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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…
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A Cycling Tour of Giverny: Monet’s Garden
Spring has had a slow start here this year. And today, cool showers have once more replaced the warm sunshine. So, to boost my spirits, I’ve decided to return to a gorgeous, sun-bleached, May day that I spent cycling through a picturesque corner of Normandy. I had left Paris by bus with a group of about twenty other explorers, eager to fulfill my dream of visiting Monet’s garden, the inspiration for so many of his gorgeous Impressionist paintings. Vernon We exchanged our tour bus for bicycles in the charming village of Vernon, stopping first to pick up fixings for lunch at the open-air market. Our picnic was enjoyed in a…
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Where to Eat in Paris When Visiting Les Invalides
Across the gorgeous Pont Alexandre III – Alexander III Bridge – from the Champs-Élysées, sits the stunning gilded dome of one of Paris’ major monuments. The beautiful les Invalides is most notably known as the final resting place of Napoléon Bonaparte. A Glorious Refuge Built by the Sun King, Louis XIV, as a refuge for veterans, it still provides support for them over 300 years later. However, today it is also home to several military museums, including la Musée de l’Armée. Through their collections and exhibitions, you can learn about the history of Paris over the last two hundred years. Les Invalides is such a fascinating place that time will…
