As a young girl, my parents’ co-worker traveled extensively throughout Europe. I am not sure when or how I caught the bug, but I was fascinated with all things French. Fueling this was the Parisian postcards this co-worker brought back from his travels, and he gifted them to me. I would stare for hours, dreaming of the day I would be old enough to go myself. High School French, Berlitz records, and a handy guidebook were my ammunition to start planning.
I had just finished my program at New York School of Interior Design, a wonderful breath of knowledge of the History of Decorative Arts whirring in my head, but now I would experience it in person as opposed to just a book. I boarded Air France with my companion.
In the late ‘70’s, there was quite a bit of controversy surrounding The French. Friends advised me to travel elsewhere because the French “didn’t like Americans”. I told everyone, I didn’t care, and I was going to go and throw myself at them, and they were going to love me. End of that argument.
We checked into Hotel Regina, located in the 1st Arrondissement, inaugurated in 1900 for the Paris World’s Fair. The five-star Hotel Regina is a historic, family-owned establishment located near the Louvre on the former site of the Louvre Palace’s royal riding stables. Founded by Leanard Tauber and Constant Baverez, it was named after Queen Victoria to honor the Entente Cordiale. Known for its Belle Epoque elegance, it was renovated in 2015 and remains operated by the founder’s family.
At The Place des Pyramides which is a public square in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. It is in the middle of the Rue de Rivoli, at its intersection with the Rue des Pyramides and the Avenue du General Lemonnier, at the eastern end of the Jardin des Tuileries. Garden. A gilded statue of Joan of Arc (a Capricorn like me) commands your attention
The view of the Louvre across the street from our hotel was glorious,
but to see Mona Lisa was exceptional.
We were steps away from the Rue de Rivoli with exceptional shopping, and the Jardin des Tuileries was intoxicating. Ordering Les Oeuf Brouille` was a treat, I never dreamt eggs could taste so amazing. Each and every café we ventured into was a unique and new experience!
Chateau de Fontainebleau, home to French royalty for centuries, features a mix of architectural styles from the 12th to the 19th century.
We traveled to Versailles, where I was able to dig deep with my new design chops. The Hall of Mirrors, Louis XIV, XV & XVI were to be experienced everywhere, Furniture, Art, Architecture, and Gardens only deepened my love of all things French!
As many of you know, Paris holds a special place in my heart. I found myself back once again after 45+ years last October, but instead of seeing all of the famous tourist sites, my daughter and I went shopping!
We arrived!
It has been on my bucket list for a very long time to go back.I told all my friends I was going to rent a car (preferably a stick shift) and drive around the Arc de Triomphe. (Of course, that didn’t happen) Fast forward 45+ years, and on a whim, my daughter and I decided to visit. I booked the same Hotel Regina.It achieved a comfort level, and I wanted to see how much it had changed.I knew there were updates and renovations, but to what extent?Upon arrival, I was so pleasantly surprised that the Hotel had changed but they retained all the charming characteristics that I held in my memories. I was delighted. The concierge and staff were shocked to learn that I had stayed with them 45+ years ago.Most of the employees were of a completely different generation.
Our mission this time was shopping!
The primary shopping gallery directly at Place de l’Opéra is the massive Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, renowned for its stunning 43-meter Art Nouveau glass dome, spanning three buildings with luxury fashion, dining, and a rooftop terrace. Located on Boulevard Haussmann (9th arr.).
We spent time in the Place des Vendôme.” Goyard, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Rolex, Marin Montagut, and of course, Pop Mart.
Visiting this magical city in the late ‘70’s imbued itself on me in every way. I felt empowerment of knowledge, privilege, and enlightenment. We visited every site imaginable, sat in cafés for hours people watching, ate food that was memorable, and fell in love with every moment.
The Palais Garnier is a famous opera house located in Paris, France. It was built between 1861 and 1875 at the behest of Emperor Napoleon III. The building is known for its ornate architecture, featuring 17 different materials on its facade, including marble, velvet, and gilding. The structure is a major historic monument in Paris and serves as a venue for opera and ballet performances.
The Eiffel Tower
On the Champ de Mars in Paris, France. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower from 1887 to 1889. Locally nicknamed “La dame de fer” (French for “Iron Lady”)
Sadly, on our ‘70’s trip it was closed for renovations, and we were not able to enter. This time, we put it first on our list to see this fabulous structure
