Saturday, August 13, 2011

French Mademoiselle in Paris: Day 10

Bonsoir readers!

Today we visited one of the most touristic, yet beautiful places you can find
near Paris: Versailles.

We went by metro, but had to go by bus for a few stops due to constructions on
the metro lines.
I didn't mind though because it gave us a spectacular view of the Seine and
the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Notre Dame


Due to long lines, we skipped the Château
(which we've already seen a couple of years ago)
and went straight to the gardens.

Château de Versailles

Versailles Gardens

Versailles Gardens


The incredibly beautiful garden (which spans 800 hectares) left me hungry,
so we stopped for a French onion soup and tarte tartin.

French Onion Soup

Tarte Tatin


The Grand Trianon.

Grand Trianon

Grand Trianon


At the Grand Trianon there was a gorgeous exhibition held, featuring costume
masterpieces from such brilliant designers as Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld,
Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy by Alexander McQueen, Maison Christian Dior
and many others.

Unfortunately we were not allowed to film or photograph, but I saw some of my
favorite haute couture pieces, all fitting in the Marie Antoinette theme,
such as this one:

CD Couture
Christian Dior Haute Couture, Fall 2007


The Petit Trainon:

Petit Trianon

Petit Trianon

Petit Trianon


Saving the best for last, here are some of my pictures from Marie Antoinette's
farm, the Queen's Hamlet.
I took many more (95 to be exact), but I will upload those later on as I'm pretty beat.

The Queen's Hamlet

The Queen's Hamlet

The Queen's Hamlet

The Queen's Hamlet


Walking through the queen's hamlet took me to another world.
I could so see Marie Antoinette enjoying her life here, away from the pressures of court.
I particularly loved the little farm with the goats, swans, peacocks and pigs. So cute!

The Queen's Hamlet

The Queen's Hamlet

The Queen's Hamlet


When we got back from Versailles, we were both craving ice cream and since
the famous Berthillion closes it doors in July and August we went to another
famous ice cream shop, just a street away from my apartment, Deliziefollie.

Jamie Cahill writes in 'The Patisseries of Paris' about Deliziefollie:
"Deliziefollie's luscious gelato has won over Parisians to Italian-style ice
cream. Ever conscious about overindulging in rich treats but not willing to
sacrifice taste, Parisians love gelato, perceived as Italy's lighter alternative to
French glace."


Deliziefollie

Deliziefollie

Deliziefollie

Pineapple & salted caramel - delicioso!


Bonne nuit,

7 comments:

Ruby said...

Just no words to express how much I am enjoying this series!

Paris Pastry said...

Thank you Ruby! No words to express how much I am enjoying Paris!

Anonymous said...

You took me to a new world today. It is years since I have been to Versailles. I was frightened off the thought on our last visit due to the threat ofncrowds. I loved seeing the Queen's Hamlet - there are so many beautiful things to see beyond Paris...enjoy x

Milla said...

Perfect post!!!
I love Paris!!
"Beijos" from Brazil.
Mirella
milla-delapraca.blogspot.com

Fashion-isha said...

Wow your photos are just beautiful and I LOVE Marie Antoinettes cottage...it's just heaven! Thanks for sharing!
xo
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Love this post... it's just gorgeous. When we went to Paris we took a day trip. Our choice was either Versailles or Disneyland Paris. Of course, Versailles is the stand out choice but since we had our kids w/ us we brought them to Disneyland. Oh, the sacrifices we make as parents! I hope to someday make it back and see Versailles... sigh! xo

Commander-In-Chic said...

Bonjour French Mademoiselle, I loved this series so much! I felt like I was taken this trip to Paris with you! So much, that I have booked my very first vacation to Paris and I definately included the Royal day at Versailles tour! I MUST see this place for myself as I fell in love with the Marie Antoinette story after seeing the movie! Although, my primary dedication will be to Coco Chanel and Fashion on this trip to Paris- you've convinced me to include this location as a must-see.
My next vacation to Europe will be dedicated to tracing the footsteps of the Empress of Fashion... the Duchess of Devonshire from whom I've adopted my title (Duchess of Design). I love your blog- keep up the great work!