Category France
Paris, Day 2 – Movie: Twilight Breaking Dawn
As per tradition when traveling abroad, Amanda and I made sure to see a bad American movie. This time it was the latest episode of the Twilight saga. In the US, it’s called Breaking Dawn. Here, it’s called Revelation. It had better directing than the earlier movies, but still awful makeup and questionable acting…
Paris, Day 2 – Dinner at Le Procope
Le Procope, which was founded in 1686, claims to be the oldest cafe in Paris. The interior is pretty and the food was pretty good (not outstanding, but certainly decent). Plus, it was conveniently close to the movie theater… Le Procope Gratinee a l’oignon Magret de canard a l’orange Pommes de terre gaufrees […]
Paris, Day 2 – Versailles (Le Hameau de la Reine)
Marie-Antoinette built a hamlet a stone’s throw from le Petit Trianon so that she could pretend to be a peasant. There were miniature farms and a functioning dairy. She’d run around “supervising” in a white muslin dress and a straw hat. The queen’s house
Paris, Day 2 – Versailles (Petit Trianon; Pavillon de France)
A simple cottage, where the queen could come to play. Le Petit Trianon The panels with the mirrors could be descended to the lower level to uncover the windows using mechanical devices Pavillon de France
Paris, Day 2 – Versailles (Les Fontaines)
None of the fountains were running today, but they were still lovely. Apparently only the Apollo fountain would run continuously — the others only ran when the king walked by.
Paris, Day 2 – Versailles (Grand Trianon)
This smaller pavillion is on the grounds of Versailles and was a favorite of the queen. It was also used extensively by Napoleon, and we found it decorated in the Empire style. Still aligned with the neo-classical tradition, but much more influenced by Egypt than the earlier classical style of the main palace. Malachite – […]
Paris, Day 2 – Versailles (Les Jardins)
I would have loved to have seen these gardens during the summer. Even in winter, they were amazing in their meticulous geometry (nature, here, is UNDER CONTROL) and their sheer size (about 2,200 acres).
Paris, Day 2 – Versailles (Gallerie des Glaces)
This is the show-stopper: A gallery running the length of the palace, lined with windows, mirrors and gilt torch-bearers, and topped with crystal chandeliers floating beneath a ceiling painted with the glories of France.
Paris, Day 2 – Versailles (pause midi)
Because all the pelouses were interdites, we had our picnic on a stone bench on the side of the gravel walkway. We watched all the tourists milling around and wished they were in powdered wigs and giant dresses. Jambon fromage sur baguette Gaufre liegoise(I love you Belgium!)
Paris, Day 2 – Versailles (Grands appartements du roi)
La chapelleBuilt toward the end of Louis XIV’s reign, when he became somewhat of a religious fanatic (probably under the influence of his mistress… a less lovely accomplishment was his revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which had allowed for religious freedom in France since Henri IV). Ceilings Apotheosis of Hercules King’s Bedroom Queen’s Bedroom Marie-Antoinette escaped […]
A More Gentlemanlike Manner 