Aux Grands Hommes La Patrie Reconnaissante – To Great Men, a Grateful Nation – is the full inscription that crowns the Panthéon in Paris, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, towering over the Latin Quarter with its grand dome and colonnaded façade. Originally built as a church, it now serves as a mausoleum to some of…
Pont Neuf is a Parisian classic and ironically named the New Bridge, even though it’s the oldest bridge in the city. Spanning the River Seine, it connects the Ile de la Cité to the riverbanks and offers some of the best views of Paris. Its iconic stone arches are a favourite for photographers, especially at…
Released in 1993, the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM is something of a classic in the world of telephoto lenses. Designed for wildlife, sports, and bird photography, it has built a reputation for being lightweight, sharp, and relatively affordable for an L-series prime. While it lacks image stabilisation, it compensates with excellent optical quality and…
Released in 2014, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM was the long-awaited successor to the original push-pull zoom version. This second-generation lens brought major improvements in optical quality, image stabilisation, and usability, making it a favourite among wildlife, sports, and aviation photographers. It delivers the reach of a super-telephoto lens while remaining compact…
The dragon fountain at Kitaguchi Hongū Fuji Sengen Jinja is a stunning example of traditional Japanese artistry and spiritual significance. Located at the entrance of this ancient Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Konohanasakuya-hime, the fountain plays a key role in purification rituals. The dragon, intricately carved from bronze, appears mid-roar, its mouth serving as…
The Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic chapel located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, built in the mid-13th century as part of the royal palace. Commissioned by King Louis IX, it was designed to house precious Christian relics, including the Crown of Thorns. The chapel is renowned for its magnificent stained glass windows,…
A classic Paris Métro sign stands proudly atop a green metal pole, a true icon of the city’s streetscape. The sign features bold, red Art Nouveau typography framed by ornate green ironwork, a nod to early 20th-century design. The lamp glows softly, adding a vintage charm as it lights up at dusk. This timeless detail…
The Opéra Garnier is nothing short of a masterpiece and a favourite for many who fall in love with Paris. This 19th-century architectural marvel, designed by Charles Garnier, embodies opulence in every detail. From the grand façade adorned with sculptures of muses and gilded accents to the breathtaking interior, it’s a feast for the eyes….
Galerie Vivienne in Paris is a true gem tucked away in the city’s vibrant 2nd arrondissement. Stepping into this covered passage feels like stepping back in time, to an era when Parisian arcades were the height of fashion and sophistication. Built in 1823, its mosaic-tiled floors, intricate ironwork, and glass ceilings create a luxurious yet…
Visiting Versailles these days demands meticulous planning, especially during holidays when the crowds swell to near-unmanageable levels. The serene experience of wandering the palace and gardens at leisure, once a hallmark of the visit, feels like a distant memory. Back then, the grandeur of the Hall of Mirrors or the charm of the Petit Trianon…
