Author: Roisin Astell

Summer at the Jardins de Versailles

Hot summers day at the Jardin de Versailles

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For those who don’t know, summer has officially arrived in Paris. This last week it has felt like we were physically on the surface of the sun (well, of course not, but a bit of drama adds to the retelling!), it was h-o-t. HOT. On Friday it got to over 32 degrees, and even went above that in certain areas around the city. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer. But it gets a bit draining when you feel as if you’re about to melt. Despite the constant sensation of imminent combustion, my friends and I headed over to the Jardin de Versailles to soak up the sun, and enjoy this magnificent weather. The last time I came to the gardens, and the Chateau itself, was back at Christmas. So it was refreshing to see the place during a different season. We spent most of the day relaxing by the Grand Canal, watching the people row. After an obligatory ice-cream stop, we headed around the gardens and the outside of the Palace to have a look. …

Winner of Hi Marco

I won the Marco European Itinerary competition!

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So I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who voted for me in the Marco European Itinerary competition! I cannot believe that I actually won, and it means so much for me for those who took the time to vote. Thank you once again for everyone’s support and for just checking out my blog. I am extremely grateful that I can share my journey with you all, and I hope you all enjoy my blog as much as I enjoy writing it. You can check out my winning entry here. Lots of love, Roisin x

Exploring the hidden gems of Paris: 3 day itinerary

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Having been here in Paris for 9 months – where does the time fly?! – I thought it would be appropriate to share some of my favourite places that I think everyone should visit when coming to this magical city. Off the beaten track, the places listed here will no doubt provide you with delightful experiences and fantastic memories. This blog post is based on my entry on a new-and-upcoming website, called Marco, where travellers like myself write about particular trips we’ve been on. There are so many great things about this website. For starters, you can find real inspiration from reading other people’s entries, and be fixated on stunning photographs posted. Without doubt, another great factor of the website is that when you enter the weekly competitions, you have the chance of winning $1000! Think of new amazing places that could take you to! You can check out my entry here. If you could vote for me, that would be great – just click here to vote, and don’t forget to choose ‘Explore the hidden gems …

Les jardins du Musée des Archives Nationales, Paris

Les jardins du Musée des Archives Nationales, Paris

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Located in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement (also part of the Marais), the Musée des Archives Nationales is another of Paris’ hidden gems. Les Archives Nationales, which is held in the main building, is one of the largest archival collections in the world. As an historian I find that just incredible. The building in which the museum now stands was originally the Hôtel de Soubise. The hotel was built for the Prince and Princess de Soubise in the 18th century. However, since 1808 the building was appointed as property of the State, hence how it has become the home of the Archives Nationales. First opened to the public in 2011, the Jardins of the Musée offer visitors respite from the busy city. Opening up onto courtyard that is enclosed by archaic arcades and encircled by typical 19th century landscaping, the main entrance into the Musée des Archives Nationales transports visitors into the past. Here you can rest, or continue with a leisurely walk through towards the right hand side of the courtyard (when you’re …

Eiffel Tower, Roland Garros 2015, Paris

Paris welcomes Roland Garros 2015

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Paris has opened it’s arms to the Roland Garros, and those visiting the area around the Eiffel Tower will be welcomed by a giant descending ball and live coverage of the tennis on the Champs de Mars. For those who know me, will know how much my family and I love tennis, both playing and watching; and I am so excited for this year’s French Open! Not only to be able to while away the time watching the tennis by the Eiffel Tower like I did this weekend, but also because I will be attending the French Open this year!! My family will be coming over tomorrow, and we will spend the whole day there on Thursday – so keep checking out my instagram, as I can imagine I will be uploading quite a few photos! Who do you think is going to win this year? Could Nadal become the first man in tennis history to win the same Grand Slam title 10 times?! (I hope so!)