As I thumb through my photos of France, I realize that there are some places we visited that are closely connected to other places in the same country. Here are some French Connections:
The artist Delacroix, known particularly for paintings that glorified the French Revolution, lived in several different apartments in Paris. But his museum is in the place where he lived and painted just a couple of blocks from the apartment we stayed in. I put off going there, until our very last day in Paris, but was very glad that I visited.
And the connection–at the Louvre.
Marie Antoinette, held prisoner in her palace in Paris, walked in the Tulieres, the royal gardens, now enjoyed by everyone–particularly kids taking pony cart rides.
But there were worse days ahead, when she was held in the notorious prison that you can now visit at the Concergerie on the Il de Cité. Life-like exhibits show a soldier guarding the Queen who has the privacy of a small screen.
Victor Hugo wrote the Hunchback of Notre Dame in order to draw the French people’s attention to the need to preserve the most glorious cathedral. When we visited his home, we discovered that he not only wrote, but he made furniture as well. He made this intricate writing desk, for example.
And here is one of the dozens of shots we took of Notre Dame of Paris.
Next week I will share the most exciting connection of all–a painter’s garden and his special museum in Paris.
This post is part of Travel Thursday photos sponsored by Budget Traveler’s Sandbox. If you click over there you can link to photos from many writers/photographers of scenes around the world.
(All photos here belong to me and I appreciate your respect for my copyright.)
Paris is one of my favorite cities. Love your French impressions 🙂
Your shots make me want to go back to Paris (which I visited as an 18 year old), and make my own connections!
Great shots! I always love seeing the Notre Dame from different seasons.
I love the shot of Notre Dame.
Isn’t Paris just great? (Even if it’s not “Midnight in Paris.”)
France is one of those places you know instantly the minute you see a photo; it just does’t look or feel like anywhere else. Thanks for sharing.
I love stuff like this! Just think, I could have been walking in Marie Antoinette’s footsteps when I was at Tuileries.
Nice connections! I’m quite impressed with Hugo’s writing table. Who knew?
wow- I loved the desk Victor Hugo made. Excellent! What great pictures- I’m afraid when I was in Paris- I didn’t just soak in and enjoy Paris- was too busy making sure we ‘got on with our journey’- the Eiffel Tower was one of our enjoyments- and then my friend wanted to shop shop shop (and I don’t like it)- so that wasn’t pleasant- I want to go back and explore more …these pics have made me want more.
It never ceases to amaze me how multi talented some people are – thinking of Victor Hugo here. Interesting cross section of places you mention. Delacroix’s palette looks like a piece of art in itself.