My heart is literally racing as I write this because I cannot WAIT to tell you about my latest…read morediscovery! Atelier Lejeusne is a totally hidden artisan paper shop located on a side street off the Canal St Martin. I'd passed in front of it a dozen times but never went inside, until today, and it totally blew my mind to bits. They sell the most adorable cards and memo pads with raised ink stamps that are produced by hand in the atelier in the back of the shop. As I was freaking out about the selection of cards featuring baby elephants, black kitty cats, owls, clovers, ladybugs, etc, the adorable owner even offered to show me the studio where the cards were made. I had to take a rain check since I was in a rush, but how cool is that? According to their awesome website, the Atelier is the only one of its kind in Paris to use a hand stamp press. In their video montage you can see the way the artisan printer hand paints each stamp before pressing them onto paper to produce a raised embossed effect. In a subtle, not-so-subtle sequence you see the types of work they've done for various clients, including Francis and Sophia Coppola! Can't think of a better celebrity endorsement!

Couldn't resist their display at the Hotel Bedford, down the street. Got some kind, caring help…read morefrom Brigitte, the kind (and professional) owner herself, on buying an beautiful snow globe. Of course, that led to multiple trips, and purchases of some (very) high-quality pens that make excellent gifts. The knowledgeable crew make the shopping experience both fun & enjoyable. They can even professionally giftwrap their beautiful pens, whilst you're there, looking to buy more... Next time I'm in Paris, I know where I'm staying and where to buy my next fountain pen.

A beautiful little shop in Paris! Many higher end fountain pen brands carried, such as…read moreFaber-Castell and Mont Blanc, but few of the mid-range like Lamy and Parker. They have Iroshizuku bottled inks and several colors of cartridges by Waterman. Thoroughly enjoyed my stop at this shop while on vacation!

I visited Palais du Stylo to choose my first luxury fountain pen. I write all day, so I figure I…read moredeserve something that writes beautifully, while making that slightly scratchy sound on white paper. Watch this to get a glimpse into the passion some people have for fountain pens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDra9j9POkU). The two ladies at Palais du Stylo patiently allowed me to try a variety of pens, in various nib widths, with different colours and types of inks. They were pleasant to talk to throughout, as I went through my decision making process, in contrast to some other pen places I've visited (eg, Mora Stylo). I went back and forth between a medium and broad nib, back and forth between the Pelikan and Faber-Castell, and couldn't even make up my mind on the Aurora black versus Pelikan midnight blue ink. I had done prior research on their website and independently, so I think that contributed to things going smoothly. I'm not sure how a total newbie to pens would fare in a store like this (or any specialty pen store), so I recommend knowing a little bit about pens before walking in.

Nice flavored tea. Didn't expect that in Paris. Wonderful staff and relaxed atmosphere.read more