My Life in Paris and Travels Around France
I had the unique opportunity to visit the restoration atelier at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Paris. Normally, these special areas aren’t open to the public. It was an incredible experience to learn more about Saint Laurent and his work.
Hôtel de Lauzun is one of those mythical places you hear about in Paris – stunning, filled to the brim with history including former residents like Baudelaire, and almost impossible to get into and see. From the outside it looks like just about any other hôtel particulier on Île Saint-Louis, except for the wonderfully ornate dolphin-shaped gutters. But even then, there really isn’t an indication of how spectacular it is inside.
It’s hard to believe, but I hadn’t taken a day trip to Versailles from Paris in seven years, largely because of the number of visitors. But in the absence of the normal crowds, visiting the Château de Versailles in the fall became an absolute must.
Lately I’ve been itching to get out of Paris for a change of scenery (also because I miss traveling). Romain and I have been spending our Sundays taking little day trips. So far, we’re two for two in 2021. Visiting the Château de Fontainebleau Gardens was the perfect way to spend a sunny winter Sunday.
This week’s Five Friday Finds from France features a Ruinart basket filled with champagne and food to prepare at home, Château de Versailles virtual programming, a selection of virtual visits to Paris museums (including the new Gabrielle Chanel exhibit) for the European Night of Museums, a pumpkin ricotta ravioli recipe and more.