Author: Roisin Astell

Grande Roue - Ferris Wheel, Paris, July 2015

A view from above from the Ferris Wheel in the Jardin des Tuileries

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Every year within a section of the Jardin des Tuileries, the garden turns into a lively fête foraine (summer fairground), and this year sees its 30th anniversary. With over 80 different attractions to explore and experience, the Fête des Tuileries is great for all the family. Recently I headed up la Grand Roue, aka the Ferris wheel, to see some amazing views of Paris above. I decided to ascend in the evening, with the hope of seeing the incredible sunset from overhead. Even though I didn’t, the views of the city did not fail to impress as always. Here are a few photos that I took. If you would like to head up the Grand Roue, the Fête des Tuileries is open until 23rd August 2015.

Sunset in Cassis, France

Sunset of Cassis

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I have just returned from a wonderful week down in the South of France in Cassis with my fantastic host-family. Many of you may already know that I spent a week there back in April. Having had an unforgettable time back in spring, I was looking forward to heading back down to enjoy the summer. Summer it definitely is, with the temperatures ranging between 30 degrees and higher, many a time I thought I would melt into the ground. With the nights being long and the weather so perfect, I was able to watch many of the sunsets here in the South. Below are just a few photos of the sun setting here in Cassis. There’s something truly magical watching the sky change colours as the sun descends for another day.

Le Chalet des Iles, à Lac Inférieur de Bois de Boulogne, Paris

The charming Lac Inferieur et Chalet des Îles

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It was by pure chance that I discovered this hidden gem in the Bois de Boulogne. What can I say, thank you Instagram! It was after some Instagram searching that I laid eyes on the enchanting Chalet des Îles in a photograph, and immediately knew that I had to visit it. Situated southeast of the Bois de Boulogne, the Lac Inferieur is the largest lake within the park. It is a delightful scene, where two manmade islands are a joined by bridge, but can only be accessed via boat. One day, a friend and I walked around the entire lake, intrigued with what we were seeing. Walking along the woody trails surrounding the lake, one is guaranteed to see a unique part of Paris. Located on one of the islands of Lac Inferieur is Chalet des Iles. As previously mentioned, this Chalet is truly enchanting. To access, visitors must take a boat across the lake, at the mere €1.50 for a round trip. Here at le Chalet des Îles, one can have a delicious meal …

La Tour Saint-Jacques, Paris

Ascending the mysterious La Tour Saint-Jacques

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Have you ever walked past this big tower near Hôtel de ville on Rue de Rivoli, and thought ‘what is that?!’ If so, you’re not alone, with myself included. I have often been around this mysterious tower, and known nothing about it… untill now. What you are viewing is la Tour Saint-Jacques. Built in the early 16th century, the tower was part of the church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie (yes you might have guessed it – ‘Saint James of the Butchery’). However, the church was demolished during the French Revolution in 1797, and all that remains today is the tower. After lots of reconstruction beginning in the 19th century and finishing in 2009, the tower was given a new facelift and brought back to its original splendor. However, la Tour Saint-Jacques still possesses an air of mystery. While you can access the square surrounding it, it’s another story with the tower itself. Often I have found myself by its gates, wondering if the lock preventing people from entering is ever unlocked – and only last week were …

Roses in Blossom in Palais Royale Jardin, Paris

June roses at Le Jardin du Palais Royal

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The Palais-Royal is one of my favourite places in Paris. Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Palais-Royal Jardin offers visitors the chance to take a break and enjoy the surroundings. In this elegant courtyard, one almost feels transported back into one of the many 18th century country gardens – with its symmetrical hedging and decorative fountain. There’s also something very captivating about the Palais-Royal Jardin. With every season, the Jardin seems to transform into a new and different version of itself. Having been there in both winter and spring this year (I will be blogging about Spring soon – better late than never), coming back and wandering around in the summer was almost like stepping into another new dimension of this exquisite garden. Welcoming those to the jardin, are a variety of beautiful full-blossom roses and various other flowers. I couldn’t resist taking a few photos of this delightful scene! Whether you want to go for a walk, or just relax by the central fountain, a visit to the Palais-Royal …