Winter is holding spring hostage in Paris in the last few days. Yesterday the high temperature was 48 degrees Fahrenheit and at one point there were snow showers. Last night it dipped down to 37 degrees. Brrrrrr! I am still wearing my heavy sweater, down coat and a hat.
Rather than protest the hostage situation, my thoughts turned to summer. I was inspired by a post on Instagram about the beautiful Giusti Gardens in Verona, Italy which I visited last summer but never wrote about.
When I visited my friends Laurie and Blair in Italy last summer we took a day trip to the romantic city of Verona. One of the highlights was the gorgeous Giusti Palace and Gardens.
Agostino Giusti, a Knight of the Venetian Republic and Squire of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, created the gardens in 1570 as a backdrop to his new Neo-Classical palace. Lauded as one of the most beautiful Renaissance gardens of Europe they include a parterre, hedge maze and terraced gardens.
I have fond memories of walking through the gardens in the summer heat, discovering different pathways along the mazes of box trees, climbing up the tiered terraces lined with cypress trees and at the top greeted by a mascerone with bulging eyes and big teeth.
While my teeth are practically chattering from the cold, I have the warm memory of the Giusti Gardens.
Eye Prefer Paris Postcards
I am thrilled to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Postcards, a 3, 6 or 12-month subscription service where the subscriber receives three physical postcards of my iconic Paris photos every month. Each month will have a specific theme, from architectural street scenes to romantic outdoor cafes to beautiful gardens to unique shots of iconic monuments. Each mailing will include two postcards in color and one in black & white or sepia, beautifully packaged in a special French Blue postcard holder with a custom designed seal.
Each 6” X 4.25” traditional size postcard is printed on thick matte coated card stock, similar to traditional vintage postcard stock that enhances the vibrancy of every image.
Only $30 for a 3-month subscription plus shipping or
Only $60 for a 6 month subscription (plus shipping)or
$110 for a 12-month subscription (plus shipping)
Click here to order a 12-month subscription from my Etsy store
Click here to order a 6-month subscription from my Etsy store
Click here to order a 3-month subscription from my Etsy store
Come experience Eye Prefer Paris live with Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I personally lead. Eye Prefer Paris Tours include many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes, food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks and gardens and much more. In addition to my specialty Marais Tour, I also lead tours of Montmartre, St. Germain, Latin Quarter, in addition to Shopping Tours, Gay Tours, Girlfriend Tours, Food Tours, Flea Market Tours, Paris Highlights Tours, and Chocolate & Pastry tours.
Tours start at 225 euros for up to 3 people, and 75 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: 195 euros per person (about $210)
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.