Author: Roisin Astell

Le Carnaval Tropical de Paris 2015

Le Carnaval Tropical de Paris 2015

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This weekend some friends and I decided to head to Le Marais. After getting off the metro at Saint Paul, we were welcomed not only by the insanely hot weather but also with amazing sounds and rush of people. We had just entered into the Le Carnaval Tropical de Paris (Tropical Carnival of Paris). And no one was expecting this! Moving from Bastille Square through Rue Saint Antoine, then onto Rue de Rivoli towards the Place de l’Hôtel de ville and back round to Bastille – Le Carnaval Tropical de Paris was an amazing experience and spectacle. The carnival was originally composed for the metropolis of West Indians, however now it has become so much more – hosting countries from all over the world. Whilst there, we were able to see dancers from Colombia and Brazil, just to name a few. Le Carnaval Tropical de Paris truly aims to represent all the different cultures in the world in one united parade. Le Carnaval Tropical de Paris was a feast for the eyes (and ears!), with …

Roland Garros Logo

My first visit to Roland Garros 2015

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As Wimbledon 2015 officially commences today, I thought it would be about time to finally post all the photos my dad and I took during our visit to Roland Garros this May. Those who personally know me, will know how much myself and my family adore tennis, and we could not miss the opportunity to check out the city’s very own championships. I have been to Wimbledon pretty much every year for the past 8-10 years, either going as a spectator or working there. Sadly, this is the first year that I will not be able to make it, and so I’m currently feeling somewhat nostalgic! Anyway, we had a wonderful time exploring Roland Garros. My parents and brother came over, and we headed off to see the tennis on the 28th May. We had a wonderful time, and luckily the weather stayed calm – there were forecasts of rain, but it never turned up so phew! What we did notice about Roland Garros is that the grounds are pretty small (compared to Wimbledon that is). As …

Galerie Vivienne, Paris

The timeless Galerie Vivienne

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The weather here in Paris is absolutely stunning. However, for those who are like me and cannot cope with the unbearable temperatures that accompany such weather, do not fear. Why not escape the intense rays and escape into one of the many covered passages of the city? Located in the second arrondissement, my favourite covered passage is the Galerie Vivienne. Built in 1823, Galerie Vivienne is situated in a wonderful location – a stones throw away from the Palais-Royal and the Bibliothèque Richelieu. The ornamentation of Galerie Vivienne is splendid. As you walk through the passage, look down and admire the gorgeous mosaic tiling. Don’t forget to look up and around – the passage is adorned with interesting decorative designs and sculptures. Also, the entire passage is covered by glass ceiling, including a recently restored rotunda and glass dome adding extra opulence in this almost timeless arcade. Galerie Vivienne is not only adored for its elegant architecture and decorative designs, but also for it’s shopping. Of all the covered passages in Paris, Galerie Vivienne is …

Fête de la Musique 2015, Paris

Fête de la Musique 2015, Paris

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Every year, Paris celebrates the summer solstice with the annual Fête de la Musique – showcasing a wide variety of free music concerts throughout the city. With music on show from all different types of genres, there is something for everyone to hear and experience during the Fête de la Musique. With so many different performances, it was really difficult to decide where to go and who to see. So thanks to the handy A Nous Paris guide, I was able to make the most of the day. First off I headed to the Jardin des Tuileries, where there were a number of live jazz ensembles. With people enjoying the music and sun under those famous Manet trees, it was easy to see why so many love Fête de la Musique. From there, I headed over to meet some friends at Place de la Republique and also by the Canal Saint-Martin. This was one of the main areas for those attending Fête de la Musique. With a massive stage, and an even bigger crowd, it was an awesome place and atmosphere …

Summer in Montmartre, Paris

Roses at Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre

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Summer has truly arrived here in Paris, which means that not only is it beautiful sunny weather but it is also the perfect time to go exploring around the city! Last week I headed to the 18th arrondissement, to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, and had a wonderful afternoon wandering the streets. Whilst there, it was hard not to be impressed by the stunning array of roses that have blossomed. Located in the Square Louise Michel Park, these gorgeous flowers welcome those heading up towards the Church. You can never have too many photos of flowers, right?  

Rue Crémieux, Paris

The Portobello Road of Paris – Rue Crémieux

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If ever there was a single road that could transport one out of the Haussmannian designed world of Paris architecture, and into a completely different sphere, then it would certainly be Rue Crémieux. Located in the 12th arrondissement, a stone throw away from Gare de Lyon, Rue Crémieux possesses a charm unprecedented within the city. The road is magnificent. Lined with beautifully coloured and decorated terrace houses, the rainbow-like facades could easily have been taken directly from Notting Hill’s very own Portobello Road and placed right bang in the middle of the French capital. As I was taking in the sheer variety of the houses, a sweet couple pointed out a signage to me, which marked the height in which a flood in 1910 reached – rising to around 6 feet tall. Rue Crémieux offers a delightful break from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Here you can wander at your own leisure, thanks to the road being pedestrian only, so you don’t have to worry about being run over when taking photos!