As of yesterday, the Eiffel Tower is 126 years old! Not bad for a building that was only meant to be temporary, and torn down after 20 years. When it was unveiled in 1889, it wasn’t popular with the Parisians, but today it’s one of Paris‘ best-loved icons and attracts more visitors than any other paid attraction in the world. 1. A case of mistaken identity It … Continue reading 9 Things to know before you visit the Eiffel Tower
With it’s grand boulevards, historic mansions and charming lack of skyscrapers, it can seem like Paris is stuck in the 19th century. The Archaeological Crypt of Notre Dame underneath Notre Dame Cathedral in Ile de City shows that it’s a city in a constant state of change. In the 1960s, during excavations for a car park outside Notre Dame, ancient Roman ruins were discovered 80 … Continue reading Archaeological crypt of Notre Dame: Roman ruins in Paris
It had been a deliciously lazy day in Florence but by the late afternoon we felt that we should tick something else off our list. We were feeling fairly dusty, the aftermath of the night before which ended quite tellingly, at the most unlikely of places in such a foodie city – Florence’s golden arches. It was at the request of my friend, who works … Continue reading Biting off more than we can chew in the Boboli Gardens
Sometimes the smallest stars shine the brightest. I visited Sainte-Chapelle in Paris in December 2011 and I’ve never been so in awe of anywhere. It is smaller than Notre Dame, but in my opinion, it is so much more beautiful. There isn’t a square inch of the interior that isn’t painted, coloured, carved or adorned with gold leaf. The lower chapel was beautiful, but I was … Continue reading Sainte-Chapelle: A 13th century treasure
Visiting the famous Chateau de Versailles is a popular and worthwhile day trip from Paris. Built by the lavish Louis XIV, the Sun King, the palace is one of the most extravagant in Europe. The palace itself is impressive, but in my opinion the best part of the estate is the garden. My favourite part of the sprawling garden is Marie Antoinette’s little village at … Continue reading Don’t miss Marie Antoinette’s fairytale village in Versailles
The Capuchin Crypt in Rome makes the Parisian catacombs look like a walk in the park. Underneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione, the small crypt is not easy to find but is worth the effort. After walking past the church several times, we asked for directions and finally found the crypt. Photography is banned inside the crypt, so I have none, although there … Continue reading Underground Rome: Capuchin Crypt
Paris, like many European cities, is bursting at the seams with museums and galleries. Admittedly, I struggle to justify spending time indoors looking at ancient artefacts from Egypt, for example, when I’m in Paris. As fascinating as they are, how can I learn about Paris and experience the culture when I’m looking at mummies? Generally, my museum count is fairly low. There are some that … Continue reading Exploring the Middle Ages at the Musee National du Moyen Age, Paris
Charming Reims is a breath of fresh air after the hustle and bustle of Paris. I felt myself relax and loosen my tight grip on my handbag as I slowed down to a leisurely stroll along wide, cobbled streets. Despite being the capital of the beautiful Champagne region, the streets were quiet and the town was cloaked in a soft silence that encouraged a slower … Continue reading Classic cars & Relaxing in Reims
There is more to Europe than meets the eye. There is a tale on every corner because history is embedded just beneath the surface in public art and landmarks. In Paris, it’s hard not to find an old building without its historical significance duly noted in a plaque, often small and fixed on the top floor, only sharing secrets with those who are looking. Some … Continue reading Frozen Stories: Tripping over history in Paris
My summer in Paris was unforgettable. I loved having a full month to sink my teeth deeper into more of what Paris has to offer, after my fortnight in January. I noticed more about the culture and the state of Paris that I had not noticed a few months before as a wide eyed and wonderstruck tourist. The Champs-Elysee is changing. Fewer and fewer French … Continue reading The changing faces of the Champs-Elysee