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Hôtel Dieu: A Secret Parisian Garden
In the heart of Paris, a stone’s throw from one of its greatest attractions, lies a secret garden. Located on Place Jean Paul II, in the shadow of the majestic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, and under the watchful eyes of her gargoyles, sits Paris‘ Hôtel-Dieu – Hospital. And within its walls, the most wonderful courtyard and garden reveal themselves to you. In the Shadow of Notre-Dame The great thing is that, despite the square outside usually being full of tourists, the unassuming entrance of Hôtel-Dieu means that very few venture in to visit it. This leaves this fantastic building and its secret garden both a very convenient and very quiet…
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Sedan: Champagne’s Faded Glory
Situated 200 kilometres northeast of Paris and just 10 kilometres south of the Belgian border, on a peninsula formed by a bend in the Meuse River, lies the historic town of Sedan. If the name sounds familiar, it should. For the class of car we know today as the ‘sedan’ derives its name from this village in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. A History of Mobility You see, Sedan was where the upholstery fabric for the interior of the chaise à porteur – Sedan chair – was first manufactured. This was the single passenger conveyance that was carried by two men using poles attached to a chair. The example below,…
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Versailles: A Binge-worthy Drama
Winter is upon us now in the northern hemisphere. And what better way to while away the long, dark evenings than by binge-watching a great TV series? Even better if that series is a sumptuous French historical drama situated at the incredible Château de Versailles. Yes, believe it or not, one exists. And it is amazing! I discovered it about two years ago on my flight over to Paris for Christmas and was immediately hooked. So much so that I watched the first five episodes of season one on the way over and the last five on the return flight. This captivating drama tells the story of how King Louis…
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Christmas Eve in Paris: Notre Dame
After spending the first part of my Christmas Eve in Paris at Sainte-Chapelle, I made my way across the Seine to the Saint-Michel area of the city. I had some time before the start of Midnight Mass at Notre-Dame Cathedral and I was in search of a tasty treat. I’ve always found this to be a neat little area. It’s a collection of tiny, ancient, pedestrian streets lined with touristy shops and restaurants and lots of atmosphere. Christmas Crêpes As I wound my way through this labyrinth, I came across the rustic Crêperie de Cluny on Rue de la Harpe. Perfect, I thought. And as I entered the restaurant, I…
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Christmas Eve in Paris: Sainte Chapelle
In the heart of Paris, on the tiny Île de la Cité, a stone’s throw away from Notre-Dame Cathedral, sits the stunning Sainte-Chapelle. This other ecclesiastic treasure of the City of Light is difficult to see from the street though. You see, it forms part of the Palais de Justice – Courthouse – complex. And so it is tucked in behind the walls of this prestigious institution. A Gothic Masterpiece However, as I walked along Boulevard du Palais one Christmas Eve, past the gorgeous clock on the wall of the Conciergerie, I caught a glimpse of it, hovering above the courthouse. I had just finished enjoying un chocolat chaud –…
