Every summer Versailles features a fireworks display on Saturday nights from the end of July to mid-September. I’ve attempted to go a number of times over the years, but was always afraid of the mad rush and crush of getting to the last RER train back to Paris after the fireworks. Last year, I was on my way to go in my friend Pascal’s car, (much more civilized) but a thunderstorm stopped us.
This year I was determined to go and I made a date with Pascal from the website Paris-Marais, the last Saturday of July. We whisked away from Paris in style in Pascal’s sleek white Megan convertible. (No RER with the masses for us). We arrived at about 9PM and it was about 10 degrees cooler than Paris, which was sweltering that day, so the fresh air and cooler temps were a welcome relief.
The sun was dipping low into the forest behind Versailles and the incredible light poured on to the palace and the windows had a reflection from the burnished sun, looking like there was a wildfire in the background. There was an added bonus of classical music playing through out the garden, and it evoked thoughts of a Royal Court ball with royalty and aristocrats milling about in flamboyant costumes.
In recent years Versailles has presented exhibitions with contemporary artists and sculptors. This summer they are featuring a series of tree sculptures in the gardens and in the palace by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Penone. The vertical, primitive sculptures were especially striking against the formal manicured gardens and fountains and the sculpture with gold leaf glistened against the gray blue sweeping clouds.
We were weaving in and out of the sculpted high hedges which created an air of mystery and intrigue, never knowing what’s beyond the next alley. Down one alleyway was a glimmer of green light and we discovered an arcade with fountains and marble sculptures captured in green laser lights and smoke, and I felt I was walking into a dream.
At about 11PM with the sky black, the lights lit on the Apollo Fountain, and the crowd patiently waiting, the fireworks began.
More about the fireworks tomorrow with photos.
http://en.chateauversailles.fr/prepare-my-visit-/single/tickets-and-rates/billets-et-tarifs/les-grandes-eaux-1-en
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
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