La Clarière: Antique and Hand-Painted Linens

About Secrets of Paris

Calendar of Paris Events

Through February 11
The latest exposition at the Hôtel de Ville is celebrating the work of Jean-Jacques Sempé, the beloved cartoonist whose characters have graced many covers of the New Yorker. The free exhibition, Sempé Croque Paris features his drawings of Paris, bien sûr. Expect long lines.

February 12
Paris Pastry Party & Book Signing in Paris Join David Lebovitz and Heather Stimmler-Hall for a fête at La Cuisine in Paris to celebrate the Paris Pastry App and eBook. David will also be signing books so if you'd like personalized copy of The Perfect Scoop, The Sweet Life in Paris, or Ready for Dessert, there will be copies on hand. No need to RSVP, but if you have a Facebook account feel free to "join" our party. We look forward to seeing you there!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL CALENDAR

Heather's Lady's Guide to the Sexy City

Sign-up to the Secrets of Paris newsletter and get "Heather's Top Ten Tips for a Stress-Free Visit to Versailles"

Monday, November 9, 2009

I've lived in the 13th for almost five years now, but I didn't know about La Clarière on the Butte aux Cailles until I got an email last week from the owner-artisan Sharon MacDonald. Just over a year ago Sharon, an American living in France for over 20 years, opened her atelier at 8 rue de l'Espérance, where she makes hand-painted linens for the home. Twice a week she opens to the public to sell her creations alongside antique linens, tableware and home decor that she has carefully selected from the marché aux puces, vide greniers, and even the local Emmaus.

What makes her stand out from the many other fine addresses in Paris for home decor is the quality of what she offers (the finely embroidered linen bedsheets, nightgowns and table settings have been scrupulously cleaned and pressed, the beautiful fabrics she uses for her own hand-painted textiles) and the reasonable prices that make these precious objects accessible for any budget.