Easter Monday was a national holiday in France.  I met up with my Swedish friend, Andreas, at a cute little bistro in the Marais.Not far from Saint Paul metro station, Chez Mademoiselle is situated at 16 Rue Charlemagne, a quiet street in the southern half of the Marais (near the river).They serve up traditional French cuisine and their portions are generous.  I had the roasted cod fillet with potato purée and a red pepper sauce.Andreas had a plump-looking duck and chicken combo.  The bistro offers a fixed price menu at 17 euros 50. You can choose between a starter and a main course or a main course and a dessert.For starters I had a crudité salad and my lunch companion had a plate of fresh scallops.After lunch we strolled northwards, walking in the direction of rue du Temple, number 44 to be exact, to a boutique called ESSENTIEL.  Based in Antwerp, Belgium, this is a colourful Ready-to-Wear collection for men and women.  At reasonable prices.Andreas was looking for shoes, I wasn’t looking for anything.  In the end, he bought a pullover and I bought a carry-bag.  Here he is….looking very GQ indeed.Blue is his best colour.  It matches his ice-blue Scandinavian eyes.As for me, I spied this leather carry-all bag.  I love squishy bags that you can throw things into, sling over your shoulder and GO!Once our respective purchases made, we stepped back outside and continued walking north.  I never tire of the history and architecture of the Marais district.We were on our way to the rue Charlot which is lined with interesting boutiques on either side.  This fabulous boutique below sells fabulous leather products.  All products are entirely conceived and crafted in their Montreal workshops.  Mais oui, m0851 is Canadian.Yves Andrieux and Vincent Jalbert, at number 55, are a designing duo who transform antique fabrics into clothes, bags, cushions and throws.  Had this nice-looking Italian café been open, I would have popped in for an espresso.  But it was closed.Below you’ll find the links of these three boutiques.

http://www.m0851.com/home/

http://www.vincentjalbert.com/en

http://www.essentiel-antwerp.com/