I love strolling the streets of Paris, and walking along the Bouquinistes is always a pleasure. It feels like I’m being transported in time. Recently, I was stopped in my tracks by the view. I stood there in awe until I realized my daughter was patiently waiting for me. I immediately immortalized the moment with a photo that combines the bouquinistes with one of my favorite buildings, the Conciergerie. Although I’ve yet to enter this building, the chateau-like facade mesmerizes me.
Conciergerie and Bouquinistes in Paris, France Photo credit: Bellanda
For those of you who are as crazy about this view as I am, I’ve decided to put the full quality version in both of my online shops for posters, prints, cards, bags and other merchandise. Let me know if you have any questions.
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 time we climbed the escalators, he’d sigh, shake his head, and look at me repeatedly. From his expression, I think he believed that his dear sweet mother had officially lost her mind.
I couldn’t help but laugh to myself because I knew what was coming. His sister played along and said nothing in order to keep the surprise. As we walked outside to our table, he stopped and gasped at the view… “Oh… yeah, okay, I get it now,” he said with a grin. He proceeded to take out his phone to capture the moment.
Priceless!
View from Printemps rooftop – Photo credit: Bellanda
There are various restaurants on the top 3 floors that range from informal to formal to meet your needs. I’ve enjoyed each of my visits to several of their restaurants, always opting for an outdoor table. The view is fabulous and we’ve been pleasantly surprised by the food. I will definitely be back!
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. I’m not sure there is ever enough time to see it all, but I am certainly enjoying the journey.
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 Fontainebleau Forest. This peaceful drive, reminded me that it’s so easy to find calm outside a busy city like Paris. So close, yet, another world.
Moret Sur Loing, France – Photo by Bellanda
Just outside the forest, we arrived in a beautifully quaint medieval town. I looked around wondering what this charming place was and why haven’t I heard of it before. Then, I saw a sign, Moret-sur-Loing. Still, nothing registered in my brain. I consoled myself with the thought that France is filled with so many beautiful places no one knows about until… There they were, clear as day, clutching phones for directions, pointing and taking photos… tourists! Wow, okay, clearly, the rock over my head had gathered moss after all of these years. How on earth could I have missed this place? There would be no consolation, nor excuses for me not to know this little town.
Moret sur Loing is absolutely charming and includes everything I love: fortified entrance gates, art, history, a walking trail along the Loing River and a beautiful church. It also has the added bonus of being known for one of France’s oldest sweets, Sucre d’Orge. The secret recipe and fabrication are unchanged since the time when it was first created by the Sisters of the Notre-Dame-des-Anges in 1638. Although it is no longer produced by nuns (since 1972), with one candy you can taste what King Louis VIII and his court, Napoleon and Sarah Bernhardt were known to love. I can’t help but to be thrilled by the idea of being transported in time, tasting a piece of history!
Sucre d’Orge Museum, Moret sur Loing – Photo by Bellanda
Situated in the middle of the Loing River, on the grounds of the ruins of the old Moulin Propencher, this island demure welcomed celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Gary Cooper. Today it houses the Sucre d’Orge Museum.
Moret Sur Loing, France – Photo by Bellanda
Moret Sur Loing, France – Photo by Bellanda
This charming village was also the home of Alfred Sisley. During the 20 years he lived there, he painted more than 400 works dedicated to Moret sur Loing and the region.
Samois Entrance Gate at Moret sur Loing – Photo by Bellanda
I had an absolutely lovely day with my family, and I recommend this little gem. I’m feeling quite blessed.
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 reflect numerous periods.
I honestly can’t believe I haven’t been here sooner and can’t recommend it enough. This is not to be missed. You can literally feel the history as you walk through its rooms and halls. A real treat!
I can never get enough of Hôtel de Ville and this Carousel! No matter how many times I pass it by, I just can’t do so without taking a photo.
This particular photo was taken while out shopping with my 17 year old so she could get an outfit for the Harry Styles concert. I don’t know many teens who would even want to do that with their Mom, nor one who wouldn’t get annoyed when they stop to take photos they already have hundreds of… but she didn’t even bat an eyelash when I interrupted our shopping, “… just one more photo.” She looked at me, smiled and said, “No problem.” She is an awesome kid and has clearly been trained from birth to be patient with her dear sweet Mom’s Paris photo obsession.
I’m sure there is a psychologist screaming out my name to tell me that their couch has a comfortable place for me, but to be honest, I have no desire to change this habit. Why should I? It’s absolutely breathtaking!
Oh, and in case you are wondering, in between photos, we managed to pick out a great outfit for Harry. I only wish I could go with her to the concert!
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: Bellanda
In addition, the park covers 460 hectares of calm. It makes for a wonderful little break from the busy city anytime of the year, and helps us get back in touch with nature – a definite breath of fresh air!
Spring at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud – Photo Crédit: BellandaParis view-Domaine National de Saint-Cloud in Spring – Photo Crédit: BellandaDomaine National de Saint-Cloud in Spring – Photo Crédit: Bellanda
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 have any questions. ❤️
Paris, France – Photo Credit: Bellanda
Paris, France – Photo Credit: Bellanda
Paris, France – Photo Credit: Bellanda
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France – Photo Credit: Bellanda
Happy Labor Day Weekend! Although I live in Paris and this beautiful city inspires much of my work, I’m American and separation from my home country can make me homesick. To help tie my two loves together, and to celebrate this American holiday from a distance, free ground shipping to U.S. customers, with destinations within the USA, is now available on all orders until midnight Eastern Time on LaborDay!
No matter where I travel, I love taking a piece of Paris with me. I thought that you might like that, too!
Notre Dame and Bellanda’s Eiffel Tower in Blue tote – Photo Credit: Bellanda
Who can resist stopping everything for yet another glimpse of Notre Dame… even if it’s off in the distance? Obviously, I can’t! 🤣 It’s almost as if I am drawn to the area… and when here, I’m mesmerized by the intricate details. A true masterpiece!
Notre Dame, Paris – Photo Credit: Bellanda
Our children love it, as well, so when their friends visit from the USA, they don’t hesitate to strike a pose together.
Paris – Notre Dame, my 2 darlings, their friend and the all famous dab. Photo Credit: Bellanda
Paris – Notre Dame, our not so little, little ones and their friend. Photo Credit: Bellanda
No matter which angle this gem is viewed… it is absolutely mesmerizing!
Notre Dame, Paris – France – Photo Credit: Bellanda
No matter where you live, it’s so easy to get caught up in life’s little details. We run from one appointment to the next and living in Paris is no different… except that when we do actually pick our heads up, we’re blessed with views like this.
Pont Neuf, Paris – Photo credit: Bellanda
Waiting for the bus, never looked so good… Paris, je t’aime. I really need to look up more often!
Living the dream... in Paris, France 