06.27.09
Posted in Sights in Paris at 12:52 pm by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Wandering the streets of Paris in the early mornings has to be one of my favorite pastimes. As the shops prepare to open and everything is put in place for the day, the flower markets are prepared for the day’s show. Whether you are stopping to purchase or just merely passing by, you can drink in the beautiful display and fresh scent.
Buying flowers for friends is often my best excuse to stop and smell the roses (quite literally). I often visit the flower market in the Place de La Madeleine. Nestled in the area quite near the food markets of Fauchon and Hédiard, the flower market is just steps away from delicious delicacies which also make wonderful hostess gifts.
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04.16.09
Posted in Sights in Paris at 8:32 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Well-deserved praise has been given to the beauty and symmetry of the French gardens. Who can stroll the rue de Rivoli without at least gazing into the Jardin de Tuileries, with its perfectly placed fountains and walkways leading to and from the Louvre and Place de le Concorde? And what child could not have a pleasant afternoon sailing a petite boat in the palace pond or riding a pony in the fashionable Jardin du Luxembourg? Yet, perhaps one of a Paris’ best kept secrets lies in the 16th arrondissement surrounded by woods in the Jardin de Bagatelle, a part of the 2090 acre Bois de Boulogne. If timing is everything, then you will not want to miss a magnificent moment in the early days of June viewing the roses of the Jardin de Bagatelle in Paris.
A glimpse of the park’s history offers an intriguing story of a substantive wager between a queen and one of her speculated lovers. With the most anticipated events of the day being a party of any sort, the bet was wagered between Marie Antoinette and the comte d’Artois, the King’s brother, that an old chateau then in ruins could not be totally rebuilt in three months and a grand party thrown in celebration of its completion. The race with time was on, and 900 men worked through the day and night with music to inspire them. Within 64 days, the Comte’s bet was won and the celebration began. Today, the Chateau de Bagetelle occupies the west side of the Parc de Bagatelle. Separated by peaceful woods, the rose garden of Jardin de Bagatelle lies to the east of the chateau.
In the early morning, as the park is opening, we wait at the gate in anticipation. We have visited a number of times, but every visit is an experience all of its own. The air is cool and invigorating. Soon we are hurrying along the path, past the restaurant and outdoor dining area to the first lovely arched trellises of seasonal flowers. Trying to enjoy every moment, we find ourselves feeling pushed to the large expanse before us - the welcoming Orangerie overlooking the breathtaking display of roses.
The rosary opened in June 1907 with 1500 of the finest roses. Though a formal garden in style, the goal was to present the rose in all of its forms. Today, the Bagatelle is recognized as a national collection of modern roses.
Never sure how to take it all in, we take panoramic photos, snapshots of each swag and topiary, and close-ups of the delicate dew droplets on each petal. The design is masterful, and the smells are intoxicating. Is it possible to find a place so blissfully perfect, captured in an early summer morning?
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03.18.09
Posted in Sights in Paris at 11:34 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Relaxing in the Cour Marly is one of the highlights of my visits to the Louvre. With room after room of spectacular works of art, sometimes finding your own favorite spot - as we say in Texas - brings it all down home. I find this personal space in the Cour Marly.
Once an outside courtyard, the Cour Marly now has a glass roof designed by the same architect who created the Louvre pyramid. The natural light warms the space filled with statues from the park of Château de Marly, the favorite residence of Louis XIV. The brightness of the room, the scattered benches, and the monumental statuary create an inviting and peaceful atmosphere that makes a perfect stop to rest and reflect during your visit to the Louvre.
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03.10.09
Posted in Sights in Paris at 9:58 am by Paris Ambiance Blogger
One of my favorite stops at the Chateau de Versailles is the magnificent Orangerie. After touring the chateau, I immediately buy a garden ticket and go directly left to peer over the wall into the Orangerie. Designed by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, its fountains and perfectly ordered planters must have made a spectacular setting for entertaining. Created for the 3,000 orange trees of Louis XIV, it was the largest orangerie in all of Europe.
Hardouin-Mansart was truly a genius and one of the most famous 17th century European architects. His other contributions to Versailles include the design of the Hall of Mirrors (decorations by Charles Le Brun) and the Grand Trianon. In Paris, his architectural contributions range from the stunning Dôme des Invalides, to the Place Vendôme, and Place des Victoires.
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02.18.09
Posted in Sights in Paris at 2:38 pm by Paris Ambiance Blogger
The 3rd edition of our guidebook, A Paris View, is on the way! In 2005, we published our first edition of A Paris View. Created exclusively as an e-book, our travel guide is updated yearly with the newest Paris information. With links to monuments, tours, and restaurants, your trip planning is made easy. Paris is at your fingertips!
From the details of planning and packing to a three-day tour of the best of the City of Light, A Paris View is designed to lead you step by step. The tour plans offer flexible options to synchronize with the opening days of different museums and sights. This ideal travel tool provides details for sightseeing, shopping, and dining that you need to maximize your time in Paris.
Watch for the release of our newest edition later this month at: www.ParisAmbiance.com
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02.04.09
Posted in Sights in Paris at 2:52 pm by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Once while visiting London, I came across a quaint shop in an artsy district with this little saying posted in the window:
Counsel to Keep
A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful, which God has implanted in the human soul.”
-Goethe
Perhaps, this is why I always find my visits to the Paris museums so inspiring - I have a full dose of fine pictures to refresh my mind with a sense of beauty. Our most recent trip to the Musée d’Orsay was one of the highlights of our time in Paris. There is nothing like a Monet to capture a wonderful place in time!
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01.22.09
Posted in Sights in Paris at 12:23 pm by Paris Ambiance Blogger
Strolling down rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is to walk on one of the most luxurious shopping streets in the world. With Hermès, Prada, and Gucci, this exclusive street is quite the place for those special purchases or even just window-shopping. Walking through the area, you may also notice some heightened security or on a normal day two guards in front of a large gate topped with the French flag behind which stands Palais de l’Elysée, the official residence of the French President.
As with many historical buildings in Paris, Palais de l’Elysée has experienced a long history with many different uses. Originally, the Hôtel d’Evreux was completed in 1722 as the home of a count. Later, the palace would become the unpopular residence of King Louis XV’s mistress, Madame de Pompadou.
Napoleon Bonaparte’s government was the first to officially use Palais de l’Elysée. Since then it has been the residence of Charles de Gaulle, Jacques Chirac, and now Nicolas Sarkozy. State guests are housed nearby at Hôtel de Marigny, another residence. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to walk through Hôtel de Marigny and view the quarters where many international leaders have stayed over the years. Perhaps, the nearness to the street or the lack of groups of tourist gives these buildings an amazing approachability. I have often wondered if visitors may pass with little knowledge of their residents.
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01.15.09
Posted in Sights in Paris at 11:53 pm by Paris Ambiance Blogger
I have always loved taking photos of Paris. Photography offers the opportunity of having a snapshot of a memory or the ambiance of an area that is lasting. Often, I find myself aiming for the usual photo, the perfectly centered facade of a famous monument.
On my most recent visit, I discovered a secret. Frantically squeezed between streams of traffic to my right and left, I snapped shots of the Arc de Triomphe with the trees on the Champs-Élysées lit with holiday lights. Soon I noticed a man poised and calm with his tripod taking numerous pictures. Most of my shots came out blurry - but not his. He sympathetically offered to send me some of his photos. His angle and his tripod had made the difference. Voilà! The secret - follow the professional!
Several days later, we were wandering around the Latin Quarter as the sun was setting. On a small side street, I noticed another professional photographer setting up for a shoot. I turned to see what he had in view. He was aiming for a shot of the Panthéon and Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in an eerie light. I began snapping a number of photos from a similar angle. When I e-mailed one of the photos to my children, the first response was, “Wow, Mom, that one looks professional.” “Oh, it was nothing,” I thought, “just following a photographer around Paris.”
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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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12.23.08
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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