I'm Susan — devout Francophile, mother of twins, writer, creative director, and aspiring author. I've been sharing my life here since 2010...thanks for reading!
I was reminded of the beautiful hunting dogs of Cheverny thanks to Kasia's recent trip to the Loire Valley. When I visited with my brother in 2006, I was really amazed by how regal they were…but of course they are, right? I believe there are about seventy…we got lucky and caught them at nap time. I couldn't stop photographing them, so beautiful. I love the one sitting up, looking towards the setting sun…
I just realized how much dining out I’ve done in the past two weeks, sheesh! My schedule just happened to work out where it was all packed together. So…to elaborate on my meeting with Stephanie last week, we enjoyed amazing french cuisine at Bistrot La Minette. Situated in a very vibrant and artistic section of Philadelphia south of center city, it is tucked away on a charming side street. They have a lovely patio in the back where they show French films on certain nights, which makes for a great girls night out!
On this day in history, 1793, the Louvre was first opened as a public museum. Building began in 1546, on the site of an old 12th century fortress (which you can still see remains of in the crypt). It served as a palace for monarchy, from the reign of King Francis I, all the way to Louis XIV, before he moved his court to Versailles. The museum houses nearly 35,000 objects and is the world's most visited. It is such an amazing structure, and continues to impress with it's beauty, inside and out.
image courtesy of Alexandra Sklar, Bancroft & Ivy
Parc Brasserie in Philadelphia is one of my new favorite places in the city…I’ve been finding more and more bits of Paris in my new city! We arrived early on a weekday morning, but after most had headed to work, so it was luxuriously calm, and there was a very pleasant breeze (even in this heat). Looking out over Rittenhouse Sqaure, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, complete with an (almost) perfect, flaky, croissant. Great people (and dog) watching, and our waitress was seriously cool…ask for J.D.! I truly got lost for a bit, and my mind wandered off to the bistros in Paris…le sigh.
I am flattered to be representing the Alsace Lorraine region of France over at PRÊT À VOYAGER, as part of her Tour De France series! It is a part of the country that is very dear to me…merci Anne!