Pictures from my travels in Japan and around the World.
The Musée d’Orsay—a former Beaux-Arts railway station turned art sanctuary—is where time stands still, yet beauty speeds ahead. Nestled on the banks of the Seine in Paris, this museum serves as the mothership for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, housing the greatest hits of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Think Monet’s light-dappled landscapes, Van…
The Assemblée Nationale in Paris stands as the distinguished centerpiece of French democracy, an architectural gem exuding authority and grandeur. Its neoclassical façade is a symphony of columns and symmetry, a timeless emblem of power. Yet nestled amidst this imposing dignity, the philosopher Voltaire quietly presides. The statue of Voltaire, ever the sharp-witted rebel in…
Pont Alexandre III is the most elegant and flamboyant bridge in Paris, a stunning symbol of the Belle Époque era that oozes grandeur and a touch of theatrical charm. It gracefully arches over the Seine, connecting the Champs-Élysées to Les Invalides, and stands as a shining reminder of the alliance between France and Russia, as…
The artworks of Napoleon at Versailles encapsulate his imperial grandeur and the triumphs of his reign. One of the most famous paintings is The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David, a monumental work that depicts the Emperor crowning Empress Joséphine in a ceremony rich with opulence and symbolism. The painting captures the majesty of the…
The Galerie des Batailles at the Palace of Versailles stands as a grand testament to France’s extensive and storied military history, showcasing the many victories that the nation has achieved over centuries. Contrary to popular beliefs often perpetuated by British and American narratives, France has been a dominant force on the battlefield throughout history, with an impressive…
The Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) is one of the most iconic rooms in the Palace of Versailles, representing the grandeur of 17th-century French architecture. Built between 1678 and 1684 under the direction of architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart and decorated by painter Charles Le Brun, the hall replaced an open terrace that was deemed impractical…
At the main entrance of the Palace of Versailles, known as the Honour Gate, two prominent sculptures flank the entrance: These allegorical statues depict France’s triumphs and are situated near the Honour Gate, which separates the Honour Courtyard from the Place d’Armes. Additionally, two angelic statues adorn the first gate, positioned atop the guard posts….
The phrase “À toutes les gloires de la France” (translated as “To all the glories of France”) is inscribed above the main entrance of the Palace of Versailles. This iconic inscription reflects the palace’s role as a symbol of France’s grandeur and its history, particularly during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun The phrase…
Selective focus on the entrance of a restaurant in Versailles. French cuisine is known for its diversity, rich flavors, and emphasis on high-quality ingredients. It ranges from simple regional dishes like ratatouille and quiche to sophisticated creations in fine dining, such as foie gras and soufflé. Cheese, wine, and bread play central roles, with baguettes…
The statue of Louis XIV in Versailles stands as a grand equestrian monument near the Place d’Armes, marking the entrance to the Château de Versailles. It portrays the “Sun King” in a commanding pose, mounted on a rearing horse, exuding authority and regal splendor. Louis XIV is dressed in Roman-style attire, which was a deliberate…
The Bayeux Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux) in Normandy, France, is a magnificent Gothic and Romanesque structure that boasts a rich history and an awe-inspiring interior. It is the spiritual heart of Bayeux and was consecrated in 1077, originally built under the commission of Bishop Odo of Bayeux, the half-brother of William the Conqueror. Interior…
A hôtel particulier is a type of grand private townhouse or mansion, historically built in France for wealthy or aristocratic families, here in Bayeux, Normandy. The term translates literally to “private hotel,” but it refers specifically to an urban residence rather than a hotel for lodging. These elegant buildings were prominent from the 17th to…