A Paris Forager’s Tour experience by Deborah Ninnes
I don’t have one single highlight from my wonderful Forager’s Paris 2020 tour, every shop we visited, every walk we went on and every meal we ate added to the whole amazing experience.
Our trip was impacted on by “the dreaded virus”, but Lisa and Pauline reset each day and planned new adventures for the following day – it was a very fluid itinerary and I think it added to our tour because we didn’t quite know what was in store for us the next day. Secretly I am glad a few things were missed because it gives me an excuse to return for another Forager’s Paris Tour once the borders re-open.
Nothing was too much trouble for either Lisa or Pauline, who went out of their way to accommodate everyone’s needs. Pauline was a wonderful and thoughtful guide, she shared her knowledge and history of the areas we visited. Through Pauline’s contacts we were able to visit studios not normally opened to the public and what a sensory overload treat they were! Lisa’s excitement is contagious and she is a very generous and kind host.
There were so many opportunities to stock up from the specialty stores and flea markets that the half empty suitcase soon filled. Fabric stores that are five storeys tall made you feel as if you were suddenly dropped into some kind of crazy kaleidoscope.
The selection at the flea market was almost overwhelming and you really needed to maintain a sense of discipline to keep moving and foraging, it didn’t help that the clocks seemed to be on fast forward and the time just disappeared! When Lisa says “small speciality stores” she really means small – you can only fit two people in the store at one time – one store in particular was crammed from floor to ceiling with treasures.
I have come home with some amazing pieces of fabric, wool, lace and trims, threads and bits ‘n bobs. During my initial two weeks of home isolation, and then working from home I keep looking at my photos and delicious goodies, remembering our adventures and dreaming of a Forager’s Paris Tour II.
Lisa and Pauline – thank you for a wonderful adventure.
– Deb
