Category Archives: travel

an idea of paris…

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 “Humphrey to Lauren: We’ll always have Paris. Me to Humphrey: Wrong, Humph. 

You’ll never really have Paris, Humph. Paris is too potent for that.” 

 

I love this excerpt from an article by Jon Henley (French correspondent for The Guardian, London) in the 2006 Hermes catalog. Yes, I saved it that long…it’s a bit lengthy to share here and I cannot find it online anywhere unfortunately. He writes of the idea of Paris…of the mind, of memory. It was thought provoking for me, and I agree that Paris is an IDEA. Paris is not to be HAD. Do you agree with this, and what are you thoughts?

 

chateau de blois

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I am very privileged to have seen many of the beautiful castles and châteaux in the Loire Valley, and enjoy sharing my experiences. Blois is a lovely town, and home to the Chateau de Blois. This one is most intriguing, as  four architectural styles are represented! I realize that may not excite everyone as it does me…I can be a bit of a nerd about this stuff. Construction began in the 13th century, and continued through the 17th century. The shot I took is looking at the Renaissance facade of the Francois I section. There was so much to see here, with a gorgeous view of the town and surrounding countryside. More to come on the town of Blois…


the cloisters

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Last year we traveled to the Bahamas, and found this special place on Paradise Island called the Cloisters. A 14th century French Monastery, it was imported stone by stone to the states by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920’s. 40 years later it was brought to the top of this hill overlooking Nassau Harbour, and there it has a breathtaking resting place. 

 

sully sur loire

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Many are familiar with the lovely Loire Valley, and it happens to be a very special place for me. There are endless chateaus and castles to be found there, but this one is a bit off the beaten path and not as well known. It happens to be a few blocks from my brother’s home! Yes, he has it rough…living in the shadow of this amazing 14th century fortress! It was renovated in 2006 and  the well preserved medieval interiors are worth a tour. It is situated right on the Loire river, and the town itself is extremely charming. I recommend dining at Cotes et Jardin, a lovely little gem in the heart of town.

For more information about Sully Sur Loire… 

sparkle…

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Ok, I know…an Eiffel Tower post, how cliche! However, I feel compelled to share this…

After dreaming about France (and at that time, mainly Paris)  for all of my life, I made my first trip there in 2003. The most important part of my journey was meeting my French half-brother, Christopher, whom I had known about and corresponded with since childhood. That was one of the happiest and most memorable days of my life.

And at the end of that day…I had my first glimpse of the sparkling Tour Eiffel, and it took my breath away. Somehow the magical twinkling captured the sparkle I had within myself, after finally meeting my brother and standing on French soil. 

 

Interesting history on the illumination of the tower…

http://www.tour-eiffel.fr/teiffel/uk/documentation/dossiers/page/grandmomentlumineux.html