Category: France

Inside The Alluring Seaside town of La Rochelle, France

Gallic City: La Rochelle, France
Our Paris correspondent, and photographer, Sarah Boutinon-Tharse takes us on a wondrous journey to western France. La Rochelle is a city, and seaport on the Bay of Biscay, a part of the Atlantic Ocean. Sarah not only enjoyed her time at the beach with her family, but during her holidays, she was intrigued once she discovered that this charming town became one of the French center for faience in the end of the 18th century. Bernard Palissy, French Huguenot potter, hydraulics engineer and craftsman, famous for having struggled for sixteen years to imitate Chinese porcelain, was born in the region and had some bearing in the development of French Faience. Follow Sarah on Instagram. She has a joyful and fresh eye for details, and a keen understanding of her beloved country. All of these attributes shine through her photographs.
















Sarah Boutinon-Tharse Photos
All rights reserved

Greetings from The South of France

Abbaye de Senangue, France
“Found our sea of lavender at the Abbaye de Senanque in Vaucluse about 1 hour’s drive south from our hotel in Crillon de Brave. The lavender is in the height of its bloom and the scent meandering through the fields is incredible. If one can deal with isolation and poverty vows, these monks have a good thing going!” Kevin Byrne

BON WEEKEND TO YOUR ALL!

Versailles Most Desirable Wild Side – Now On Full View

The Ahae Exhibition in Versailles, France
Photo courtesy Sarah Boutinon-Tharse for High End Weekly™
East of Eden: The AHAE Exhibition – Part I

We were delighted to be invited to attend the opening of the AHAE exhibition in Paris just about a few days ago. Since then, I’ve been so busy with various projects that I was unable to talk about it (we also have at least 4 interviews coming up in the next week or so). This show was very special. For one thing, I think it’s quite remarkable how through a single window, from dawn to dusk, the Korean photographer AHAE, now in his 70’s, embraces the world in the details and landscapes of nature with photographs taken from a single window, day in, day out, all year long.

A modest man, AHAE and his supporters have exhibited his works at Grand Central Station in Manhattan, at the Louvre in Paris last summer, among other locations around the world, and now at the Palace of Versailles, in conjunction with the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the birth of legendary royal landscaper André Le Notre. Until September 9th, 2013, visitors will also be able to experience the extravagant natural beauty of Le Notre in the gardens, juxtaposed with the simplistic natural beauty of AHAE’s photography in an exhibition.
His photographs are spectacular, and I find them quite candid as well. I hope you’ll enjoy them, as well as the few glimpses of that famous chateau called Versailles.


Parisian Photographer and fencing champion, Sarah  Boutinon-Tharse, and Joan Parker
Versailles, 2013
All Images courtesy Sarah Boutinon-Tharse for High End Weekly™
All rights reserved

Experience Some of the Most Extraordinary Photographs by Ahae at the Versailles Orangerie!

Ahae Photography
June 25th to September 9, 2013, Paris, France

High End Weekly will be attending Ahae’s second major exhibition of photographs in France. This exhibit will be presented throughout the gardens of the Orangerie at the Palace of Versailles from June 25 through September 9, 2013. On view for the first time, THE EXTRAORDINARY WITHIN THE ORDINARY includes works in which all the languages of nature are explored by the photographer’s watchful eye: animals, movement, shadow and light. All of the photographs are taken from the same window… a radical challenge. From this unique viewpoint, Ahae aims to arouse our ability to be amazed by the simplest things and to perceive the primal messages they express. He urges us to open our eyes, see the natural world around us, and do whatever we can to protect it before it is too late.

THE EXTRAORDINARY WITHIN THE ORDINARY, an installation of monumental and large photographs, is part of the Palace of Versailles’s 2013 tribute to André Le Nôtre, the creator of the Versailles gardens. Admission is free.

About The Exhibition: Subject Diversity

Though taken from the same window, Ahae’s works embrace a surprising diversity of subjects. Nature is out there, present and mobile. Its variations and nuances are the subject of a wild, moving quest—the permanent wonder offered by this landscape world, with its spaces and its inhabitants. Indeed, an impressive bestiary inhabits Ahae’s photographic world. The animals are the source of simple amazement in their dialogue with the elements, sky, earth and water.

The Poetic Span of a Landscape
If every morning, winter and summer, Ahae manages to capture all the flavor of the landscape he sees from his window, it is because he understands its intricacies. From sunrise to the chiaroscuro of the moon, this microcosm is arranged around shared time. In succession, visitors traverse all the key moments of a day of the photographed landscape: a dreamed day, where we see the same subjects and events at the same time across the seasons. Variations in climate, like different times of the day, are a matrix in which the banal becomes exceptional. And focusing our gaze on “practically nothing”, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Dialogue is established.

The Languages of NatureThrough his photos, Ahae’s intent is to spur visitors to adopt a curious and attentive focus on that which speaks the language of nature. Those who know how to listen already understand the words of silence. In a world of familiar noises, Ahae’s photographs are an invitation to learn once more how to look and listen. The gray wagtail, the water deer, the azure-winged magpie and the black-naped oriole provide a plethora of characters for an open-air theater. Under the dome of the changing skies, nature is a breviary whose alphabet is written in the fleeting impressions captured by the photographer in every moment.


Ahae Press
All rights reserved

First Look: Italian furniture maker, Promemoria, reveals their most fashionable line of furniture to date

AZIZA/ AZIZA LARGE 
Special edition
poltrona/ armchair 74x76xh76 cm – 291/8×2915/16xh2915/16
inches/ 91x82xh80 cm – 3513/16×325/16xh311/2 inches
Base in ancient beech, fabric “KUBUS” extra collection and new velvet
(melanzana 4 – DSR0300817)

Fresh out of Maison & Objet in Paris, this is Promemoria’s 2013 Furniture Collection. Geometric patterns of the days of yore ruled the scene, and stayed ahead of the trends, as Italian furniture company, Promemoria, revealed their most fashionable line of furniture to date.

Promemoria, Paris
FUTURE VOYAGER ATTO II
Cabinet 161x47xh85 cm – 616/16×188/16xh337/16 inches 
Base in ancient oak, covering in smooth moro leather and cashmere (extra collection)
GINEVRA 
Armchair 90x98xh81 cm – 357/16×389/16xh317/8 inches 
Ebony, covering in new crema 1 (DTPANNA), cushion in new cioccolato 6 (S1T10162032)

BATTISTA
Special edition 
Small table 62,5x47xh57 cm – 245/8×181/2xh227/16 inches 
Base in mate black, inlaid top in maple, oak and mahogany
BILOU BILOU LARGE
Special edition 
Chair 50×59,5xh92,5 cm – 1911/16×237/16xh367/16 inches 
Completely upholstered in Bilou Bilou velvet

SCARLETT 
Special edition 
Bedside table with castors 46x46xh50 cm – 181/8×181/8xh1911/16 inches/ 46x46xh68 cm –
181/8×181/8xh263/4 inches
Structure in bronze, removable tray in patchwork leather (smooth moro/ smooth avorio leather, glitter leather extra collection – smooth rosso/ smooth avorio leather, glitter leather extra collection)

Take Me To The South Of France

Provence, France
How do I began putting down in words how much this region means to me? Ideally situated between the Mediterranean sea, and the South of France, Provence is where I have some amazing close and supportive friends, clients who have incredibly sentimental views of their homes and lifestyles, it is where architecture speaks and tugs at my heart, lavender fields that I long to see all year round. I love the region’s fine cuisine, street fairs, daily marchées, but what makes it extra special is the warmth and excellent vibration of the people of Provence. They are among some of the warmest and kindest folks that I’ve had the privilege of meeting. Of course, there’s so much more behind these statements, but I’ll let these stunning pictures tell a story of their own. Bon weekend to you all!

Photo via Les Tours Dhorloge


Photo via Backroads.com
Photo via Flickr (Tame 1954)

Photo via decordeprovence.blogpost.com
Photo via Weheartit.com

Photo via Flickr (Julia Fredenburg)


Unless otherwise noted, all of the above photos are via Pinterest
Highly Recommended Reading
Vyna St Phard in front of La Place et l’hotel d’Albertas
Provence 2000

Photo High End Weekly™

Legendary Luxury Hotels to Fall in Love With

The Suite Life
Visit our Top 7 choices of the most glamorous places to stay this holiday season.
Signature Suite at Hôtel Metropole
The Bentley suite at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City
Bentley theme suite, St Regis, NY
The newly renovated Hotel Jerome, in Aspen Colorado has never looked better
English elegance at the Madarin Oriental, London
The lure and excitement of being in Tangier rises to the top at the Laurence of Morroco Hotel
One of the few places where great fashion ideas took shape: The Coco Chanel Suite at The Ritz, Paris
The Elton John Suite at The Ritz Hotel, Paris

NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.

The Whimsical World of François-Xavier & Claude Lalanne

Lalannes and friend at their Parisian home
from the archieves of LIFE magazine

Animal Kingdom

My recent gallery tour at Sotheby’s reminded me of how wonderful Lalanne’s works truly is when I saw several of his most iconic pieces on display. The dynamic french duo have won the slow and steady race of producing what some called “the supreme art of living” with their beloved works of art. From monkey shaped fireplaces, rhino-shaped desks to a flock of sheep, Francois-Xavier and Claude Lalanne have created a whimsical world where we can engage with art and design – in a joyful and meaningful way.

François-Xavier Lalanne, “Mountons De Laine”, 1967, wool, patinated aluminum,
electro-formed copper and wood
Photo courtesy High End Weekly™
Gingko Bench, Claude Lalanne, 1999. Aluminum,
From Sotheby’s December 15, 2012 Sale
Photo courtesy High End Weekly™
Claude Lalanne, chairs and table fom Lila Acheson Wallace Garden, Dewitt Wallace Deocrative Arts Museum. Part of Sotheby’s December 15, 2012 Sale
Photo courtesy High End Weekly™

Cocodoll, 1964, François-Xavier Lalanne
Lalanne Park Avenue Exhibition in NYC
François-Xavier Lalanne, Les Autruches, 1966
François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne Exhibition at Paul Kasmin Gallery
François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne Exhibition at Paul Kasmin Gallery
François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne Exhibition at Paul Kasmin Gallery
Oiseau à Bascule, François Xavier Lalanne, 1974
Image via Wallpaper
Required Reading: Claude & Francois Xavier Lalanne from Rizzoli

NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.

The Weekender: The Most Beautiful Châteaux in Provence



Le Couvent des Minimes Hôtel & Spa

There are some places where you come only once in your life and you will never forget them. For me, Provence is that special spot. It is a place where time seems to have stood still and history can be felt everywhere you look: the Roman architecture, the smell and sound of the provincial markets, the extraordinary gastronomy, the energetic and down to earth locals, and of course, the omni presence of lavender fields all across its charming countryside. Some feelings are hard to describe, and sometimes, you just have to go and experience them. When it comes to Provence, I suggest you do just that.


Le Couvent des Minimes Hôtel & Spa

 Oustau de Baumanière
Oustau de Baumanière: 13520 Les Baux-de-Provence. Tel. +33.490.54.3308. Located in the countryside. St. Remy-de-Provence. Affiliation: Relaix & Châteaux, Relais Gourmand. www.oustaudebaumaniere.com.
Château de Montcaud
Château de Montcaud: Hameau de Combe. Route d’Ales. Tel. +33.466.89.6060. Affiliation: Relais et Châteaux. www.chateau-de-montcaud.com.
Auberge de Cassagne
Auberge de Cassagne: 450 Allee de Cassagene. T. +33.490.31.0418. Affiliation: Romantik Hotel, Relaix du Silence, Châteaux et Hotels Independants. www.aubergedecassagne.com. 
Château d’Arpaillargues

Château d’Arpaillargues: Rue du Château. 30700 Arpaillargues. T. +33 (0)4 66 22 14 48. Affiliation: Les Hotels Particuliers/Groupe Savry
ALSO HIGH ON OUR LIST
  • Villa Gallici: Avenue de la Violette, 13100 Aix-en-Provence. T. +33.442.23.2923. www.villagallici.com. (Relais et Châteaux)
  • Domaine de Chateauneuf: Départementale 560. 83860 Nans-les-Pins (Var). T. + 33 (0)4 94 78 90 06. www.relaischateaux.com/chateauneuf. (Relais et Châteaux)
  • La Bastide De Moustiers: La Bastide de Moustiers Chemin de Quinson

    • 04360 • Moustiers-Sainte-Marie • France. (Alain Ducasse)


NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post is alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.

Marie Antoinette: The Trendsetter and Her Domain

The Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s former domain, is a masterpiece neoclassical architecture situated in the grounds of the magnificent Chateau Versailles.  Whenever I visit this part of France, I’m reminded how this charming piece of architecture is as celebrated today as it was hundreds of years ago.  It is an exemplar of the history of taste and of the arts in the 18th century as a page of France social and political history that went through a glorious renovation in 2006, with the help of a generous $6 Million donation from their sponsor Montres Breguet.  I can talk quite a bit about this little gem of a place.

Marie Antoinette whose full name was Josepha Johanna von Habsbourg-Lothringen, Archduchess of Austria, Imperial Princess,  Royal Princess of Hungary and Bohemia, Dauphiness of France, Queen of France and Navarre


Where do I start?  How about the château itself, which was designed so that the royals could avoid the presence of their servants, or the troupe l’oeil wood panelling which were used for the less important rooms as a cost-saving measure? Everything about the Petit Trianon embodies the pefection of an era and society, its style and technical expertise.  While Versailles represents power and splendor, the Petit Trianon represented serenity and privacy.

Let’s talk briefly about the lady who once occupied this house, Marie Antoinette.  So much has been written about her, but little ever mentioned about how as a member of royalty, she was without a doubt THE trendsetter of her time.  She was a lady who valued her privacy, and dressed skillfully but casually for a woman in her position.  She craved independence and often dressed like a maid or shepherdess.  Whether she was with her close friends and sometimes in front of her real maids, she imitated lives that were so different from her own.  Her straw hats adorned with flowers was so different from the demands of traditional fashion that they appeared scandalous to those who would have certainly liked to see less of a simple woman and more of a Queen.  This kind of defiance certainly didn’t help her case, and she began to slowly lose favor with the French people.  Marie Antoinette’s quest for beauty and her aspiration to reach a form of authenticity and purity eventually led her to develop a lifestyle that would leave its mark on the history of trend setting.

Le Trianon

NOTE: Please notify us directly, if you believe that certain images on this post are alleged to infringe upon the copyrights of others, according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Thank you.