‘Tis the Season for Chocolat Chaud

chocolat chaud

Melissa McCardle photographed this delightful article on chocolat chaud

for Belle Inspiration Magazine way back in December 2011.

chocolat and chaud

Le Chocolat Chaud

6 – 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

3 cups hot whole milk

*marshmallows to taste are a definite addition

Heat the milk in a saucepan.

Whisk the chocolate into the warm milk and mix until a smooth consistency.

Pour le chocolat chaud into pretty little cups; add whipped cream or marshmallows until your heart’s content.

hot chocolat and chaud

You can learn more about Melissa here on her blog: Reverie Daydream

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Paris Flea Markets

If you love flea markets then you need to experience one in France. Our favorite one in Paris is the Marché aux Puces de Clignancourt. A sprawling market unlike anything you’ve experienced in the US. 14 different marchés that have something for everyone and in every budget.

You can wander for days and still not see everything, so Paris Travel Groupe has created a special private market tour to streamline the experience and ensure a memorable time with a local insider by maximizing your time by zeroing in on exactly what you’re looking for, help with negotiation, French language help, and shipping introductions if you need to ship those larger items home.

green table and chairs

Settling into Paris

paris apartment

Tour a fabulous Paris Apartment with us in the current issue of Belle Inspiration. Situated on the beautiful Île Saint-Louis in the middle of the River Seine. Owned by American, Doni Belau, – you may know her from her popular website Girls’ Guide to Paris – she takes us on a tour and explains how she decorated it all in 10 days with the hemp of her hubby.
If you’d like to read more head over and subscribe to Belle Inspiration

Handcrafted Olive Wood

Shopping at Premier Pression Provence for fresh olive oil from small producers in the south of France.

Feel free to taste all the unique flavors and ask how which goes best with what.

Tapenades, sea salt, and mustards are also available to taste…  and chocolate-covered almonds.

 

Handcrafted olive wood cutting boards and serving bowls make perfect gifts,

and did I mention the chocolate-covered almonds?

 

The Streets of Montmartre

The winding streets of Montmartre, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, is the bohémien side of

Paris. The hilly and winding streets have long been a haven for artists; Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet…
Above is the Musée de Montmartre and is a good place to start to learn more about their adventurous and often overindulgent lives here.

Truly a mix for the senses, from the noisy and scandalous (in my opinion) cabarets and ‘shops’ of Pigalle to the quiet and shuttered homes and apartments that make you feel you’re in the country.

You’re sure to find an abundance of people, places, and things that are interesting, delightful and surprising.

A good place to start is on the steps of the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre to enjoy the gorgeous views of Paris. If you time it for a perfect sunset that’s even better.

à bientôt!