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Christmas at Chambord: A Serene Journey to the Loire Valley’s Crown Jewel
We love Paris. One could spend a lifetime here and not see everything this city has to offer. That doesn’t mean that we sometimes don’t venture out to the see the rest of the world, even the relatively nearby world. That’s what we did over Christmas. Driving south to visit family we decided to stop at the jewel of the Loire Valley, Chambord. It had been some time since we visited Francis I’s 500 year old “hunting lodge” in the Loire Valley, with its Leonardo da Vinci double-spiral staircase, but we had some time to spare so we thought we’d stop. After you pass the gates and you’re driving in you can see glimpses of…
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Parisian Shops Sparkle with Festive Cheer!
As the holiday season wraps Paris in its festive embrace, the city’s shops dress up in their holiday best, turning each street into a shimmering tableau of Christmas cheer. There’s a unique kind of magic in the air as you wander through Paris during this time of year, a magic that’s reflected in the windows of each boutique and department store. Our journey of festive discovery began on the bustling Boulevard Saint Michel. With each step, we were greeted by a new vision of holiday splendor, from twinkling lights to elegantly adorned windows, each store offering a unique interpretation of the holiday spirit. The path led us to the grandeur…
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A Century Apart – Parisians Succeed in Spite of Themselves…
Parisians, like most of us, sometimes succeed in spite of themselves. This is nowhere more true than in the controversies surrounding two of the most iconic Parisian landmarks, exactly 100 years apart. I’ll take the second one first. I. M. Pei’s Pyramid at the Louvre. Set square in the middle of what might be the most beautiful building in the world is a space age glass pyramid emerging from the courtyard. Its glass and metal structure couldn’t be more different than its settings if it were a fish on Mars. But here’s the thing… unlike (presumably) a fish on Mars, Pei’s Pyramid fits, it actually enhances its surroundings, helps to bring the Louvre to…
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A Tote-ally Parisian Experience at the Galeries Lafayette
Hello, fellow Paris enthusiasts! As you know, this is our little corner of the web where we showcase the delights of the City of Lights, and today we’re visiting the stunning Galleries Lafayette, the 19th century landmark that is very much at the top of the list of Paris destinations during the Christmas season. Today’s narrative? A whimsical photographic journey through the festive that is the Galeries Lafayette, and a tiny amount of promotion mixed in. Year after year, this Parisian landmark transforms into a wonderland crafted by the most imaginative minds in France. Witnessing their latest creation? An absolute delight that stirred my creative spirit. The grandeur of the…
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Hidden in Plain Sight, Treasures are Everywhere!
Paris is easily the most beautiful city in the world. True, I’ve not been to every other city in the world, but from what I’ve seen in person and in pictures, I’m confident in my assessment. Paris seems to be one of those places that’s on most people’s bucket list. Whether for their honeymoon, a romantic getaway, a shopping spree or some other “excuse” the idea of Paris makes most hearts skip a beat, and with good reason… There are of course the required sights on the list that we all want to check off. The Eiffel Tower. The Louvre. The Arc de Triomphe. Notre-Dame. The Sacré-Cœur. And maybe if you have time, Versailles. …
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Place des Vosges: A Parisian Jewel Through the Lens
Amidst the heart of Paris lies a square that whispers stories of the past and hums with the vibrancy of the present — the Place des Vosges. As Vince and I mulled over which Parisian treasure to unveil next, the significance of this particular place became undeniably clear. It was never just about presenting the architectural splendor or recounting the history etched within its walls. It was about capturing the essence of life that pulsates through the square — the laughter and leisurely pace of passersby, the playful chatter of children, and the eager anticipation of diners at the brink of culinary discovery. The Place des Vosges is a canvas…
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Go for a swim! (Or Not!)
Now that it’s turning cold no one in their right mind would want to jump into the Seine, the river that traverses Paris and splits the city between the Left Bank (Rive Gauche on the south) and the Right Bank (Rive Droite on the north). While it’s still beautiful in the winter, with its blue / green hue and the wonderful stone banks with the walking paths, it’s not really that inviting. However tempting it might be, jumping in is not recommended… indeed it’s probably illegal. If the desire to do your best Russell Crowe or Geoffrey Rush impression is too much to resist, there are some public pools actually…
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The Eternal Charm of Paris: A Love Affair Captured in Calendars and Keepsakes
Bonjour and welcome to the inaugural post of our Paris-inspired blog! As I sit here, sipping a café au lait by the window of our favorite spot, I can’t help but smile as I put pen to paper to share our experiences, both grand and petite, along the cobbled streets and grand boulevards of this most magnificent city. There’s a timeless adage that speaks to the heart of our experience: “Stop and smell the roses”. In a world that never pauses, where the pace of life and chaos can often feel overwhelming, the beauty we’re surrounded by here in Paris acts as a gentle reminder to breathe, to live fully,…