We stayed for three nights in a city called Clermont-Ferrand, about a four-hour train ride south of Paris. I know I said I wouldn’t turn these posts into travelogues, but I must mention the bathroom of this place!! This tiny apartment was a study in style and efficiency. Kitchenette, room with slideout bed/TV/desk/coffee table. Sliding doors covered in mirrors. I slid one open, thinking I’d see the inside of a closet. Nope! What greeted my eyes was a tiny space with a toilet, ship sink, and shower stall; all with small efficient details. What’s more, the sink and toilet were black, as were other elements of the apartment. I immediately began taking video to send to my daughter, knowing she would love the decor. Anyway! Along the streets of this city, we kept encountering these trees that I have yet to find the name of. The bark reminds me of army fatigue clothing. What do you think?
Right outside this stylish little apartment was this ceramic tile painting, placed on the pillar at the entrance to the parking space in front of the house. Looks like it was painted in the Bahamas, written in French, and brought to France by the inhabitants. I loved the soft watercolour feel to it, and the fact that it was cemented to the pillar. I love finding small delights like this!
One afternoon I visited the Musee Bargoin to see their textile collections. I took so many photos in there, that I’m overwhelmed thinking of putting them into a blog post. Instead, I’ll tell you that when I was done there, we walked towards the Cathedrale Notre Dame de l’Assomption so we could look around inside that, too. Well, I took a million photos in there, too; because I was so awestruck by the vastness and artistry in the place!!!!! However, enroute to that, we found ourselves in a labyrinth of narrow pedestrian-only streets that were positively packed with independent shops, art studios, bakeries, cafes, tea shops (the colour and pattern explosion in one Indian one! Be still, my heart!), and other closets full of business. Along the streets was ART everywhere!!! One piece was this set of colourful direction signs, pointing walkers to these wonderful shops. The second one down? We passed that shop, thinking we’d get something on the way back. On the way back, the things I wanted were sold!
This wall painted with all sorts of wild folk flowers was my absolute favourite of all the street art I saw. I have it currently as my computer background image. I also have closeup photos of individual flowers, for painting and drawing inspiration. It contains many of my favourite elements: flowers, blackline outlines, and colourful paint filling in the details.
This was a close second to my favourite street art in this area! Bright colour, flowers, offset pattern; what more could I ask. Someone took a lot of time to stencil in these roses and place them just so. Look at all the lined detail in the roses, too! More artistic inspiration.
Lastly, this was another piece of wall art that caught my eye along the narrow streets. Again, what catches me is the yellow suggestion of flowers, the geometric orange shapes, and the tiled pattern. I also like the curves of the orange shapes. My mind analyzes how the maker created the curves so perfectly. I know it’s mathematical, and I want to try it.
I can say that in just one day in this city, my heart was filled to the brim with artistry; from having gone to the museum, to walking on these streets and visiting the cathedral. And I can pull up my computer photos anytime to be reminded of all the delights! I rather like taking photos of the sometimes overlooked. How about you? If you are artistic or crafty, do you also take photos for inspiration?
These are all so beautiful gems seems like you had a wonderful trip.
We did, even though it was exhausting not spending more than a few days in each place. This section of this city in France just won my heart.