Monet's Garden - A Palette of Color

In the old province of Normandy, in Giverny. . .




Monet's Garden Entrance, Giverny by DG Hudson



In Giverny, Impressionist painter Claude Monet's restored house and garden provide a look at the inspiration for many of his paintings--his gardens. In Monet's day, the train was the only access to the village, 80 km, or 50 miles from Paris. In the late 1800s, the village population count in Giverny was about 300. It hasn’t grown that much since then, but the town does see many more tourists. One of reasons is Monet's Garden at Giverny.

 



Monet's House in Giverny, Autumn, by DG Hudson 





In 1883, middle-aged Claude Monet, his wife Alice, and their eight children from two families settled into a farmhouse here, west of Paris. Monet, at that point a famous artist, would spend 40 years in Giverny, traveling less with each passing year.



Monet lived in the house with its famous pink crushed brick façade from 1883 until his death in 1926. He and many members of his family are interred in the village cemetery. The house has a huge kitchen, and a large bright studio, now used as a gift shop.   Monet’s Japanese prints are on the wall, a ceramic cat sits on a table. No photos are allowed inside the house. The bedrooms are small, but probably normal for the time. The rooms are complete with period furniture, much as they would have been during the time Monet lived here.



Monet's Water Garden, Giverny, Fr. by DG Hudson






The Water Gardens are most peaceful, with the sound of running water and lovely vistas that change with the seasons. We were there in the Autumn when the gardens were lush with growth.

Monet's Garden at Giverny, Real Water Lilies, by DG Hudson

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Claude Monet's property at Giverny (house and gardens), left by his son to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1966 became a Museum opened to public visit in 1980 after completion of large-scale restoration work.


Are you a gardener? Have you seen Monet's garden? Do you like Impressionist painting?  Please share in the comments.

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References:

http://giverny.org/gardens/fcm/visitgb.htm  Giverny Gardens

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giverny Giverny

http://www.fondation-monet.fr/fr/  Foundation Claude Monet

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/france/giverny.htm 
Rick Steves on Monet's Garden

PARIS - The Street Scene

In the Marais,



Saturday Marais Street Market - Paris, Fr. - by DG Hudson



Our first weekend in Paris, we wanted to see the local neighborhood.  The Marais street vendors set up their stalls on weekends so we joined the shoppers strolling the sidewalk flea and craft markets between old churches and apartment buildings.  The tiered steps force you to slow down your walk and check out the wares.

In parts of the Marais, you'll see the older streets that are just wide enough for small cars or Parisian motorbikes; the buildings are protected by concrete stanchions and cars that never seem to move. Perfect for walkers. Small museums are hidden among the residential blocks in these older neighborhoods, providing a second life for the former homes of aristocrats.



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Montmartre


Montmartre, Lapin Agile on left, Artist Cafe late 1800s - DG Hudson



Wandering the streets of any city is an excellent way to find those unique tiny shops that sell art supplies, or that cafe that serves Breton crepes.  You need to know which ones to avoid, as well.  This post will highlight some of the streets we explored.  In Montmartre, you'll find winding, old-style streets that climb ever upward and curve around churches and other buildings, some of them centuries old. 

Moulin de la Galette, Montmartre, Paris by Green Eye

Small sidewalk cafes are tucked into creative spots on the streets as you ascend the hill: Moulin de la Galette, of Renoir fame, La Maison Rose, and Lapin Agile, an artists cafe. We took a detour to see the petite square of the Wall-Passer and listen to the story behind the sculpture. (The sculpture depicts the main character in the story, a Parisian tale.)


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Rue D'Orchampt, Graffiti wall:

Graffiti in Montmartre - by DG Hudson

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Bouquinistes / Booksellers of Used or Rare Books

Bouquinistes by the Seine River - DG Hudson

Only stopping briefly to look at the literary offerings of the bouguinistes, I didn't buy anything.  I first saw them in their closed position when we walked by the Seine River in the evening.  Locked dark green boxes that blossomed into reading material and other printed objects when opened in the daytime. 


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Arc de Triomphe



Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysses by DG Hudson


The Avenue des Champs-Élysées leads to the Arc de Triomphe at the end surrounded by the L'Etoile, recently renamed to honour past President Charles de Gaulle (Place Charles de Gaulle).  Pedestrians can access the Arc de Triomphe via the underground tunnel. 

Commissioned in 1806 after Emperor Napoleon's victory at Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe wasn't completed until 1836 under King Louis Philippe.  There were various reasons for the delay.  Beneath the Arc de Triomphe lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.   The coffin was interred on Armistice Day 1920.


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La Grande Arche

Le Grande Arche, centre horizon, from the Arc de Triomphe-by DGH

A 20th-century version of the Arc de Triomphe, La Grande Arche de la Défense is a monument to humanity and humanitarian ideals.  In the photo above, the Arche is the square hollow shape at the distant end of the street. The tall building on the right is the Palais des Congres de Paris.  The placement of the Grande Arche was specific and completed the line of monuments forming an axis that runs through Paris to the Louvre at the other end.

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Can you name other cities with interesting streets? Or streets that hold a special memory for you?  Please share in the comments if you do.


For more details on the City of Light,  check the Paris Posts Tab at the top of the page at my Rainforest Writing blog.  
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References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arc_de_Triomphe
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grande_Arche La Grande Arche

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moulin_de_la_Galette  Montmartre Trivia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouquinistes Booksellers

http://www.placesinfrance.com/history_arc_de_triomphe.html
Napoleon's Arch

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The Eiffel Tower, Paris - a Photo Study

The Iron Lady

 

When evening comes, Tour Eiffel wears her light colours and starts to sparkle.



The Eiffel Tower charmed me more than I expected, with its delicate scalloped ironwork designs on the lower edges. Paris is a city known for its artistic elegance in wrought iron, and this tower is no exception.  How much more fantastic the Eiffel Tower must have seemed in 1889, after its completion for the Paris Exhibition.

The Eiffel at a Different Angle

Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, born December 15, 1832, in Dijon, France, is the man who designed the world famous Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel) for the 1889 Exposition in Paris. He was also a writer, publishing 31 books and treatises about his numerous projects and experiments. More information about Gustave Eiffel can be found at the links below this post.

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72 Names of Men
(scientists, engineers, and associated professionals) who contributed to the Eiffel Tower's construction, line the bottom edge on all four sides.  I was impressed until I discovered the women who contributed were omitted from being so exalted.  It was the Age of Men, then, wasn't it?  Women didn't have the vote.






Eiffel Tower - View of 1st level by DG Hudson

 On the lower edge under the first overhang are the names, half obscured by the protective netting.  Since 2010/2011, these names have been restored to their golden lustre, making them a little easier to read from ground level.

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Ironwork Detail of Eiffel Tower

An elevator at the entrance takes visitors to the different levels and offers an interior view of the supporting structure on the way up. A private elevator takes visitors to the second level if they have reservations at the Michelin-starred Restaurant there.  Check the website for information on the third level. 

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On the first level is the main restaurant, Le 58 Tour Eiffel, on the second level is the Jules Verne Restaurant, both with above average prices.  There are many reviews to be found online for both restaurants. See link below.

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Blue Paris, at dusk from the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur upper left on horizon.  The Seine River cuts through diagonally.

Most of our time on the Eiffel Tower was spent photographing the four sides of Paris visible from the first level.  The photos before and after are a sampling.



The Trocadero View from the Eiffel Tower



Trocadero with Carousel at left, by DG Hudson



Hope you enjoyed the photo tour, and if you'd like more of my Paris Posts, see under the tab at the top.

All photos taken Autumn 2010 in Paris France by DG Hudson.

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References:

Gustave Eiffel

http://www.paris-eiffel-tower-news.com/eiffel-tower-stories/paris-story-gustave-eiffel.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gustave_Eiffel

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72 Names on the Eiffel Tower

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_72_names_on_the_Eiffel_Tower

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Eiffel Tower Restaurants

http://goparis.about.com/od/parisrestaurantreviews/a/EiffelTower_Eat.htm

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The Eiffel Tower

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower

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Paris Exhibition of 1889
The tower formed the main symbol and the entrance arch to the fair.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exposition_Universelle_(1889)


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How about you?

-Have you seen the Eiffel Tower in Paris?  (Vegas doesn't count)

-Do you know of or like another city's iconic monuments better?  Please share in the comments. 

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Origins Blogfest 2012



When did YOUR Writing Dreams begin?



Tell us for the Origins Blogfest . . . when did you first pick up that pen or sit in front of that keypad and begin to create a story, or a column, a poem, or a book? (Not for school or because you had to, but because you wanted to write something down that was in your head)


When did I first start writing stories?

I’m not sure, I kept getting sidetracked.  But . . .

It could have been when I sent in my first article to a teen magazine and received my first nice rejection. Insert appropriate teen angst, but at least I had a reply.

It could have been when I was hired on the strength of my cover letter, not my experience, and the woman told me why. She liked my words. Then, I landed a job where writing was the focus, but the purpose definitely non-fiction. It was a learning time.

My writing genre: Science Fiction and Suspense/Crime novels.


Thanks for dropping by. Hope you can share one of your writing memories in the comments below.

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The Origins Blogfest is brought to you by 4 co-host Bloggers: (you can sign up on these sites)

DL at Cruisin' Altitude
Alex at Alex J. Cavanaugh
Matt at The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiement
Katie at Creepy Query Girl


Want to participate?

First, sign up to participate via the handy dandy Linky tool at DL's site or any of the other host blogs above.  The Linky list, details, and badges are found there. Have fun checking out the list!

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PARIS - Architecture Smorgasbord



Notre Dame Cathedral 2010 by DG Hudson


Man has always strived for beauty in his cathedrals and churches, though what was stylish in one era is considered dated a few hundred years later. Regardless of style, we can appreciate the buildings for the detail, the statues, the beautiful stained glass windows and the graceful arches of the exteriors. 

This post highlights a few of the churches and other interesting buildings we saw on our walks around Paris. There are numerous websites for those wanting more information. This is just a sampling, a smorgasbord.

Fearsome Waterspouts of Notre Dame by DGH

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) completed in 1345, boasts individually made gargoyles and was one of the early churches incorporating flying buttresses. At one time, the exterior and the detail were painted, rather than the stone grey they appear today. It’s a building of interest from every side, with a beautiful circular stained-glass window in the front between the two towers. (Link below for interior photos).

A large square facing the front of the cathedral is a common gathering place for tourists, locals wanting to catch some sun while having their lunch, and the pigeons hoping to catch a few crumbs. The large statue of Charlemagne on one side watches over the square. The Crypt Archeologique, a home for the Roman ruins found beneath the area, resides in another corner.

Charlemagne in Notre Dame square - by DG Hudson

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre_Dame_de_Paris  Notre Dame Cathedral

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Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Montmartre's highlight at the top of the hill.



Sacré-Cœur - Montmartre, Paris - by DG Hudson


Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Sacred Heart) at the top of Montmartre butte towers over the city of Paris, the stark white of the stone shining against the blue sky. This travertine stone cleans itself as it exudes calcite, a nice touch. The basilica construction started in 1875, in what was considered a rebellious section of the city, and was completed in 1914.

Wide steps at the front of the church allow visitors to rest and enjoy the vista before going inside the basilica or making their way back down through the winding streets of Montmartre. 

Remember the Da Vinci Code?



Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, Paris - by DG Hudson


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilique_du_Sacr%C3%A9-C%C5%93ur,_Paris Sacré-Cœur Basilica

http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/sacrecoeur.htm  A View on Cities

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St. Germaine des Pres




The Bell Tower of St. Germaine des Pres - by Green Eye


The Church of St. Germaine des Pres, built in 542 AD to house holy relics, is the oldest church in Paris.  It's on the Left Bank in the 6th arrondisement. The church combines Gothic style with the Romanesque design of the older part of the church, a nave and the last bell tower. 

René Descartes, the philosopher-mathematician, is buried in this church. Just down the street is the famed Les Deux Magots, and around the corner the equally famed Café Flore. Not a bad neighbourhood.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Germain-des-Pr%C3%A9s  St. Germaine des Pres

http://www.french-at-a-touch.com/French_Regions/Ile-de-France/saint_germaine.htm  French at a touch web site


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Versailles

Gilt at the palace of the Sun King.





In the inner courtyard at Versailles by DGH


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Place du Châtelet  - On the Right Bank between the 1st and 4th Arrondisements  stands the tower below.   This is how it looked in 2010 with the sun behind.

Place du Chatelet near Les Halles - by Green Eye

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Arc de Triomphe
 
Under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe are inscribed names of battles fought during the Napoleonic era.  The grave of the Unknown Soldier rests beneath here. 
 



Arc de Triomphe - History etched in stone - by DGH

 
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Musee D'Orsay
 
A former Paris - Orleans Railway station now serves as a beautiful art gallery for Impressionist art.  Some other styles do make a showing.  No photos are allowed inside the gallery in order to preserve the art.  This building is the inspiration for the one featured in the movie, Hugo.
 

Musee D'Orsay Detail, Left Bank, Paris - by DG Hudson

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What are some distinctive landmarks for the city you live in or a place you like to visit? 
 
Most places have at least one unique feature.  Key West has a large conch shell welcoming you to the city (called the Conch Republic for a short time).  Landmarks can be buildings, statues, or retro advert pieces still standing.  Can you name one?
 
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PARIS - Père Lachaise Cemetery

Père Lachaise Cemetery, 20th Arrondisement, Paris - DGH

Père Lachaise Cemetery, (or Cimetière du Père-Lachaise) established by Napoleon in 1804, is reputed to be the largest cemetery in the city of Paris with its own stone cobbled streets and snug juxtaposition of memorials. Large memorials dedicated to those who served in previous wars stand here, beside family memorials and ornate tombs of some of history’s most celebrated cultural heroes. The various styles of architecture shown in some of the memorials give us an idea of their age, as well as the materials used: marble, granite, iron sculpture, bronze figures, and stained glass inserts.





Beautiful detail made to survive - by DG Hudson



We used a map of the layout available at the entrance and walked down tree-lined roadways admiring the variety of large and small enclosures, some just big enough for a moments’ reflection.  The cobbles force you to walk a little slower than normal city  speed. There’s a crematorium and a memorial building on the grounds where we located the plaques of Stephane Grappelli, jazz violinist and the dancer, Isadora Duncan.





Edith Piaf, The Little Sparrow - by DG Hudson


We searched out Edith Piaf, the French chanteuse, Georges Bizet, writer of Carmen, and the poet/writer Oscar Wilde’s monument (we saw it covered in red kisses before the memorial was restored and partially covered by protective glass).  Refer to a previous post Paris Walks for the 'before' photo.  Chopin, Jim Morrison, Balzac, Sarah Bernhardt, Lalique, and many more rest in this same elegant neighbourhood.





Family monuments vary in design - by DG Hudson 2010



As the afternoon began to turn into evening, we left Cimetière du Père-Lachaise walking back the way we had come, down the sloped Rue du Chemin Vert, past the pop-up stores to the Place de La Bastille and finally to the Marais. 





A Closed Book - photo by DG Hudson 2010



Old cemeteries can be interesting places, aside from the spiritual value they offer, if you study the architecture, the placement of the old against the new, and the variety of detail on some of the monuments in these older places of rest. Imagine how it must have looked over two hundred years ago at its beginning, in 1804. Take photos to reinforce the memory when one day you want to use that setting in your writing.




The Cobbled Streets of Père Lachaise - by DG Hudson


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References:

Oscar Wilde’s tomb is now partially encased in glass for its own protection and to honour his memory.  This video explains why. (Huffington Post article/video)

Virtual Tour of Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris

All photos by DG Hudson, 2010 in Paris, France.

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Have you visited a place or building that made a strong impression on you? Or gave you a feeling of deja vu?  Please share in the comments.

PARIS Walks

The Moulin Rouge, Montmartre, Paris - by DGH

Walking in Paris is the best way to discover the charm of the city, from the cafés tucked into the Ile St. Louis, to the bridges that cross the Seine River. From pop-up stores to a hidden vineyard in Montmartre, from a graffiti wall to a bit of old Rome underground, something unique is waiting around every corner. Our daily walking on average was five to six miles with café breaks. Wear comfortable shoes, and watch the locals when crossing the streets then, do as they do.



Walking tour of Montmartre (a booked tour)



The Moulin Rouge sits across from a Starbucks in Montmartre and seems less glitzy by day. The big red windmill serves as a landmark, as does the wooden Moulin Galette further up the hill. Full scale dinner shows can be booked at the Moulin Rouge through tour agencies. We paused here to take a photo as we walked up the Rue Caulaincourt to meet the tour group of 12 people near the Blanche Metro station. After all, an icon is an icon.
 

Au Lapin Agile, an original cabaret /café from the past that in earlier times was known to allow the exchange of art as payment for food & drink. It helped the artists and gave the art more exposure.



Le Bateau Lavoir, the studio and sleeping quarters of many artists, including young Pablo Picasso, was one of the sights our tour guide stopped to talk about. At the height of the studio’s usage, beds were used in shifts in the shared accommodations so the artists struggling to make ends meet could stay in Paris.






Le Bateau Lavoir - Paris - by DG Hudson


 

The Wall Passer, a sculptural representation of a character from a local Paris story that tells of a man who could pass through walls; the work was commissioned to honour the local writer who lived in the area (Marcel Aymé).





The Wall-Passer, Montmartre, Paris - by DG Hudson


 

Sacré-Coeur Basilica sits majestically at the top of Montmartre, fronted by wide steps for relaxing and observing the city of Paris spread at your feet. You can visit the ever-white stone cathedral that has offered shelter for over a century, or you can begin the steep descent down the hill, past street buskers, petition hustlers and old style cafés.

Head East from the Marais. . .



The Cimetière du Père Lachaise is in the 20th Arrondisement; we walked from the 4th (the Marais) past the Place de la Bastille, and up to the Rue du Chemin Vert. The trip covered 2.5 kilometers, uphill but manageable.


This cemetery was the final home for some celebrities: Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Chopin, Jim Morrison, Stephane Grappelli, Isadora Duncan, and Georges Bizet. There are many others. Maps of the layout are available to help you find your way through the streets of cobbled stone -- each one approximately 4 inches square -- reminiscent of the Versailles courtyard.




Oscar Wilde's monument before the cleaning - by DGH


 Some traditions we noticed from the locals and tourists: leaving a rose on Edith Piaf’s grave, leaving a pebble or other item on grave markers as if to say ‘I was here’, leaving a red kiss on Oscar Wilde’s monument -- BUT this last one is no longer allowed, now the bottom half has been encased in glass to prevent damage to the stone through two mediums: waterproof lipstick and graffiti pens.





Latin Quarter

The Church of St. Germaine des Pres, situated near Les Deux Magots is the oldest church in Paris, built in 542 AD, and it retains one of the original bell towers.



Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore

Two well-known cafés in the Latin Quarter are famous for their past lives as  gathering places for the Lost generation and the Existentialists (and a lot of writers were in those two camps).  They have always enjoyed a friendly competition in vying for the students and the literary crowd.  Prices are higher here, according to a local insider. You go for the atmosphere and for the history, all the while hoping to absorb some of the literary magic that hangs in the air of these two cafés.  Think Midnight in Paris and go from there. . .

 Île de la Cité


Notre Dame Cathedral (Our Lady of Paris)


Visitors and locals lounge around the square facing Notre Dame enjoying the statue of Charlemagne, the people, and the pigeons.  Others, visibly identifiable as tourists, contemplate whether it's worth the climb of 400 steps or more for a photo opportunity.


This is the oldest spot in Paris. When the Romans arrived, the Parisii lived here.  A circle design embedded in the square facing the church identifies the exact Centre of Paris. It’s made of brass which is set into granite, then into concrete.  Most of the visitors missed seeing this important spot, simply because they were too busy looking at everything else.





Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris - by DG Hudson


 


Crypt Archeologique (Roman Ruins, and the Parisii)


This underground museum sits under the square fronting Notre Dame, protecting ruins of the Roman city of Lutetia, and the original settlement of the Parisii.  The lighting is designed to highlight the structures and information is available on each part of the exhibit.  A must-see if you’re a Roman history buff.



Roman excavation in the Crypte Archiologique - by DGH


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Have you explored a city by walking through the streets?  If so, what city?


The Centre of Paris, Notre Dame Square by DGH