All posts tagged: France

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!  

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. …

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 …