In a part of Paris far far away, near the Père Lachaise cemetery, a wonderful world of vibrant colours, textures and anything one could ever need to paint, draw, colour, sketch is at one’s fingertips… at Le Géant des Beaux Arts.

Whilst Gareth was flying half way across the world for ‘business’, leaving me to do chores and cook 5 days straight (!!), I thought it was time to do some shopping - so I took a trip down art lane to pick up some supplies for myself and a gift for his return!

Upon entering the store, which doesn’t seem all that special and colourful from the outside, you become enchanted (literally) by the massive MASSIVE range of products and artsy things available. Seriously! I’ve been to arts stores before in Sydney, but there was so much colour blaring at you in this one, I didn’t know where to start! After doing a small tour around the place, I attacked the crayon/pencils area… what to buy? Which ones to buy? Which brand? The 18-set or 24-set??? GAHHH! (in a good confused way)

Too much range and colour can be a bad thing sometimes, as I found out. But nonetheless, I was determined to walk away content with good purchases, so there I was in the store for approx. 45mins arguing with myself what to get, which ones to get and why I should get it (as opposed to something else)… I’m pretty sure the security guard thought I was crazy ;) - he passed me at least 10 times!

  

Eventually, having finally selected the pencils and paper that I wanted, stared at by security guard with curiosity many times, walked around the entire place 3 times and completely enchanted by the number of paintbrushes, crayons, and paint tubes they had in stock… I ended my colourful adventure at the counter, whipped out the credit card in vain and walked out a content and inspired customer :)

  

So what did I walk away with that day?

• LYRA Art Design pencils (12-set from 6B to 4H) - for Gareth
• Canson sketch pad
• Caran d’Ache watercolour pencils (18-set)

Le Géant des Beaux Arts
166 rue de la Roquette 75011 Paris, France
Metro: Phillipe Auguste (Line 2)
01 46 59 43 00