Category Archives: francophilia

paris by arrondissement

 

 

           Pretavoyager-Parisarrondiss

 

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*



 

paris is “buzzing”…

 

 

Miel-paris-opera

 

Miel-paris
I am positively "buzzing" over this fun new fact I discovered. My apologies for the cheesy pun, I couldn't resist. Did you know that one of the most expensive (and sought after) honeys in the world is produced on the rooftop of the Paris Opera?! Beekeeper Jean Paucton, pictured above, set up hives twenty years ago when he was working there as a prop man. He eventually started selling his honey at Fauchon, and the rest is history. I happen to "bee" (again, sorry) a huge honey connoisseur, so I hope to get my hands on some of this next time I am there! Fauchon is always a delightful experience, with or without honey.

image source


la madeleine

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Prominently situated in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, L’église de la Madeleine (or simply, la Madeleine) has always fascinated me. So, I just had to do some research…maybe you are curious too? It is a Catholic church, but was originally intended to be a temple celebrating the glory of Napoleon’s army. After the fall of his empire, King Louis XVIII declared that the structure be a church, dedicated to Mary Magdalene. I have never been inside, but have always admired it for it’s architectural beauty.