Come away to Paris in the Autumn

Had a lovely walk today instead of doing real work. I had the lightest feeling, utterly un-self-conscious, absolutely curious. I started in the Luxembourg Gardens near the school and then on to Bastille to explore the tail end of some canal and the lovely garden by the quai. Then through all of the Marais to Place des Vosges and into a little photography exhibition. I absolutely have to go back.

I fell in love with Paris. I was so unsure about the city but as soon as I could forget myself I was off daydreaming and wandering. An elderly gentleman tipped his cowboy hat at me. He was so sweet and told me I was lovely and shook my hand and made me feel beautiful, so what’s not to like? Tomorrow I go to the Loire! I wish everyone an amazing (early) weekend!

Coloring the Hameau de la Reine

A few photos from my visit to Versailles last Friday. It was a beautiful day and I finally got to see the gardens and the Trianons along with the Hameau, the little village, of Marie-Antoinette. Personally, I never liked Versailles the palace. Too many tourists, you can hardly breathe and all the furniture was either pillaged or auctioned off during the Revolution. I can absolutely understand why Marie-Antoinette preferred the Petit Trianon and her village. It’s absolutely charming and intimate and the tourists don’t really care about it and I adored getting lost in the English garden (but then again, when am I not lost?). And I can totally see why the French hated her – it’s a bit insulting and insensitive, to spend so much money making an idealized version of what many French people at the time lived in (but in extreme poverty and probably a lot of dirt and no cute chickens).

Autumn has just begun to color Ile-de-France and I can’t wait to show you more foliage photos. It has to be my favorite season and it’s at its peak right about now. More from Versailles later (maybe…I always say that and then don’t post anything…)