Once more unto the breach! I have to tell you all about visiting the Chateau Coucy, a must see ruin not too far from Paris. Chateau Coucy is a 13th century French castle in the Picardy region of France. It was once the grandest defensive fortification in France. It’s a perfect day trip from Paris … Read more
Notre Dame burned, and I cried. And the world cried with me. On Monday, 800 years of history began to vanish. A raging fire engulfed the renowned Gothic cathedral, destroying its roof and soaring central spire. The skyline of Paris changed. Smoke darkened the sky for hours, darkening the hearts of Parisians and citizens of … Read more
“Je n’invente rien, je redécouvre.” (“I invent nothing, I rediscover.”) — August Rodin Here’s my complete guide to visiting the South Pigalle neighborhood of Paris’ 9th arrondissement. It takes you to must see sites and tells you the best things to do, see, and eat. South Pigalle used to be a rather naughty neighborhood. But … Read more
“The events of my life would fill more than a novel … I live in a world so curious, so strange. Of the dream that was my life, this is the nightmare.” — Camille Claudel to Eugène Blot, Montdevergues Asylum, 1935 Here’s my guide to the life and famous sculptures of French artist Camille Claudel. I’ve … Read more
“The truly gifted individual does not fear obstacles, because he knows that he can surmount them; indeed they often are an additional asset; the fever they are able to excite in his soul is not lost; it even often becomes the cause of the most astonishing productions.” — Théodore Gericault Here’s my guide to seeing … Read more
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” ~ Saint Augustine Paris is always in vogue. Every year, tourism in Paris reaches record levels with no end in sight, despite the rain, gloom, and snooty natives. We Americans, hopelessly infatuated with Paris, are the most frequent visitors. Like … Read more
Here’s my guide to the Musée de la Vie Romantique, a romantic museum in the romantic Nouvelle Athens area of Paris. It’s one of Paris’ best small museums and it’s dedicated to Romanticism. In the lexicon of swoonful museums names, the Musée de la Vie Romantique wins top prize. Just saying the name out loud … Read more
If you’re a lover of French history or antique weapons, then Les Invalides and Paris’ Musée de l’Armée is a must see site in Paris. Or if you’re a dude. Apparently, dudes love the place. As I walked in, I overheard a group of friends chatting about the museum. One woman remarked, “it’s a dude’s … Read more
“Can I join you?” An innocent enough question. At least it sounded that way at the time. Saying yes seemed so natural, as if easy camaraderie were the inevitable outcome of a travel pact. I was dead wrong. Best Laid Plans Gone Awry I had an ambitious summer trip planned. I craved high octane escapism … Read more
The Black Dress I spent three days in the same black dress. It was a fetching dress, to be sure. Cotton with a little spandex, 3/4 sleeve, scoop neck, brand name Splendid. Yes, the details are indelibly etched in my mind. I had a black scarf, black coat, and black shoes as well. I generally … Read more