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Celebrating Parisian Splendor: Exploring the Fontaine de l’Observatoire in the 5th Arrondissement
To be perfectly honest, there’s no arrondissement in Paris that holds my heart quite like the 5th. It embodies life, culture, beauty, and a vibrant neighborhood spirit that I simply adore. Regardless of where I reside, I always find myself drawn back to this enchanting enclave that I proudly call home. From the iconic Boulevard Saint Michel to the intellectual hub of the Sorbonne, from the historic Cluny Museum to the serene Luxembourg Gardens and the majestic Panthéon, the 5th arrondissement never fails to captivate me. Today, I’m excited to take you on a journey to a hidden gem nestled in the Jardin Marco Polo, south of the Luxembourg Gardens…
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The Statue of Liberty, Celebrating the Enduring Bond Between France and the United States
Bonjour from Paris! The bond between France and the United States is a beacon of warmth in my heart, rivaling the joy sparked by life’s simplest pleasures. The Franco-American connection holds a special place in my heart. This profound alliance, seasoned with both triumphs and trials, has been a cornerstone of history from the American War of Independence, with Lafayette’s & Rochambeau’s critical roles, to the solidarity of WWII and beyond. As someone born in France, married to an American, and a citizen of both countries, I often find myself drawn towards the Statue of Liberty. Not because of her Classical beauty or as a monumental gift from France to…
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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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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…
