. Monet's misty house of parliament.

The smog and smoke was thick back in the day.

Ladies by James Tissot were just as elegantly dressed as Chanelophiles across the street.

Could you wear a Chanel outfit at this picnic?

Another Monet in a London park.

Monet's houses of parliament series

And Derain's Fauve version.. The show is on through october 15 so hurry run see it.

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Bonne Semaine!