A week in Paris: Champs-Elysees, Louvre, La Défense

My week in Paris was spent living in the suburbs, in Sèvres. I was staying at my Uncle's house, but I had the opportunity to pop into the centre of Paris on a few different occasions. The first morning I woke up to the beautiful Parisian skyline and watched the sun radiate a warm good morning to all of its citizens.

I can certainly think of worse ways to start my day; the only problem was trying to convince myself that it wasn't all my day was going to consist of!

Having dragged myself out of bed I got myself ready, got my things together, armed myself with a map, and began my mission to tackle the tourist sites of Paris. I started off with the obvious destinations and took the metro to The Champs-Elysees. I walked up from the metro station, followed the stairs towards the signs indicating 'sortie'. As the sunlight soaked the exit, I walked a couple of paces before being faced with the imposing Arc de Triomphe. It's safe to say I didn't have trouble finding my first destination, and nor had all the other tourists. Predictably busy, I didn't choose to enter into the museum, but walked around it admiring the arch, and its intricate design, nonetheless.

After observing my surroundings I followed the avenue of the Champs- Elysees. It was bizarre seeing these famous monuments and tourist attractions for the first time in the flesh having seen them so many times in photos. The amazing thing I found about Paris is how easily accessible and navigable everything is. Following the avenue introduced me to so many museums and buildings along the way. Every few steps I felt as if I was consulting my map to work out what the grand buildings were that I could see in all directions. 

Eventually, after a few diversions on the way, I arrived at the Tuileries Gardens. 

It wasn't long before I recognised the famous Louvre and its older buildings that surround it.

It was a wonderfully sunny day so I made the most of it sitting by the fountains whilst having some lunch, soaking up the atmosphere, and admiring the wonderful view in every direction. That's another thing about Paris, it almost seems like it was designed with the greatest amount of foresight and the most efficient and thorough planning officers; I never looked up, crossed the street, or walked round a corner to be hit with an aesthetic anomaly.

After my first sample of Paris' delicious lunch, and perhaps a little ice cream, I consulted my map once more. I decided to explore a slightly different area that I hadn't heard much about. La Défense is the business district of Paris and probably the equivalent to Canary Wharf. It, too, has impressive modern architecture, but not solely new...

The fountains were beautiful, but one of my favourite things about La Défense was the view. I find it incredible how Paris is essentially built around one long avenue, (Champs-Elysees.) The symmetry is really impressive; when standing by the arch in this financial district you can see the Arc de Triomphe. The same applies from the other direction, if you stand behind the Louvre you can see the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Arc de Triomphe. The way that old and new have been seamlessly incorporated was something that I very much admired.

And I left it at that for my first day of exploring Paris. 

Part 2 to follow, and my first post exploring Versailles is linked here.

Have you been to Paris? Did you visit all of the popular tourist attractions, or did you find some other areas off the beaten track?

The Palace of Versailles, Paris

Recently I had the good fortune of spending a week in Paris; I took so many photos that I hardly know how to begin retelling my adventures. I have finally decided upon defying any chronological and logical order and beginning with my most anticipated and possible favourite place in, (or just on the outskirts of) Paris- which I actually enjoyed on my very final day. I'm not sure when I became convinced that I wanted to visit Versailles, and why I was always adamant in my conviction that I would adore it, but I can safely say I wasn't misguided. It surpassed all of my expectations. 

I got up early, hopped on a bus, and the next thing I knew I was faced with the majestic architecture of the imposing palace. Now I'm not exaggerating here: everything about Versailles exudes wealth, some might say ostentation, but certainly skill as well as aesthetic understanding and mastery. Before your eyes even have time to observe the grandeur of the palace, they are stunned by this grand gate. I later found out that this was a very fitting entrance to the Palace that certainly had its fair share of gold-leaf embellished decor.

Another recurring theme is aptly demonstrated by this statue of Louis XIV, that greets you on your walk towards the palace; its size acts as an indication of what is waiting inside the gates with relation to excess and splendour...

After my initial observations, it was time to begin my wander through the house. I was impressed anew by each room and its decor, as well as the intricate detail on every surface.

With colour schemes from lime, to gold, teal, to scarlet, everything seems to be designed with the utmost thought. It also occurred to me that leaving a ceiling to itself- without embellishing it with some gold leaf and a few paintings that were lying around, or sculpting it into symmetrical patterns with arches, and of course adorning it with a chandelier or two- was a crime, based on the absence of any minimalism or blank undecorated surface.

The Hall of Mirrors is a pretty good example of this attention to detail.

Strangely, what really captivated my heart was not the splendour of the rooms, nor even the dramatic chandeliers whose glass prisms played with the light, but the hallways with their marble checkerboard floors.

Having had a good look in the palace apartments, and learnt a little on the way,

 it was time to move on to another area.

After a leisurely walk, I reached the Petit Trianon. This area was meant as a retreat for the King and his maîtresse en titre, a place to invite guests without the strict etiquette and formality of the court. Next time, and there will be a next time, I will make sure to see the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette's hamlet that are just around the corner from this building.

The Petit Trianon almost felt subtle in comparison with the grand palace. The architecture is beautiful and, of course, symmetrical. The wonderfully designed gardens were just a taster of what I was to see at the main gardens. After a little walk, I returned to the main palace where I began to explore.

The gardens are all perfectly manicured with a selection of colour schemes, a mixture of seemingly wild flowers, and of course the obligatory box hedge or two.

I also saw the musical fountains show. During the day, classical music emanates from the hedges helping to transport you atmospherically elsewhere, but for several hours during the day they turn the fountains on and also have a musical display. The fountains, synchronised with the music, are truly impressive.

...And that was the end to my first taster of Versailles. There is so much to see that I can't imagine you would ever get bored of visiting. Next time I would love to hire out some bikes to make my way around the vast grounds. There is also a fireworks display alongside the fountains that I imagine would be magical.


Have you visited the palace? What did you see and what did you enjoy best?

A Review: 'Chocolat', By Joanne Harris

A wonderful book to enjoy over a relaxing Easter weekend.

Summary: The novel is set in a small rural town in France, 'Lansquenet-sous-Tannes'. It tells the story of a travelling lady, Vianne Rocher (a single mum), and her daughter, (Anouk) as these outsiders attempt to settle in to the local community. The locals are stubborn and traditional disliking change and the alien customs that they bring with them. The book explores the awakening of the traditional and straight-laced village when aroused with the pleasure of Vianne's chocolaterie 'La Céleste Praline.' The outraged parish priest, Francis Reynaud, feels threatened by what he interprets as a challenge to his religious sentiments, chiefly with relation to Lenten vows. Religion is an interesting theme which is interrogated through Vianne's superstitious mother's ideas- as a tarot card reader. Paganism in amongst the Easter celebrations is also threatening for the priest who condemns all of the chocolate festivities. 
Desperately Vianne's mother had spent her life running from the 'Black Man', (a tarot card), and now it is Vianne's turn to flee or embrace his presence. The novel takes us through their struggle to become integrated and her more emotional and challenging struggle of remaining rooted in a set place permanently.

My thoughts
It is beautifully written and has vivid descriptions throughout. I found it an uplifting and easy read. I would suggest that if you are on a diet, and avoiding sweet treats, you don't reach for this book. The mention of croissants, pain au chocolats, florentines, champagne truffles, coconut mice, chocolate almonds, marzipan fruits etc is enough to make anyone ache with yearning.

I particularly enjoyed Harris' description of the town's flock-like inhabitants. She amusingly depicts their flaws whilst celebrating the free-thinking non-conformist characters both as brave and proud.
Vianne Rocher is an interesting yet mysterious character; she holds a majestic quality of insight- one which enables her to determine the inhabitants' very favourite sweet treat, but leaves us questioning whether she has witch-like characteristics. 
Lastly, the resounding idea that regardless of religion the aim to strive for is a pursuit of happiness is one that I entirely agree with. 

In essence, it is a heart-warming, and easy read- perfect to take on holiday, to enjoy on a lazy Easter weekend, and particularly as the cold weather fails to leaves us as we reach for the same comforting hot cocoa that Vivianne embraces as a solution to any problem.

Finally, the thoughts of the good people at goodreads:
'Chocolat's every page offers a description of chocolate to melt in the mouths of chocoholics, francophiles, armchair gourmets, cookbook readers, and lovers of passion everywhere. It's a must for anyone who craves an escapist read..'