Wishing you all a wonderful “Féte du Muguet”, an old French tradition/holiday which celebrates the arrival of spring! Lily of the Valley flowers are gifted to represent good luck and happiness…bonjour May…bienvenue spring!
Category Archives: france
tintin in france
Mr. Fleurishing and I finally rented The Adventures of Tintin…not only did we enjoy it, but memories came rushing back of my second trip to France. My brother has been a huge fan of the comic since childhood, and has quite an impressive collection. So, when visiting him in 2006, we combined a tour of Cheverny with the Tintin museum on the grounds! I was excited to learn that the beautiful chateau was the model for Captain Haddock’s country estate, and every time I see it in comic form I am reminded of the beauty. The museum is full of fun, with vignettes of Tintin’s desk, closet and costumes, storyboards, and a room that simulates a scary storm-we all really enjoyed it, and it is a great place to take children! My brother captured a favorite photo of my Mom and I on the grounds…it was a special day for everyone.
crêpe day!
Hello February! One of my favorite "holidays" is this month…La Chandeleur, the French version of Groundhog Day. Falling on February 2nd, it is also referred to as crêpe day! It happens to be a Catholic holiday, but most treat it as a fun future predictor, involving a coin and crêpe flipping. If you're feeling lucky, find the details here. Not that any of us need an excuse to eat a savory crêpe…but if you need a reason, use this one! That is me above, about to enjoy my very first one…ever. In Paris, in Saint- Germain, right next to the stand where I purchased it. It was a spontaneous moment forever captured on film, and I am thankful to have it. The Nutella goodness has "stuck" with me, and I am officially addicted to both the dreamy hazelnut spread and the thin layers of wheat is wrapped in. Vive le crêpe!
musée d’Orsay…
Somehow I have neglected to write about one of my favorite Paris musuems, the Musée d'Orsay. It recently reopened after over a year and a half of renovations, and I find it interesting how it has been changed. Apparently a white background is not always best for showcasing artwork, especially in the case of impressionistic or academic pieces. The radiant white can create an aura around a painting which distracts from the subtleties and nuances of the artwork. Modern artwork, usually having more abstract and larger subjects, fares better with a white background. The new Impressionist gallery in the museum has charcoal gray walls, making the pieces the center of attention, rather than the light. If you are interested, check out this video. I am looking forward to seeing the new & improved space!
paris by arrondissement
Paris is divided into 20 neighborhoods, or arrondissements. Each one has it's own unique feel and features, and I thought it would be interesting to gather some thoughts and favorites of those who have visited. I will be there again in February and hope to spend more time in the lesser known areas. Do you have a favorite, and why? Do you relate more to the left or right bank? Disclaimer-being a Libra, I cannot define myself as either a left or right bank girl…I love them both equally. ::wink::
*the map was designed by the lovely Anne, check out her Tour de France series*