Chateau x 3

Yesterday I went on a field trip for my favorite class here in Paris, Castles and Gardens. We visited three castles out to the west of Paris: Château de Maisons, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and Versaille. They were all easy to get to from the center of Paris via RER. We were so lucky to have a gorgeous day to walk around and explore the grounds and castles.

Our first stop was at Château de Maisons. A beautiful 17th century manor located in a really charming suburb of Paris. It actually kind of reminded me of my home town, if my home town had a giant palace in the center of it...

After Château de Maisons, we picked up some lunch and took a bus to our next stop: Saint-Germain-en-Laye. This was a renaissance castle where Louis XIV was born and raised. We didn't go inside the castle, its now home to an antiquities museum, but we walked around the garden and grounds. It was so beautiful and peaceful, and was definitely a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

The final stop of the day was Versailles. I had been there a few years previously but it was during the summer and just too crowed to handle. I remember my friend and I rented a row boat to row along the canal just to get away from all the crowds. This time we were there at the perfect time of day, late afternoon. The light at this time was beautiful. We entered over by Marie Antoinette's little village which I have always wanted too see. It was so cute! Everywhere around the grounds people were walking their dogs or just going for an afternoon stroll.

To say I loved the grounds at Versailles would be an understatement. I am obsessed with them, it definitely helped that we had gorgeous weather and it wasn't too crowded.

We wandered around the grounds for a bit before going into the actual castle. What was surprising to me was that even though it was November the place was still packed! You could barely move from room to room! I'm not really a fan of the interior of Versailles, though I can respect it for its historical significance, I just don't like all the dark colors, small rooms, and trippy fabric covered walls. Needless to say I got out of there as soon as I could! (I just wanted to spend my entire day in the gardens to be honest).

After a full day of touring it was all I could do to drag my self back to the RER and into my apartment. I promptly got into bed and didn't leave for the rest of the day!

November Inspiration

With the current gray and blustery weather that has arrived in Paris all I can think about is warm knits, cozy fireplaces, and cute fall accessories. 

October = Crazy

Its been such a whirlwind of a month I can hardly believe its November already! Lots of exciting things to look forward to this month, my family is visiting and I have a few friends coming as well. A tip to rome is set for this month as well, and as always tons of exploring and eating in Paris!

Last month was full of fun things! Lets do a quick recap (because I've been a horrible blogger and haven't posted all month).

I went to Belgium: Brussels and Bruges to be exact

I loved Bruges and cannot recommend it enough, Brussels was fun but not as cute or charming as Bruges.

I went to Cannes to see my Dad and go to an award show. We also did a quick jaunt to Nice. Both beautiful cities, and let me tell you, it was nice to be by the ocean and experience the sun and warm weather right as it was getting gray and cold in Paris.

I went to a wine tasting in the 1st arrondissement. Such delicious wines and we got to pair them with cheese and charcuterie.

And I got to learn a little about wine, for example did you know that champagne is fermented twice, first to turn the grapes to wine and second to turn add the bubbles, making it champagne.


It was a great, crazy busy month! And I have a feeling November will be just as fun!