Chic Paris guide through the artist’s eyes – “Forever Paris: A Guide to the Timeless Soul of the City” by Marin Montagut
- mymoderndarcy
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Dear readers, speaking of green and beautiful books from my previous blog, I cannot help thinking about another new title that has climbed to the top of my “to-have” list this season, especially if you are looking for Valentine’s Day gift ideas, or for places in Paris where you can shop for a special present. Those of you who have been following my blog will probably know that I have written about the work of Parisian artist, designer, and lifestyle boutique owner, Mr. Marin Montagut, including his last two books and his Paris boutique in the 6th arrondissement, which I visited back in 2024. As soon as I learned that he is releasing another new book, titled “Forever Paris: A Guide to the Timeless Soul of the City”, it immediately caught my attention and sparked my curiosity about what this new volume would be like, and which of his favourite places in Paris I have yet to visit and should bookmark for my next trip.
pp. 4‒5: From Marin Montagut, Forever Paris © Flammarion
Published by Flammarion and written by Marin himself, this book is far more than “just another guidebook about Paris”; it invites readers to discover extraordinary places through the eyes and imagination of a talented artist. With its deep, tropical-leaf green cover and gold foil stamping, the book design feels nostalgically reminiscent of old school textbooks; to me, the cover not only recalls the wrought iron of the historic Paris Metro entrances, but also evokes the façade of Marin’s flagship boutique in Paris, a combination of hidden treasures, artistry, and Parisian art de vivre that stirs one’s curiosity and desire to uncover something beautiful, playful, and stylishly modern.
Boutique Marin Montagut ©Romain Ricard
pp. 98‒99: From Marin Montagut, Forever Paris © Flammarion
The book opens with beautiful marbled endpapers, a classic feature of antique French books; the guide is arranged by arrondissement, with Marin hand-picking his favorite spots in Paris, from shopping to dining and simply visiting. Filled with his colorful, detailed drawings, it enriches the experience beyond what one might find in generic tourist guides: it becomes a visual tour of Marin’s art and his accumulated knowledge of the city he lives in, allowing readers to see Paris through the eyes of a modern artist and to discover the things that intrigue and inspire him. Whether it is an unusual copper kitchenware shop or a lesser-known Parisian bistro that has been forgotten by the masses, yet still preserves its historic beauty and stories worth rediscovering, each place feels special and full of character.
pp. 236‒237: From Marin Montagut, Forever Paris © Flammarion
pp. 248‒249: From Marin Montagut, Forever Paris © Flammarion
One will be delighted by the interesting and historic specialty boutiques featured in the book, ranging from antique and vintage fashion shops to cabinets of curiosities, stationery stores, and whimsical objets d’art, items that one may rarely use but that are worth collecting, especially when they relate to Paris and France. If you are passionate about historic monuments and museums, this stunning guide also highlights lesser-known and less talked-about addresses, including museums that are former hôtels particuliers (private mansions) that once belonged to affluent bankers or stylish courtesans, as well as small shops hidden within enchanting flea markets on the outskirts of Paris, and more. To me, this book not only offers valuable, up-to-date resources and information about artistic hidden gems in Paris in 2026, but also serves as a stunning showcase of Marin’s drawings, his homage to bygone Parisian literary beauty and history, and the way he makes them relevant for today. Featuring the entire book in illustrations instead of photographs, it invites readers not only to discover these special places through the designer’s eyes and mind, but also to cherish the volume itself as a collection of artworks that capture modern Parisian chic, and enable one to live a life like a tasteful Parisian artist.
pp. 268‒269: From Marin Montagut, Forever Paris © Flammarion
Looking for a Valentine’s Day present for your significant other may no longer be a headache; if they love Paris, Parisian style, and art, this book is a wonderful idea. You can certainly use it as a guide for your own shopping if you are in Paris now, or, even better, let this beautiful guide be the gift itself.
Image courtesy of Flammarion.
© Forever Paris: A Guide to the Timeless Soul of the City by Marin Montagut, Flammarion, 2026