Iconic Comfort

Photos  : Josée Noiseux

The first time I visited Paris, I fell in love with the Luxembourg Gardens’ legendary green chairs. Often, when purchasing furniture, we think we have to compromise between comfort and design. But that couldn’t be further from the truth with these chairs. Their classic and elegant style has stood the test of time and remained a staple no matter the latest fashion. And what fascinates me even more is their unique design, which invariably makes you want to give in to dolce farniente.

Comfortably seated, leaning back slightly, there’s only one thing you want to do: take off your shoes and pick up a great book, or spend the rest of the day chatting and enjoying yourself. You’ll even forget about your phone for a little while! These mythical chairs, which originated in 1923, are at once attractive, sturdy, and surprisingly comfortable.

Thankfully, the French company Fermob had the brilliant idea of asking the designer Frédéric Sofia to reinvent this icon of French style. Today, it can be found in many gardens around Paris, and even across French borders, at New York’s Bryant Park, Harvard University, or the Amsterdam Zoo, to name only a few.

Fermob

It comes in cheerful shades of pastel, from candy pink to lime green and powder blue, and is also available in plastic. Refreshingly joyful, it could be the perfect accessory to brighten up your backyard.

Personally, I’ll always stay true to the classic metallic green model, if only because it’s the most Parisian of them all. So, when can we expect Luxembourg chairs at Lafontaine Park?