All posts tagged: Versailles

Anish Kapoor exposition at the Palace of Versailles

Published by Roisin Astell

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. …

Hot summers day at the Jardin de Versailles

Published by Roisin Astell

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. …

Whirlwind weekend to start the Christmas holidays

Published by Roisin Astell

For me, like so many, Christmas is all about spending it with your family and loved ones. Before heading back to England for the Christmas holidays, I blessed to have a visit to Paris from my parents and brother. We had a fantastic weekend, and it was a great start to the holidays. Our weekend adventure took us all over Paris, including the roof terraces of both Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, and all around Versailles. Below are just some of the photos taken by my Dad during this whirlwind weekend. And with this I bid Paris a fond farewell for two weeks, and head home to England for Christmas – Merry Christmas everyone!

This week on Instagram

Published by Roisin Astell

A wide variety of formage at Les marchés de Versailles; a beautiful view that can be experienced at the top of Printemps on the terrace bar; some gingerbread cookies that I made for my last day of school. The main Christmas Tree that you encounter in the Town Square of the Main Street, USA, in Disneyland Paris; Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland Paris; a festive shop display at Au Roi Soleil, a boutique Chocolatiers. Don’t forget that you can follow me on instagram here: http://instagram.com/roisin__grace/

A day at the Palace of Versailles

Published by Roisin Astell

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, …

A Flea Market and Versailles

Published by Roisin Astell

As previously mentioned, this weekend the family’s previous Au Pair Ruth came to visit. It was lovely to finally meet Ruth in person, as she was incredibly helpful during the run up of my arrival in Paris. As well as going to Jay Z and Beyonce on the Saturday night (have I already mentioned how amazing they were!?), on Sunday morning we headed over to a local ‘Flea Market’. On this occasion I think the description ‘Flea Market’ is a little off, probably a glorified car boot sale (with out the cars or their boots…) would suffice. Anyway, we spent a good hour looking around, and items that were on sale varied a great deal. There was the usual, such as books, old clothes and toys. However, the odd stall was selling some very interesting stuff. One woman had boxes and boxes of free fur for sale. I was really tempted to buy one that could act as a throw for my chair (for €20, that’s not too bad), but I think my conscience altered me …