The History of Luxury Hotels in Paris, Part 1, 1855-1909 (Video)
France Revisited’s “Conversation with an Expert” series launched on April 15 with a 3-part discussion between Gary Lee Kraut, editor of France Revisited, and Jean-Pierre Soutric, a leading French specialist and consultant on luxury hotels around the world.In Part 1, which can be viewed here, they examine the creation and evolution of luxury hotels in Paris from 1855 to 1909,
Yours, Mine, Le Nôtre’s: An American Photographer Examines the Garden of Versailles
As France celebrates the 400th anniversary of the birth of André Le Nôtre, the father of French gardens, France Revisited explores some of this 17th-century landscape gardener’s most famous gardens and parks. Here, American photographer Elise Prudhomme guides us along the garden paths of Versailles.
The Rothschilds in France, a 19th-century Riches to Riches Story
Rothschild: whether pronounced in English, German, Italian or English, the name has for 200 years signified wealth, in particular Jewish wealth. We still speak, as do the French, of someone as being rich as Rothschild—or more likely not rich as Rothschild.
Defining Expatriates: American Women Between the World Wars
When does an American stop being a long-term resident of Paris and become an expatriate? The answer depends on both the subject and the...
Seduction, Wealth and the Skirt-Chasers of the Marais
Thirza Vallois recounts tales of seduction and wealth and the skirt-chasers of the Marais, including Victor Hugo, DSK, a duke, a king and a playwright.
Paris on the Edge: Does the French Capital Need High-Rises and Towers to Stay...
One doesn't usually think of this low dense city having much in the way of a skyline, but Paris is now in the well advanced planning stages for the most significant changes to the city’s architectural profile in 40 years.
Vice & Versailles: A Master Gardener Delves Into the Dark Shadows of the Louis...
As head gardener of Versailles Alain Baraton is responsible for restoring and maintaining the majesty of the backyard of kings, but he appears to relish in declaring that “Versailles was a great shop of horrors.” In the book "Vice et Versailles" Baraton leads readers into the dark side of the great palace.
The March Equinox at Saint Sulpice Church
The March equinox, also known as the vernal or spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, occurred today. That’s the moment when the sun is...
A Year Ends, A Year Begins in a Hopeful Little Paris Garden
The year 2015 ends on a bright and hopeful day in Paris. I’m relieved to feel no compulsion to come up with resolutions for 2016; I can simply reuse those of 2015 since none of them was realized. Something about this makes me happy.