Back in November I set foot in the USA for the first time. For months my two friends and I planned for our week in New York where, just weeks after I had left France, I would be reunited with them for eight days of nights out and new discoveries. I must admit to having had high expectations for New York from films I have watched, TV series, friend’s opinions and my love of shopping. Whilst I did enjoy my…
I promised that I would visit a château before leaving France, although not quite the one I had in mind, I can at least say that I kept my word. Today I visited a Fairytale Castle in the magical world of Disneyland Paris. Le Château de la belle du bois dormant, more simply known as Sleeping Beauty’s enchanted castle was the highlight of my day out (that, and the excellent company). Sadly, Mickey and I were not free at the…
Five Things Left to Do in Paris So here I am, down to my last five weeks in Paris and unlike at the end of my Erasmus when I had a strong feeling that I would be back as soon as possible for an extended stay, this time I know that I won’t be back so soon and that next time probably won’t be serious, more likely a brief fling with an old flame. To be sure to leave Paris…
Most Parisians are all too familiar with the underground network of tunnels that criss-cross for over 130 miles (214km) beneath the city, filled with stressed commuters, lively musicians and of course the sound of the metro and RER doors opening and closing for around 4.5 million passengers per day. It’s hard to believe that just metres away from all the hustle and bustle of life going on, both above and below ground, lies the eerie world of Les Catacombes de…
Taking a vacation from the city can be as short and sweet as a day out beyond the peripherique to visit a neighbouring town or one of Ile de France’s once royal residences. After posting my recent thoughts about Parisian Parks I decided to make the most of a beautiful summer Sunday and the suggestion of some keen friends by visiting the Chateau de Vincennes and the quaint little town situated on the Bois de Vincennes. Being under 26, a visit of…
So it’s finally arrived, the moment all the Parisians have been talking about – the month of August. Apparently every year the inhabitants of Paris flee the city en masse and descend upon the regions of France. For those in search of sun and sea they flock south, others just keen for a break from the hustle and bustle of the capital choose to go East or West approaching the boarders and finally those with their roots abroad head home for a month in…
Bastille Day Thursday was my much anticipated day off, thanks to the French National Holiday – le 14 juillet. In a manner similar to the last public holiday I spent in France (Parc Asterix) I decided that a day off mid-week should not be wasted. The 14 juillet is often nicknamed Bastille Day by those of us who studied some basic French history as this celebration takes place on the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789…