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Vestiges of the Past

Kir – We Love the Aperitif as much as its Fascinating History

Read my story in French » {updated November 2022} A Kir apéritif or a Kir Royal is perfect if you want to enjoy a traditional French apéritif. The  difference is found in the alcohol used. A Kir has a base of dry white wine, served in a wine glass while a Kir Royal is made with champagne and served in a champagne ...

la samaritaine viewed from left bank

La Samaritaine: 6 Interesting Things I Love About this Building

Read my story in French » First, I fell in love with La Samaritaine the first time I shopped there. (and……I can’t wait to share my photos of the newly renovated building !) La Samaritaine of this époque occupied 4 buildings. Although on a much grander scale, at the time it reminded me of a department store from my ...

Elisabeth Strogonoff de Demidoff tomb

The Most Mystical Tomb in Père Lachaise Cemetery

Read my story in French » The most mystical tomb in Père Lachaise cemetery piqued my interest after a virtual tour conducted by  Paris Vivre on Facebook. Buried in the tomb are the remains of the Baroness Elisabeth Alexandrovna Strogonoff de Demidoff. It is truly enormous in size! Location of the Most Mystical Tomb of ...

Jean-Jacques funeral monument

10 Statues in Montparnasse Cemetery that Fascinated Me

In search of interesting statues in Montparnasse Cemetery but first a bit of history: Montparnasse Cemetery was opened on July 24, 1824. Reading the Histoire de Paris sign, I learned it comprises the land which at one time belonged to the Hôtel-Dieu and the religious members of the Charity Hospital.The mill which was ...

Notre Dame

The Seine – 10 Views that Will Capture Your Heart

The Seine river meanders through Paris designing the perfect walking tour. As it winds along its way, it passes many iconic views I love and possibly some that are your favorites as well. Not being able to make the planned trip to France because of the COVID-19 restrictions finds me perusing photos from past trips and walking ...

medieval or modern

Medieval or Modern – What you see is not what you think

Medieval or modern, I thought I could tell the difference! What do you think of when someone says medieval? I immediately think of massive doors with heavy iron parts such as knobs, knockers, and hinges set in stone walls that often have a lintel with majestic carvings. So exactly what period in time is defined as medieval? ...

holocaust memories

Holocaust Memorial Tucked Away in a Quiet Garden of the Marais

Read my story in French » Sometimes a surprising find presents itself in the most unlikely of places. I would not have wandered down rue Eginhard had someone not made the suggestion. I certainly would not have expected to find a holocaust memorial in this hidden lovely setting.  As you can see from the photo, there does ...