Author: Roisin Astell

The magnificent Deer of Richmond Park, London - Deer Photography, nature photography

The magnificent Deer of Richmond Park, London

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If you ever want to break free the hustle and bustle of the big city, then head down to the southwest suburb of Richmond. Here you’ll be able to escape and enter the wonderfully serene Richmond Park. Covering around 2,500 acres (making it the largest of the Royal Parks), Richmond Park has some incredible residents – hundreds of deer. As a national nature reserve and deer park, these deer have had a key part throughout the park’s history and have been roaming throughout the landscape since 1529. As you walk around the different paths of the park, every-now and then you’ll come across these splendid animals. Whilst down in London, a visit to Richmond Park was a high priority on my list! Armed with my camera and zoom lens, I was ready and prepared for an encounter with the deer! After some walking, they were spotted, and off I went! It was like being on safari! (not quite the same obviously, but as I’ve never experienced it, this was a close as I am currently …

Le Jardin du Ruisseau, Paris

The hippest garden in Paris? – Les Jardins du Ruisseau

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Up in the 18th arrondissement, Paris has a little secret – Les Jardins du Ruisseau. As part of La Petite Ceinture (‘the Little Belt’), the former railway route has been opened to the public, with many of the old train stations having been redeveloped. It is here that the previous Gare de Charonne has been reconverted into a chic new restaurant and the delightful Jardins du Ruisseau are situated. After being used as a landfill site, in 1998 it was proposed to turn this space into a garden for schools and the community. After much expansion and redevelopment, Les Jardins du Ruisseau is now a small haven. Maintained by volunteers and local schools, the Jardins du Ruisseau has become a great place to come for a walk. As you wander up and down the garden along the train tracks, you’ll see a variety of flowers and plants. There are even seats and tables where you can bring your own food and enjoy a lovely picnic in the sun. The Jardins du Ruisseau is a delightfully sweet …

Paris off the beaten track/path - things to see and do in the Summer, France - roisingrace.com

Paris off-the-beaten-path: 5 things to see & do in the Summer

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Summer in Paris is truly magical, and it’s definitely a great time of year to come and visit the city. However, with this, comes a mass of tourists into Paris. But do no fret! For this blog post will show you some of the lesser-known sights of the city, meaning that you’ll be able to avoid those crowds who flock into Paris in the summer. Escape the rush, and stroll along the Promenade Plantée The Promenade Plantée offers walkers an unparalleled and unique experience. Often off the beaten-track for tourists, the promenade provides visitors with expansive views of the city – you become one with the various buildings and architecture, yet remain a flâneur simultaneously. It is a surreal experience – hardly do you find a place within a capital city wherein you feel totally separated from the buzz and rush; but whilst uniquely being right in the middle of it. Ascend the mysterious La Tour Saint-Jacques Throughout the summer months, the Tour Saint-Jacques opens its doors to visitors, to allow the public to ascend up …

Claude Monet's Gardens, Claude Monet Fondation, Giverny

The Impressionist’s heaven: Claude Monet’s Gardens in Giverny

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Not too long ago, I finally experienced something that I have been longing to see since I can remember. That was taking a trip to explore Monet’s gardens for the first time. It seems to be a cliché as an Art Historian to say that you love the Impressionists – but I really do! There’s something about their work, especially Monet’s, dreaminess and visionary paintings that captivates the viewers. When looking at their work, I could stand for hours staring at the various colours, watching them wash and merge into one another as you move your gaze around the surface. It was here in Giverny where Claude Monet lived from 1883 until his death in 1926. Living in a delightfully sweet house, Monet transformed his gardens into an amazing landscape of beauty – an ode to nature. “It’s maybe because of flowers that I’ve become a painter.” Claude Monet (1840 – 1926) Monet’s gardens are divided into two separate areas – the Close-Normand and the Water Garden. Starting at the Close-Normand, which was remodeled according to …

Anish Kapoor, Sky Mirror, Versailles

Anish Kapoor exposition at the Palace of Versailles

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This summer, visitors to the Palace of Versailles Gardens are welcomed with a nice surprise. Located around the estate are the works of English sculptor, Anish Kapoor, which will be there until 1st November 2015. Known for his world-famous sculptures including the Cloud Gate in Chicago’s Millennium Park (also known as ‘the Bean’) and the 2012 London Olympics observation tower, ArvelorMittal Orbit in the Olympic Park, there is something very interactive and interesting about Kapoor’s work. I, myself, have been fortunate to have seen many of his works in person prior to seeing them scattered around the royal gardens of Versailles. Since June 9th, the Palace of Versailles has opened its grounds to some of Kapoor’s well-known works. The six sculptures on display around the estate create an interesting and complex dialogue with the pristine order of the gardens, in which Kapoor aims to “upset the balance and invite chaos in”, which I believe he has certainly achieved. As previously mentioned, Kapoor’s works are extremely interactive, using the viewer to bring the artwork to life. …

A promenade walk along La Seine, Summer, Paris

Summer promenade along La Seine, Paris

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Summers in Paris are made for wandering along the Seine, and enjoying the beautiful sights of the city. There’s honestly nothing better than an aimless promenade, capturing the different views of the city. And what better way to enjoy being a flâneur, than treating yourself to the odd macaron as well! A promenade along la Seine, no matter what the season, is one of my favourite things to do in Paris.