I can’t help myself, I’m so sentimental. I’ve been very fortunate to have visited Paris in almost every month of the year…and she never disappoints!! But somehow, when October pops around in Newport, I find myself recalling this specific trip to Paris…charmed in ways that I could not have anticipated, starting with a stay in an apartment on the Left Bank (rather than a hotel).
So what I’m looking forward to now is giving you a sense of being along with me, gasping over the magnificent puffy clouds, against that divine blue sky,
scoping out the early fall colors in the Tuileries,
Photo Credit: Norma Thiessen for My Beautiful Paris
treating ourselves to tea at Le Crillon,
passing yet another of Paris’s substantial doors in their myriad colors and carvings,
never overlooking another chance to sip and sup at our neighborhood breakfast favorite, Cafe’ de Flore,
scooting over to Places des Vosges for another walk through this tree-surrounded, historic residential square,
strolling through le Jardin du Luxembourg as the rain ceased.
This October also brought an impressive spectrum of museum shows and exhibits, marked by a gracious plenty of big names and scrumptious content and curation:
DIOR For seventy years, 30 Avenue Montaigne was the birthplace of Christian Dior’s iconic collections. The address now houses its own museum, La Galerie Dior, offering a fabulous immersion in the history of this famous Parisian fashion house.
Picasso/Gertrude Stein at Musee’ du Luxembourg and Musee’ Rodin with its magnificent formal landscape enhanced by bountiful and well-scaled herbaceous borders.
Mark Rothko at Fondation Louis Vuitton within a Frank Gehry structure whose rooftop provides a delicious panoramic view of the Bois de Boulogne and Paris in the distance.
Vincent van Gogh at Musee’ D’Orsay… a stunning and poignant exhibit of the 79 paintings he created in a mere 2 1/2 months before taking his own life.
And more yummy restaurants than one could imagine within a ten day period. And here’s the BIG CLOSER…Dinner at Jules Verne within the Eiffel Tower, on a night that was clearing of rain to allow the full moon to shine on! The four hour dining experience was everything that it promised to be…but no one had told me about the ride up from ground level in an elevator that progressed at a sharp diagonal…through the steel beams and girders of this delicate lacy structure.
Aaah, what a yummy treat to re-live that visit to Paris…so happy you could join me!
Now this is the best way to wake up to see your wonderful photos of Paris! Thank you for taking us along on this journey. Next best thing to being there. EE
I lived in Paris, once upon a time. My first husband lived in Neuilly-sur-Seine, and I was surprised at how little he knew about the city. You, on the other hand, know all of the best spots! Thanks for sharing them with us, Bettie.
VIVE LA FRANCE et PARIS!
As a Paris native this visual promenade is a treat. You selected some of the best of this beautiful old city. I remember taking my 80 yo father to the Tour Eiffel great Jules Verne restaurant you mention, for his birthday. Without his glasses on he did not realise the birthday lit up candle was not a lighter from the waiter bringing the cake, and he lit up a cigarette from it. It gave the whole family a good celebration chuckle.
The familiar gardens look so well maintained in your sharp photos. Every time I return to my birth town I spend much time in the amazing Luxembourg garden. A bientôt Bettie
Beautiful post! Thank you!
LOVELY LADY,
IN 1976, MY PARTNER (SHELDON BARR) AND I – MOVED TO PARIS. DURING OUR FOUR YEAR STAY, WE OPENED AN ART NOUVEAU GALLERY IN THE FORMER, ‘PLACE DES ANTIQUARIES’ IN PALAIS ROYALE.
WE LIVED IN A WONDERFUL ART DECO APT. IN THE 16TH – BET. AVE FOCH AND GRAND ARMEE.
YOUR PHOTOS AND COMMENTS ARE 10 ON 10. NOW, SOME 50 YEARS LATER, AS RETIRED ‘DEALERS’ –
I CONSIDER OUR YEARS IN PARIS, ONE OF OUR MOST CHERISHED OF MEMORIES.
YOUR VISUALS SPEAK TO BOTH MY MEMORY AND SOUL.
THANK YOU AGAIN.
FONDLY,
TOM