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The streets of Paris blur past you as you rush to get to your appointment, the scent of fresh pastries mixing with the chatter of tourists as you hurry. You weave through the crowd, realizing you’ll have to walk quickly to be on time. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you catch a glimpse of the majestic towers of Notre Dame standing tall against a blue sky. To you, it is a symbol of…

Is it ever truly possible to get used to seeing this magnificent structure? Eiffel Tower in Paris, France – Photo credit: Bellanda I for one have never gotten used to it. Its brilliant light still makes my heart skip a beat. ❤️

After 2 years of Madeleine’s phase 1 renovation, I’m loving the results! Such a gorgeous facade! Next renovation phase is scheduled for 2025.

Pont Neuf – Oldest bridge in Paris, FrancePhoto credit: Bellanda Quai des Orfèvres in Paris, FrancePhoto credit: Bellanda

I took our 17 and 18 year old to the department store Printemps for lunch the other day. We had just spent the last couple of hours shopping, and to put it nicely, is not my son’s favorite thing to do. As we walked into the men’s store, my son looked at me almost desperately and said, “Y’a know, Mom, there are real restaurants we can go to for lunch. Why on earth are we going here?” The entire…

I’ve been living in France for over 20 years, and in all of the time that I have been here, I still haven’t run out of places to see. This past Mother’s Day was the perfect example of how this region continues to surprise me. My dear sweet Frenchman planned a little road trip for the family. After driving about an hour in a southeast direction, I realized we were driving through the gorgeous…

If you are visiting Paris, the Château de Fontainebleau is about an hour away, and is absolutely worth the visit. Château de Fontainebleau – Photo Crédits: ©Bellanda Napoleon Bonaparte coined it “the true abode of kings and the palace of ages.” It is the only château that has been home to all 34 kings and 2 emperors over the last 8 centuries, and its architectural transformations and additions…

Lady Eiffel looks pretty good from here!

Over the last 9 months we started taking little trips outside of Paris to the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud where we’ve been rewarded with spectacular views of Paris. It’s too good to keep to myself… and definitely worth the visit on a beautiful day. Winter view of Paris-Domaine National de Saint-Cloud – Photo Crédit: Bellanda Winter view at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud – Photo Crédit:…

Paris, Paris, Paris -Yes, I’m still here

Life has indeed changed since Covid rocked the world, but my love for this gorgeous city is eternal. With mask, health pass and antibacterial gel in hand, I’ve begun to enjoy Paris again. I know that sounds weird, but it’s definitely possible! I’m aware that travel is still limited for some of you, so I’ve decided to get this blog moving more regularly with some of my photos… Let me know if you…