Paris
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Josephine at Malmaison: Retreat of an Empress
The Christmas season is over now. However, memories of my Parisian Christmas visit still linger. We are currently being blessed with a mild streak of weather and it has transported me back to a similar pleasant, sunny afternoon I spent exploring the retreat of Empress Josephine at Malmaison that Boxing Day. In the Footsteps of Royalty I had made my way from the heart of Paris to its western edge and the suburb of Rueil-Malmaison by Metro and bus. I then strolled along le Chemin Joséphine et Napoléon Bonaparte. Round brass markings bearing the bee emblem of the Emperor guided my way to the regal Château de Malmaison. Cone-shaped topiaries,…
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The Prettiest Street in Paris: Rue Crémieux
The prettiest street in Paris can be found just down the street from this beautiful city’s most gorgeous train station, and home to the incredible Le Train Bleu restaurant, Gare de Lyon. Situated in the Bastille neighbourhood of the 12th arrondissement – district – this short street is filled with an array of unique and whimsical houses. And if you ever have the chance to walk it, it will be one of the cutest strolls you ever take. Most of the townhomes lining Rue Crémieux were constructed in the last half of the 19th-century as a housing development for Parisian workers. Today’s inhabitants have brightened them up by painting them…
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Celebrating Bastille Day in Paris
A year ago, my niece Julia and I were in France looking forward to celebrating Bastille Day in Paris. July 14th or le Quatorze juillet is officially known as la Fête nationale. This day, the biggest in France, commemorates the ‘Storming of the Bastille’ which took place on July 14th, 1789. It was on that day, during the French Revolution, when commoners rose up against l’Ancien Régime – the Old Regime. Their goal: to take control of la Bastille, one of Paris’ most notorious prisons. As a result, July 14th has become a celebration of the end of the oppressive French feudal system. A Celebration of Liberty The Bastille prison…
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Paris’ Pantheon and Its Many Gods – Part 2
Scale models or maquettes of buildings always fascinate me. And happily, these are quite commonly found in historic French monuments. So my tour of Paris‘ Pantheon continued with an exploration of its beautiful maquette. A Model of Architecture The graceful beauty of its exterior was in full view as I approached it from the front. Then, I slipped around to the side and discovered a cutaway view into the interior. The level of detail was breathtaking. It even included the intricate rosette panels embedded in the coffered ceiling which stood above me. The Nation’s Crypt Of course, a centuries-old church would not exist without a crypt. And a somewhat shocking…
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Paris’ Pantheon and Its Many Gods – Part 1
I had heard of the beauty of le Panthéon – the Pantheon – in Paris long before I took the time to visit it. So, on my first solo trip to the City of Light, I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to do so. And this fascinating monument to French history did not disappoint. As I was filled with awe from the first moment I saw it. Parisian Delights I was staying in a lovely little apartment in the 16th arrondissement – municipality – just off the Champs-Élysées. From here I made my way to the Latin Quarter by Metro. Feeling a little peckish, I was happy to…
