Honfleur, France

Honfleur Harbour in Honfleur, France

This quaint little town north of Paris is a great little place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Paris city lights.  Just a short drive away, filled with wonderful shops, restaurants and history.  An absolute must if you are in the area.  You won't regret it, I promise.

I visited in 2007 and discovered several new oils to try in my soap making along with a few French herbs.  This town has a lot of little shops just filled with herbs, meats, oils.  There was even a really nice soap shop there.  I only had time to be there for a day, but I would recommend spending a weekend there if you have the time there is definitely enough to explore for a few days.

Until next time, Au revoir!

For the Love of Paris

I've been to Paris several times, but in the summer of 2007 I had the opportunity to stay there for a little over a month. The time I spent there was magical. I stayed with a host family in a lovely apartment in the 16th arrondissement. This is the view off the balcony of the apartment I stayed at.


I wish I had practiced my french more and learned more while I was there, but a guy I had dated from there ended up meeting up with me and I spent my whole summer in love instead ;-) I guess that is really what Paris is all about anyway LOL.

I took many pictures of the fabulous bread in Paris. I am fascinated by their bread artisans!! Here is a photo I really liked.


The thing that really strikes me about Paris is everything seems to be an art. The French take such pride in how they do things. It is a true town of perfectionism! The pastries are gorgeous, the cheese delicious, the wine superb and the food magnificent. If it isn't good they won't serve it.

Here is a picture of some wonderful french cheese.


Here are some cakes and pies I took a quick shot of.


I love the fact that you can sit in a cafe all day, people watch and slowly sip a cafe au lait or some wine and they don't chase you out or get upset that you've been there for 4 hours. Everything is in it's own time. There's always time for one more glass of good wine.

Here I am making sure none of the wine goes to waste :)


I took many photos in Paris and collected lots of herbs at the markets there for the soap. When I'm feeling a little dull I just take my photos out and the life pumps right back into me as if I were there and my creative juices start flowing again.

My rolled soaps were inspired by pastries. I get some of the kookiest ideas some times LOL. OH PARIS I WILL BE BACK!!

Thanks for letting me share this with you, I hope you enjoyed the photos. Be sure to continue signing up for the contest for the free bar of soap on the post below this one.

If you are reading this in a reader, on a facebook note or some where other than my blog then go to DeShawn Marie Handcrafted Soap to sign up for the contest.