A Chateau Fit for a King

Nicolas Fouquet hired famous architecture Louis la Vau, landscape architect André le Notre, and decorator/painter Charles Le Brun to build Vaux le Vicomte.  This trifecta of creative geniuses constructed a chateau fit for a king.

Once built, Fouquet and his wife, threw lavish parties showing off the newly renovated estate.  One such party, which included a new play by Molière and ended with fireworks, was attended by King Louis XIV.  He was impressed that one man could create such a grand residence.

Chocolat

Haute Coutre - en chocolat of course.

Autumn is my favorite season in France, because it marks the start of the salons (expositions).  This is the time of year when there are frequent events where artisans come together to show off their creativity and foodies indulge.  These salons range from large, international expositions to ones organized by small local groups.  All have food finds waiting to be discovered.

Thomas and I try to take full advantage of these events to discover the flavors of our new home.  Friday, Thomas and I went to the Salon du Chocolat.  In two week we'll head to the Salon du Vignerons Indépendents (independent wine makers).  And we are holding our breaths for Salon Saveurs where artisans who make all the good accoutrements that together make up a wonderful evening (prosciutto, cheese, wine, and chocolates).

Rodin+

Autumnal weather has returned.  The air is crisp.  The lighting is warm.  Looming, cumulus clouds contrast against the deep azure sky.  These types of days are perfect for enjoying the outdoors. Being the first Sunday of the month (when select museums are free to the public), we decided to try to find a participating museum outside of Paris.  Today's destination-  The Rodin Museum in Meudon- a 20 minute drive from our 'hood.

How to plan a wedding in France

On the streets where we live

It's summer in France. Last week it meant 97 degree weather in a country that does not believe in air condition.  This week it means that anyone with means have made their way out of town.  In my opinion and weather permitting, early August is France has the best. You have the streets all to your self.  Last Sunday afternoon, I took a walk through our little town of Garches.  Below are some of the scenes I saw along the way.

Street from our house to the center of town.

Porches parked along the street in the business area of Garches.

The church in the town square.

The gates to park in front of city hall.

100th Tour de France

This afternoon at the Chateau of Versailles, the one hundred and seventy riders of the 100th Tour de France began their final leg.  Thomas and I took advantage of this sunny (albeit hot) afternoon to find a spot on the route between Versailles and the finish at the Arc de Triomphe.  Fearful of the lack of parking and road blocks to the venue because of the race, we decided to take public transportation to Versailles.  So instead of being a 20 minute drive, it was an hour trek from our home in Garches to the Chateau.  The race was supposedly to begin at 16h00, so we found ourselves a good view location a half mile from the start at 15h30.  At 16h15, a friend at the starting line texted us that the riders were just getting off the bus.  After another hour, the yellow jersey finally appeared.  It was exhilarating.  It was exciting.  And a minute later, it was a mere memory.  Despite the fleeting nature of the moment, it was worth it though.  We were two feet from the winner. It was amazing how accessible the tour is.  Tickets for the French Open, France's famous tennis tournament, are near impossible to get.  But if you want to see a part of the Tour de France, you only need to find a spot along the route.  Today was a good France day.

Fresh air

I am not a city girl.  Give me fresh air, outdoor living, and scenic views.  This vacation has reminded me how much I favor nature over urban landscapes.  For the past week, we've spent most of our time outdoors- we eat outside; we walk to town; we go on hikes.  I take deep breaths hoping to keep some of the fresh air with me when we return to Paris.

Thomas had to do some convincing to get me to take a holiday in July. I still have the US mentality of all work and no play.  I am glad that I gave in.  Chamonix, France, located in South Eastern France close to the border of Italy and Switzerland, is a wonderous place. The towering peaks that cradle the valley are mesmerizing.  The glaciers that are nestled in the wedges created by the mountains can been seen from every corner of town.  A thirty minute walk in any direction will get you to a trail head.  There is only one butcher in town, but the restaurants are good and not terribly expensive or crowded.  Things might be different during the ski season, since this is one of France's oldest ski resorts.  I can tell you that the summers are a perfect getaway for those of us who find cities too crowded.  Chamonix is proof that France does have space. It's just not in Paris.

The dining area.

Mer de glace. France's longest glacier (4.3 miles/7 km long).

On the hiking trail "Rendez-vous avec le mer de glace" (Date with the glacier "mer de glace" ).  Perfect name since the glacier is constantly in view as you hike the trail.