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Clare Vivier’s Artistic Journey in Saint-Calais
Los Angeles-based designer Clare Vivier is embarking on an ambitious project to transform a charming 19th-century house in her husband’s hometown of Saint-Calais, nestled in the picturesque Loire Valley of France. Vivier’s vision integrates vibrant colors and patterns while maintaining a serene ambiance, striving to harmonize contemporary furniture with antiques and textiles from historic maisons. This eclectic blend is intended to evoke the same spirit as her successful handbag and fashion label, reflecting both California’s playful style and French elegance. To bring her vision to life, she enlisted the help of her longtime friend, Kate Berry, a talented designer and creative director.
This past May, Vivier, Berry, and her husband Thierry embarked on a journey to Provence, a region celebrated for its artisanal crafts and abundant secondhand designer goods. Berry noted that local vendors often supply Paris’s flea markets, selling their treasures at significantly inflated prices. Over the course of a week, they explored charming places such as L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Arles, visiting expert antique brokers and designer shops in quaint villages like Vallabrègues. Beyond the unique finds, they were struck by the tight-knit community that thrives here, a stark contrast to the more impersonal atmosphere of Paris.
“In these shops, we’d often hear, ‘You like these pots? You should see what my neighbor has!’” Vivier recalled, emphasizing the camaraderie among shop owners who genuinely wanted to connect and share their passions. Their connections in the area were further enhanced by valuable recommendations from well-known friends like Tony Freund from the editorial marketplace 1stdibs, and Xavier Donnelly, from Ash NYC architecture firm.
Vivier and Berry maintained a flexible itinerary to allow for serendipitous discoveries, emphasizing the joy of exploring lesser-known haunts and hidden treasures. Berry elaborated on their experiences wandering through the region’s medieval villages, noting that many delightful shops are tucked away in quiet courtyards, easily overlooked by drivers. “If you get out of the car, the magic unfolds,” she remarked. This part of France feels distinctly unique: quiet, idyllic, and brimming with independent businesses, from charming eateries to shops offering local wares. The landscape pulses with the rhythm of nature, its spring and summer seasons revealing fig-laden trees and fragrant gardens, reminding Vivier of her native California.
Culinary Delights in Provence
Dining in Provence complements the aesthetic journey with exceptional culinary experiences. One standout is Inari, situated in a stunning 13th-century structure, offering a seasonal menu crafted by Cèline Pham from renowned Paris restaurant Septime. Signature dishes, such as local asparagus with chèvre and edible flowers, showcase the region’s rich produce. Another favored location is Le Jardin du Quai in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known for its innovative takes on regional cuisine like lobster ravioli accented with seafood foam. Vivier’s beloved Jour de Fête in Valennes spotlights the chef-owner’s farm-to-table philosophy.
Shopping for Unique Finds
The shopping experience in this vibrant region offers a treasure trove of options. Atelier Vime, a historic basket maison in Vallabrègues, has been revitalized by Anthony Watson and Benoît Rauzy, who opened their doors to vintage rattan and pieces crafted by local artisans. The duo also discovered 50 Cinquante, a captivating antiques shop in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue known for its eclectic collection of sculptures, lamps, and decor.
Among the largest markets in the area is the Villeneuve-Lès-Avignon Flea Market, where furniture and wicker crafts can be found alongside delectable seafood and fine wines. The duo procured comfortable living room chairs from a vendor named Damian, who also managed the delivery. In L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, they stumbled upon David Wamin’s shop, Dav’ Antique, filled with stunning Art Deco pieces.
Grègoire Courtin, known for his remarkable eye for rare objects, showcased his findings in a charming general store and museum, Maison Courtin. This creative collector also operates an Airbnb, offering delightful breakfasts within an old army tent. The journey included visits to JL Moriad gallery where Vivier and Berry found high-end designer pieces at remarkable prices. A stop in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir facilitated the purchase of green folding chairs by Jacques Hitier and uniquely sourced lamps from La Chose Antiquités, bringing their shopping adventure full circle.
Source
www.cntraveler.com