Author: Roisin Astell

A day at the Palace of Versailles

A day at the Palace of Versailles

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This weekend I had a friend stay over to attend the Saint Louis conference on Saturday at the Louvre. Since it was the first Sunday of the month, meaning that pretty much all museums and historical places are free for the day to everyone, we decided to explore the nearby Palace of Versailles. I have been outside the Palace, but this was the first time that I had gone inside, and luckily it wasn’t too busy. Sadly I confess that I actually do not know too much surrounding the history of the Palace, nor do I entirely know a lot about the Royal family at this time. However, I do know that the Palace become the political centre for King Louis XIV when he moved into the Palace. Before entering I already had preconcieved expectations of grandeur, but I was still surprised at just how lavish it was. Despite this, I didn’t really find the Palace that great, in terms of information given to the public. There wasn’t actually that much information provided, and when there was, …

This week on Instagram

This week on Instagram

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On the way to class I saw the horse guards parading outside the Cathedral Notre-Dame; Attending the Saint Louis and the Arts conference at the Louvre this Saturday; it’s officially Christmas outside the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Spending a lovely Sunday evening in front of the fire at home; Before entering the ‘Medieval Morocco: An Empire from Africa to Spain’ exhibition at the Louvre one encounters a beautiful Grand Chandelier originally from Fez, Morocco; A current work of art by Claude Lévêque within the Louvre, a neon installation piece striking the top of the pyramid. This week the Micro-Architecture conference took place at the Auditorium de la Galerie Colbert; The Louvre’s Pyramid looking stunning on the night of the Saint Louis and the Arts Conference; Pont de l’Archevêché showcasing it’s collection of locks gained throughout the years with the Cathedral Notre-Dame gazing in the back.

'Medieval Morocco: An Empire from Africa to Spain', Louvre, Paris

‘Medieval Morocco: An Empire from Africa to Spain’, Louvre, Paris

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Yesterday I was lucky enough to meet with a friend who is studying at the Courtauld, with her fellow classmates and professor, to look around the current Medieval exhibition at the Louvre. The exhibition titled, ‘Medieval Morocco: An Empire from Africa to Spain’ offers a glimpse into a period when the Medieval Western Islamic world was at the height of its glory, as much in terms of its artistic production as its place in history. Focusing from the 11th to 15th centuries of Western Islamic dynasties, this exhibition presents over 300 objects that aim to show this culture’s long and complex history, which is crucial to an understanding of Medieval Morocco and Islam. This exhibition shows many beautiful objects, including architectural decoration from various Mosques; textiles and ivory; and it also displays a plethora of illuminated manuscripts and examples of beautiful calligraphy. Many of these objects are extremely rare, not only in historical value, but because many have never been showcased in such a way to the public. Even though I have previously studied various key examples of Medieval …

Champs-Élysées Christmas Market, Paris

Champs-Élysées Christmas Market

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The count down to Christmas officially begins, and what better way to start December than with a seasonal blog post about my latest visit to one of Paris’ busiest Christmas Markets along the Champs-Élysées. The Christmas market adorning the Champs-Élysées is probably one of the most popular ones in Paris, and this should not really be a surprise. Before entering what was the beginning of the market, I had very high expectations of what I was about to experience. Living in probably one of the chicest places in the world, I thought that the renowned Christmas market along the Champs-Élysées would live up to such standards. However, I was sadly proven wrong. The entire market is divided along the avenue on either side. Whilst the christmas lights adorning the avenue are lovely, the market itself is, well, unique (not sure if that’s in a good way or not). The only thing really christmas-y about the market were the grottos and the decorations, but that’s pretty much it. You may find the odd stall selling traditional ginger bread christmas …

L’Arc de Triomphe and the Jardin des Tuileries

L’Arc de Triomphe and the Jardin des Tuileries

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This Sunday we were blessed with beautiful clear blue skies in Paris, and to make the most of this perfect weather, myself and two friends headed up the never-ending 284 steps to reach the top of L’Arc de Triomphe. It was both a triumph for us climbing all those steps, and a triumph to the city of Paris – Paris, you are breathtaking. From the top you can see the stunning views of France’s capital from 360 degrees. This is a definite must to anyone visiting Paris, and better yet, it’s free for those under 25! I will be coming back up the Arc de Triomphe, that is for sure. Next time I would love to the city when the sun begins to set. To finish off this magical day, we then strolled around the Jardin des Tuileries and watched the sun setting with sublime views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Some more photos from the day can be found on my flickr account: https://www.flickr.com/photos/roisingrace/sets/72157647121463674/