Meet Pascale Leray of Thalie Florists: Paris Mosaic

There is so much more to Paris than its famous monuments. In fact, one of the things we at MyFrenchLife™ love most about the City of Light are the beautiful artisan businesses that line the city’s streets.

In our view, these small businesses and the passionate people behind them are exactly what give Paris its magic and unique charm: les fleuristes, boulangeries, patîsseries, fromageries, et bien sûr, les chocolateries.

Enchanted by their beautiful displays and inspired by their talent and dedication, we’ve brought together the Paris Mosaic series, where we introduce you to the faces behind these Parisian gems.

Amusez-vous !

Thalie Florists

Thalie is an atelier boutique, a florist in Paris, on the rive gauche. One of the many delightful artisan floristry businesses that characterise Paris, it stands as part of a beautiful building on rue Saint Jacques in the 5^th arrondissement.

Sitting below the painted balustrades of the apartments above and framed by intricate stone carvings on either side, the store is as bright and welcoming as its fresh floral displays.

On the day of our visit, white flowers in pots outside bobbed in the breeze, beckoning us off the rainy street. Inside, the store twinkled with fairy lights and the sweet smell of pollen lingered in the air. Pale pink roses, deep purple orchids and sprigs of spring greens sat on either side of the walkway that leads to the till, where we met the team.

Pascale Leray, the chief florist and owner of Thalie Florists, is a cheerful woman. She has owned her business since 1985 and is a true artisan – her flowers have previously been chosen to brighten up the home of French interior designer and columnist Isabelle Cadd. Clients have described her bouquets as the most beautiful flowers of Paris, “elegant, fresh and always in season”.

With an energetic team on hand to help, Pascale was happy to take a moment to share with us the delights of owning an artisan floristry business and talked with passion about how she chooses les fleurs that make up her bouquets. When we asked her to pose for a photo, she laughed and requested a moment to fix her hair.

It’s artisans and entrepreneurs like Pascale who inspire us at MyFrenchLife™, and so we are excited to be able to share her story with you.

What made you choose this profession and how did it become a reality?

This flower shop is in my name, and it’s a personal business that has existed since 1985.

Before, I worked on behalf of others. It was a different era. All the flowers were the same everywhere and I wanted to set myself apart from the rest, to offer something different. The flowers, the colours, and the flower arrangements were always the same no matter the boutique.

It was a different era. All the flowers were the same everywhere and I wanted to set myself apart from the rest, to offer something different.

I wanted to sell and create hodgepodge arrangements – less properly arranged, something more original. As a result, I launched my own business, and I started to sell bouquets that I love and that you don’t find elsewhere.

What is the favourite moment of your workday?

What I love about being a florist is that we can change the flowers many times a week, according to our desires. I change the colours, the flower arrangements, and what’s really great: all the seasons are different. There’s a lot of variation.

What is the major factor that has contributed to your success?

I believe that it’s due to the fact that I want to make something that stands out – something a little more natural. To succeed in this profession, you absolutely need to be creative. Of course, you also need to be dedicated, because there are long days – officially, we’re open between 10am and 8pm, but often I get up at around 5am to prepare the flowers.

Do you have an anecdote to share on the social aspect of your work?

Foreigners often think that the French are romantics, which, to them, explains all the flower shops in France. I believe that it’s just an image. There are romantic people in every corner of the world. The French are not more romantic than people in other countries – the Japanese, the Irish, the Swedish…there’s a romantic image of these countries as well. Every country has an image of other countries, and it remains just that – an image.

Foreigners often think that the French are romantics, which, to them, explains all the flower shops in France. I believe that it’s just an image.

Unfortunately, I think that with the economic crisis, we haven’t had the means to be romantic, to find enough money to have a budget for flowers, chocolate, all of that. Now, we’re becoming romantic in a new sort of way. There’s a trend that has materialised around the values of ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘organic’ – terms we’re using as we start to revive our houses and our gardens. Today, there are people who come everyday, and others who come every fortnight.

Which creation are you most proud?

It’s certainly not the response you’re looking for, but I built a house in the countryside. It’s really a ‘new generation’ house, as it consumes less energy. I really wanted to make the most of the countryside, and to have a little more space. I often spend my weekends down there to enjoy nature and the flowers.

Which flower do men prefer for their wives?

The rose. But here, I sell flowers from the garden more frequently, and during the winter, I sell flowers from the south, which are produced in Italy. But I couldn’t say which one sells the least; I don’t buy flowers that I don’t like. So they’re all popular! You have to understand, I don’t do marketing, and I only buy what I want to see.

I don’t do marketing, and I only buy what I want to see.

Do you have a favourite neighbourhood address to share with our readers?

Yes, I have several of them. I really like Le Vin Sobre (25 rue des Feuillantines, 75005) and Pizza Chic (13 rue de Mézières, 75006).

I don’t drink too much at night, as I’m often too tired after having worked from 5am, but I really like pretty places with an ambiance that one might find in the Marais or, for example, at Ladurée.

Have you visited Thalie Florist or any other florists in Paris? Which flowers are you favourite? Share your photos with us on Instagram @MaVieFrancaise

Experience more artisan beauty with us in our Paris Mosaic series…
Introduction // Le Furet Tanrade // La Petite Chocolatière // FJ Fleuriste // Boulangerie Bruno Solques // Rêve // Fromagerie Goncourt // Au-delà des Prés // Le Grenier à Pain // Boulangerie des Artistes // Les Fleurs d’Aline // Gontran Cherrier
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