12.30.08
Posted in Sights in Paris at 9:59 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Why in Paris do you feel like you may somehow discover some unique shop, unknown to the rest of the world? This is how I felt when I stumbled into the beautiful patisserie, Gérard Mulot. Years later, I realized that my little stop had been written up in seemingly every travel and food magazine.
There is something particularly understated about the quaint streets of the 6th arrondissement. The first time I wandered behind the Marché Saint Germain was very early in the morning. I felt as if I was covering some uncharted trail where no other “common” American had ever meandered. Sure, it was not the well-trodden path to the Louvre, but little did I know how “discovered” it really was!
It was funny when years later while staying in the same area, my husband had a similar experience. Waking up at sunrise, he was out to find coffee and pastries. He rediscovered my little jewel of Gerard Mulot and brought me a baguette in bed. We quickly covered it in Sel de Mer (our favorite butter with sea salt) and downed it in moments. He spoke of this quiet street where he had wandered into this marvelous bakery. (I guess it should have been a bit telltale, when the other spot he stumbled upon was Starbucks – not exactly a remote destination!) Well, regardless of its notoriety, Gerard Mulot will not disappoint. Famous for macaroons and chocolates, you can even order from the website: www.gerard-mulot.com
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12.25.08
Posted in Expert Advice at 8:28 pm by Paris Ambiance Blogger
As I walk through the Louvre, I am amazed by all of the religious paintings. Inspired to slow my pace, I begin to stop and contemplate the possible meaning behind some of these great works of art. If you would like, perhaps you might reflect with me…
This particular painting of Jesus reminded me of the joy that both Mary and Elizabeth experienced at the birth of their sons. Two entirely different stories, one of the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus and the other a personal miracle of an elderly couple who is blessed with a long awaited child, John.
Years later, John would make the announcement about Jesus that would ring throughout history, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Though these words have significance to us, they must have rung much clearer to the Jewish people who had sacrificed lambs as they waited for the eternal Lamb of God.
The story of Abraham reflected this theme so beautifully. As he was taking his son Isaac to the sacrifice, the boy asked, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham responded, “God will provided for Himself the lamb.” Centuries later, John welcomed Jesus as God’s provision of this Lamb – providing for man what he could not provide for himself.
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12.23.08
Posted in Sights in Paris at 9:37 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Perhaps one of the most romantic things about Paris is the love and preservation of ageless beauty. For example, when an old historic train station had come to the end of its usefulness, the building was preserved and converted into a museum. Today, the Musée d’Orsay houses French art from the time period of 1848 to 1915.
As spectacular as the exhibits are, the framework of the magnificent museum seems to be the perfect display for their beauty. Indeed, the museum itself is a work of art.
The clock that may have once helped the passengers mark time for their trains, now looks like a gilded jewel elegantly placed in a vast arched backdrop.
The building is also luminous at night viewed from a river cruise. From that view, another of the museum’s famous clocks reminds us that in Paris, time can stand still. And once again, we have a chance to visit a day gone by. For more information visit: www.musee-orsay.fr
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12.18.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 4:45 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
For many years, I have felt that one of the greatest gifts I could give my children was the opportunity to travel and experience different parts of the world. Of course, with Paris being my favorite place, they have had that opportunity more often. At first, we had to transition into a love of international things by mixing in a few American “pleasures” along the way. Yes, we stopped once at McDonald’s on their first visit to Paris. We also tried to incorporate fun stops into our day, like the children’s park, Jardin d’Acclimatation, in Bois de Boulogne.
Somehow, it really worked – all my children love France. Recently, my daughter was asked to write a song for a class about her hometown. Not really being sure she could come up with the imagery she had in mind, she asked if she might write about Paris instead. Her teacher agreed. After all, Ben Franklin said, “Every man has two nations, and one of them is France.” With that confirmation, my daughter wrote her little Paris song. The song possessed such sentimental value that I placed it on our website: www.ParisAmbiance.com. I hope you enjoy it!
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12.16.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 11:23 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
As the season is upon us for sending and receiving Christmas cards, I offer this Christmas fresco from the Louvre. Located at the entrance to the Italian Renaissance area in the Denon wing, I always look forward to viewing this fresco painted in the 16th century by Bernardino Luini.
This year, the Louvre web site presents “The Christmas Story” through seven different works of art. You may enjoy this tour at:
http://www.louvre.fr/llv/activite, then type “The Christmas Story” into the search bar. Click on the first picture and begin the
Louvre Museum’s Thematic Trail of the Christmas Story.
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12.11.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 6:38 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
“Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit…” Henry David Thoreau
Such is a summer day well spent in Provence. Though Provence should not be missed at any opportunity, I was delighted to have finally timed my visit perfectly with the arrival of lavender season.
With the high-speed TGV train, one can make it from Paris to Avignon in about 2 ½ hours. What a change of scenery and lifestyle, from the city life of Paris to the slower-paced culture of Provence!
One of our favorite hotels, Hotel d’Europe, offers excursions with a wonderful driver/hostess to explore the surrounding regions of Provence. Our first trip to the lavender fields was in the care of Mika, who made sure we did not miss the Abbey of Sénanque or any of the best sites for viewing the French flowers.
The fields were alive with bunches of lavender all blending together like a carpet of color with the French countryside as its backdrop. The rich smell was indescribable! With the warm sun of Provence and the air filled with lavender, the experience was one I will always remember. Today, just the faint smell of real lavender conjures up a world of happy thoughts!
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12.09.08
Posted in Sights in Paris at 9:38 pm by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Joan of Arc was the truest of French heroines. Though the French word héros is very similar to our English word, we seem to have no similar hero in our culture. Joan of Arc has throughout history been a reflection of the soul of France.
The media’s portrayal of her in recent years has not served Joan well. Often only seeming like strange girl crazed by mystical voices, one is more struck by her oddity than by the desperateness of her time and the significance of her cause. Over a century ago, one unexpected American particularly felt compelled to plead her case.
Mark Twain dedicated twelve years researching the life of Joan of Arc with sincerity and detail. Already famous for Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, Twain’s audience had come to expect and enjoy his humorous style. But Mark Twain was determined if this literary venture did not sell, he would write it for his love and passion for Joan of Arc alone. He considered it the finest and best of all of his books.
For holiday reading, you might join the narrator, the Sieur Louis de Conte, and hear Mark Twain’s version of the story that needed to be told – Joan of Arc.
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12.04.08
Posted in Sights in Paris at 4:37 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Trocadéro rests upon the site of the old village of Chaillot. Evolving with time, serving one purpose then another, Place du Trocadéro with the Palais de Chaillot has now established itself as a perfect place to view the Tour Eiffel.
The Palais de Chaillot was built for the 1937 World Fair. Today the palace, with its two large wings, houses several museums. Between the wings is a large terrace, which offers an amazing “photo op” on its far wall with the Tour Eiffel as the backdrop. With only a few places to get a clear close-up top-to-bottom photograph of the tower, this terrace is one of the most convenient.
This area is also noteworthy for another decadent hot chocolate stop. Across the Place du Trocadéro is Carette, the nostalgic site of my first French chocolat chaud. With its famous patisserie, Carette makes an excellent salon de thé and the ideal French café for relaxing, reading, or people watching, whichever you choose.
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12.02.08
Posted in Planning Your Trip at 4:28 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
The Seine has always been at the center of Parisian life. From Paris’ beginnings on the Ile de la Cité, the Seine was strategic in determining the settlement’s location. Today, the river that creates its Right Bank and Left Bank still defines Paris.
The bridges of the Seine are celebrated for their romantic settings. There are over thirty bridges in Paris. Your cruise will probably lead you past seventeen of them. From the most ornate bridge, Pont Alexandre III, to the oldest bridge, Pont Neuf, you will experience some of the history and personality of Paris.
River cruises are offered by a number of companies. One that we particularly enjoy is the quaint cruise of Vedettes du Pont Neuf, which is accessed from the Pont Neuf bridge. The open top cruise gives an incredible view of the sights during this hour-long tour with commentaries in both French and English. Our favorite summer tour time is at sunset. The cruise begins as the sun sets and before long, you are enjoying the lights of Paris against the evening sky. It is hard to imagine how beautiful Paris is at night!
For more information about departure times, prices, and discount offers visit the Les Vedettes du Pont-Neuf web site: www.vedettesdupontneuf.com
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