Joanna Van Mulder
'There are so many restaurants in Paris, but what I adore is sampling cheese and bread from Fauchon in my apartment'
OCCUPATION Soprano
HOME BASE New York
SWEPT AWAY Since making her Paris Opéra debut 13 years ago, Fleming has developed an affinity for the city and its residents. (Most recently, she sang in Richard Strauss's Capriccio at the Palais Garnier.) "I've been adopted by the French to a wonderful degree. But when people recognize me, they don't pester me. Though I was approached once by a broom salesman at the BHV department store."
CHILD'S PLAY Whenever possible, Fleming travels with her two daughters, Amelia, 12, and Sage, 9. "We're so fond of the Jardin des Plantes [57 Rue Cuvier, Fifth Arr.; 33-1/40-79-30-00; www.mnhn.fr] and the sandbox in the public garden next to Notre Dame. Café Angelina [226 Rue de Rivoli, First Arr.; 33-1/42-60-82-00] is a must for hot chocolate."
THE GOOD LIFE "I'm the only one I know who loses weight in Paris," Fleming says. "When I'm here, I am more active and more social, and I eat better." One of her favorite restaurants is Georges (Place Pompidou, Fourth Arr.; 33-1/44-78-47-99), for the food, yes, but even more for the views.
FIT FOR FASHION "It's a miracle that I can come here for two months and carry only two bags. I have what I call my travel uniform: a pleated Issey Miyake skirt, a black top, and a colorful jacket. I generally wear clothes by three designers—Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, and Gianfranco Ferré."
NEXT UP Fleming's first book, Inner Voice (Viking Penguin), was published in November, on the heels of her latest CD, Renée Fleming: Handel (Decca). This month, she stars in Handel's Rodelinda at New York's Metropolitan Opera.
