The Paris Bistro Chair
Don’t you love French bistro chairs? They are such an integral part of the ambience of the imitable Parisian terrace. And you could spend days photographing them without seeing two restaurants that have the same ones.
Pictures were mostly taken on a cold and rainy day — hence they were available!
HISTORY OF THE PARIS OUTDOOR TERRACE
The Parisian terrace first began when families offered food and wine to strangers outside their homes to supplement their incomes.
As the business idea grew, it expanded to Paris’s sprawling boulevards along with the artistry of creating classic and elegant furniture. The chairs have always been made with rattan material, an import from the French colonial presence in Asia.
Love the red and white weave!
MAISON GATTI – HOME OF THE AUTHENTIC BISTRO CHAIR
Sadly, there are few remaining authentic “ateliers” where these classic Parisian bistro chairs are made. One is Maison Gatti, a hundred-year-old company which prides itself on becoming the guardian of the long-standing craft, especially now that cheaper versions are flooding the market.
PARIS TERRACE ETIQUETTE
Bistro chairs are usually lined up close together facing outward, sometimes several layers deep because the whole idea is to be able to watch the world go by.
During busy times, you might be hard pressed to get one of these coveted outdoor spots, so grab it when you can. And don’t even think of moving the chairs around to suit you and your guests. Especially if you are bigger group. Wait for the waiter or he or she might blow a gasket.
Other rules of terrace etiquette include keeping your knees bent and your elbows in, as when crowded, there is about as much room between chairs as seats on the cheapest airline.
Fortunately food, wine or un beau café are so much better when consumed on a Parisian terrace so don’t feel pressured to leave when you have finished. If they were lucky enough to get a coveted spot, Parisians believe they have earned the right to a long and leisurely people watching session.
Look! Here are some free tables just waiting for you!
Woman of A Certain Age in Paris
SKIN CARE LINE NOTES
If you read my blog last week, you will remember that I am in the market to partner with an up-and-coming private anti-aging skin care line.
I am now 11 days into my first trial of Riversol skin care for sensitive skin, a Canadian company based out of Vancouver BC.
They have a very generous offer — a 15-day FREE trial package with 4 different products, cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and peel.
So far I have found them to be very good. The cleanser is silky and smooth, and the moisturizer absorbs quickly into the skin.
However, the small amount of moisturizer they recommend did not seem to be sufficient for my skin type. I noticed dryness around my mouth area especially and as a result, might need to change to the moisturizer for “Dry Skin” instead of for “Normal to Dry Skin.”
I have not had any reaction or irritation from these products and am looking forward to trying the peel which they recommend after 11 days. I will keep you posted.
If you are trying these products too — as the trial is available to anyone by going to the Riversol website — please share your experience with us!
#riversol #womanofacertainageinparisskincare
Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Diana, the blog… Fascinating culture, interesting, very interesting. I was glued to my seat. Love the first captions. Well done, I did have butterflies like I was about to read something truly unique. Took me away. TY!! Riversol, yes!! I have ordered this free package, I LOVED IT too!! It was soothing I found. Highly recommend it. Which reminds me, I think I will purchase it too. Been meaning to, why not pamper my skin? Yes, that would be great. Oh- I lather all moisturizers, I use to have very very sensitive skin, to the point that it was chapped back when I had a waitress job, and could not use any, and with perfume. Now with many years of being in the beauty industry, my skin feels much more accepting of some chemicals. Not all, but some. I do love This product! I do have others I like a lot too, this one, I think I will be buying. THANKS, Diana for your blog, very exciting to read more. And thank you, Diana, for reminding me to take care of my skin, it is the largest organ that we have. And the chairs, wow, very cool! I LOVE PARIS!!!! And no, I have never even been…so thank you…I am a way chicken of that…still though, I feel like I learned about the culture and went to Paris, even for 15 minutes is just fabulous; from my own kitchen table, with my Iron Back, wood chair. This is the best blog article yet!!! Keep em coming. Tam
Tamara — what great comments. I am glad you are trying Riversol. I only have a few days left
of the trial package but overall I give it good marks, especially for sensitive skin. I am going to
be testing a 100 percent organic product that has come highly recommended. Keep you posted. Diana
Diana, I wanted to tell you that I am enjoying your blog very much. Thank you for transporting us to romantic Paris and testing out some amazing skin care products for us. I am sending away for a free product on your recommendation. Keep up the great work
Rosi, Thank you so much. That means so much from me. I just love getting these comments. Thank you again, Diana
Rosi, yes it certainly does take you away even for 20 minutes, doesn’t it? it’s a fun glimpse into some fascinating culture and time that I set aside on Sundays for just that. Do order Riversol, well worth it! I absolutely had a ball with it, my skin was refreshed and ready for another day with great skin. I’ve been meaning to do orders. I’m sure trying these brands are so fun Diana, good for you! Tamara
Perhaps it all began in Paris, but many European countries have adopted this idea of sitting at cafes, watching the world go by. Be it with a cappuccino or Campari, a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The cafe we were just at, had benches facing out and then the cafe chairs facing in.
Enjoying your writing, looking forward to the next one.
You are right of course! Those bistro chairs really make it an elegant experience compared to our North American outdoor cafes with less interesting outdoor furniture.
Thank you for your comment Cathy! (Comment 1 of 3 for the Giveaway Draw)
Ahhhhhhhh, Paris
I love the mornings when shopkeepers, restaurants people are out washing and sweeping the areas in front of their establishments…… It’s all about pride. That is the first step; Clean and then style……the colourful chairs….I love the cafe tables…..just enough space for coffee and a croissant. And then there is that morning smell. I don’t know what it is, but it IS Paris……morning in Paris…..not 10 o’clock, but 7 or 8 o’clock…..a very special time.
Thank you for reminding me………happy sigh……
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Oh gosh I really know what you mean – the scents of Paris streets first thing in the morning. So wonderful. Thank Patricia. (Comment 1 of 3 for the Chanel Perfume Draw!)