The Chateau de Versailles covers over 200,000 square meters. It is one of the best-known heritage sites in the world comparable to such icons as the Taj Mahal and Beijing’s Forbidden City. Versailles was the center of political power in France from 1682, when Louis XIV moved from Paris, until the royal family was forced to return to the capital in October 1789 after the beginning of the French Revolution. Versailles is therefore famous not only as a building, but as a symbol of the French monarchy. Continue reading “Secrets of Versailles. The Palace and Beyond”
My Little Paris
Spending time in Paris is like being in the biggest and best sweetie shop in the world. You want to try that, that, oh! And that! With so much to do, the dilemma is where to start. Of course there’s the über tourist stuff like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, yawn, but don’t you get the feeling that you’re missing out? That a secret world of chic Parisian life is passing you by?
Well, the bad news is: you’re right. The good news is: there’s help for your problem. Continue reading “My Little Paris”
The Greater Journey. Americans in Paris
Historian and author David McCullough’s new book revisits the adventurous American artists, writers, doctors, politicians and architects who set off for Paris in the years between 1830 and 1900 to see what France could teach them. McCullough, who has been called a “master of the art of narrative history, is a two time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for “Truman” and “John Adams.” Continue reading “The Greater Journey. Americans in Paris”
Paris’ Free Museums
With over 30 million visitors a year, Paris is the world’s most visited city. Among its many attractions are its 153 museums, which showcase an incredibly diverse collection of art from all around the world. In a bid to widen accessibility to this impressive cultural heritage, the city of Paris has allowed free admission to 11 of its museums’ permanent collections. From modern art and antiquity, to literary works, these 11 museums are a brilliant, free access point into a city brimming with culture and the arts: Continue reading “Paris’ Free Museums”
Paris Revealed
Paris Revealed is the latest literary offering from long time fan of Paris and prolific author, Stephen Clarke. The cover promises to ‘reveal Paris’ and this wonderfully informative book more than amply delivers. Full of fascinating insights into Parisan life and the city of Paris itself, it succeeds at being compelling reading for anyone who loves the “Ville-Lumière.” Continue reading “Paris Revealed”
Monuments of Paris
Woody Allen is not alone in loving Paris. The city is the most visited capital in the world. Its many monuments dotting the cityscape are always a feast for the eyes. Now a new book including short descriptve text in English with color photographs by Chicurel and Pascal Ducept portrays the splendors of the city of light from the Notre-Dame de Paris to the Louvre to lesser know jewels such as the Hotel de Sens with seldom seen views. “Paris Monuments,” published by Parigramme selling for only 19 euros, is one of the best new Paris picture books to come along in awhile. Continue reading “Monuments of Paris”
The Timless Elegance of Madame Grès
Paris loves to put on a great show. And what better way to show off French savoir-faire than by providing visitors to the French Capital a glimpse of its illustrious High Fashion tradition. Palais Galliera is kicking off its new season with a glorious exhibition honoring Madame Gres housed at the Musee Bourdelle through July 24, 2011. The museum, situated in the vicinity of the Montparnasse Tower, is the former atelier of Antoine Bourdelle, a former student of Rodin. Its rooms and courtyard are chocked full of massive bronze statues and equestrian figures, busts and reliefs. So, you might wonder, what does a sculptor museum have in common with a high fashion designer? Continue reading “The Timless Elegance of Madame Grès”
Fashion Revolution Revisited
Just in case you missed the critically acclaimed retrospective exhibition of Yves Saint Laurent’s career last year, you still have a chance to catch part of the master couturier’s work at the Fondation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent situated in the 16th arrondisement in the same building that once housed his Haute Couture operations. On through July 17, 2011. Continue reading “Fashion Revolution Revisited”
Paris short-term rentals
If your stay in Paris is limited, say from one week to a few months, renting an apartment on a temporary, short-term basis is the best way to experience home living in France while avoiding the expense, paperwork and organization of a long-term rental. Continue reading “Paris short-term rentals”
E-Dehillerin, Paris’ Aladdin’s Cave for Chefs
The discreet, green façade of the store makes no effort to pull in a crowd and some of the cooking implements in the window look tired. Yet if the light catches in just the right way, you might spot a gleam of copper through the open door. If you have a food-loving bone in your body, you’ll feel a flutter of excitement and decide that this unassuming place merits a look. Continue reading “E-Dehillerin, Paris’ Aladdin’s Cave for Chefs”
Paris Metro Tales
Helen Constantine’s “Paris Metro Tales” offers 22 remarkable short stories set throughout Paris—all connected by the underground tunnels of its famed Metro. The journey begins at the Gare du Nord, stops at 20 underground stations along the way, and ends at Lamarck-Caulaincourt, each story corresponding to one of the 20 arrondissements of Paris. Continue reading “Paris Metro Tales”