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Where to Eat in Paris When Visiting Place des Vosges
To me, Place des Vosges is a hidden treasure within the heart of Paris. I must have passed it dozens of times over the years during my visits to the city, never knowing that it was hiding in plain sight, just beyond a wall. Fortunately, I had a wonderful opportunity to discover it last summer when I stayed nearby. The primary entrance is visible from Paris’ famous Rue de Rivoli, a stone’s throw from the Saint Paul Metro station in the Marais district. And the second arched gateway is directly opposite the gorgeous courtyard from it, at the end of rue de Béarn. Fit for a Queen That’s one of…
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The Lavender Labyrinth of Laveanne
In the shadow of Ontario’s mighty Ganaraska forest, lies a magical respite from the hustle and bustle of Toronto. And within it can be found a mystical lavender labyrinth. I’m referring to Laveanne Lavender Fields. I had the good fortune of spending a wonderful afternoon there this week with my dear friend Carla and her pixie of a grandson, Kaiden. Lush Lavender Upon our arrival, we were greeted by row upon row of gorgeous lavender shrubs, each about to reach full bloom – ten thousand of them in all! A Bee Paradise And we weren’t alone. For, happily buzzing among the cerulean blooms were, among other things, an industrious group…
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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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A Cycling Tour of Giverny: Monet’s Water Lilies
Having finished exploring the colourful mosaic that is Monet’s house, as I shared in A Cycling Tour of Giverny: Monet’s House, it was time to move on to what I consider to be the masterpiece of his Giverny home, the water lilies. A Secret Garden Surprisingly, the gorgeous garden in which they reside is actually hidden from view from his house. For Monet’s property is divided by what was once a raised railway track. In fact, it was while passing through Giverny by train on this berm that he first spotted the property that was to become his home and inspiration. And because this elevation divides the grounds, you must…
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A Cycling Tour of Giverny: Monet’s House
Having immersed myself in the riot of colour that is Monet’s Garden, as I shared in my post A Cycling Tour of Giverny: Monet’s Garden, I was now eager to explore his famed house. But before I entered the iconic pink and green abode, I was in need of a restroom. A Serendipitous Find As I exited that, I happened upon a small, hand-written sign posted on a window announcing a virtual tour with a resident expert. I had a few minutes before it started so went outside to enjoy the garden a little more. Then I made my way to the allotted meeting place – a pair of cozy…
