If you're going to move to a part of town.
Where every building has a plaque declaring it was build in the 17th century.
You better dive into the deep end of French histoire. Particularly architectural history of Louis XIV. Last Saturday I went to see the soon-ending exhibit of Andre Le Notre in Perspective at Versailles. It’s just a 20 minute TER train ride from Gare Montparnasse.
Andre Le Notre was the son of the former king's gardener.
He was a great deal more than a gardener.
He plotted each jardin à la Francaise on a grand scale.
Saturday was a lovely, sunny day with few crowds at Versailles.
Andre Le Notre was born right in the Tuileries gardens.
Does it get more perfect than that?
The exhibit is large and detailed.
Louis XIV on a charging horse.
I wondered if I should be painting PBers astride galloping horses?
Quite an impressive man, Andre Le Notre. He amassed a huge collection of art as well as studying 5 years with painter Simon Vouet.
Have they saved ever line he drew ✏️
Witty topiary sketches. The man worked 7-days a week as artists tend to do.
Enfin the gift shop! One needs a few 17th century items doesn't one?
Lovely garden mats for a mere 5 euros.
An irresistible plate only 11 euros.
We resisted the Marie-Antoinette T-shirt but very mignon we thought.
To-die-for cups but they were 29 euros... triste
The town of Versailles offers plenty of temptations
Gateaux M-A could have munched on.
A bombe aux marrons !
Gorgeous macaron boxes that double as décor non? Back in Paris scented candle-maker Diptych had topiary in their vitrines...to swoon for. I think I'm entering my 17th century obsession period.
Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteYou get to seenthe best things. Thanks for sharing
Yes get out the fan and the hoops and go all out 17th C!!!
ReplyDeleteLove, love, love! This might be my favorite of all your posts---so far. Can you have them hold over the exhibit until April?
ReplyDeleteCarol, Whenever you share your trip to a museum I know what a treat it will be; you would make a wonderful Museum guide! A post I adored., subject matter and your choice of views to share,
ReplyDeleteand yes, 17th is the pinnacle!
j
ps you might just have to go back for a tee, I think you should have one; and I hope you did succumb to a plate or two!
ReplyDelete;))
DeleteI so easily succumbed to 1 plastic plate, 2 mats and matching paper napkins.
Then I bought a pastry box at the Patisserie (3€) with scenes of Versailles on it.
Happy as a clam.
I am in complement agreement with you on the cups - both that I must have one and that I am scandalized by the price; therefore I will not have one!
ReplyDeleteWhere do those fab raspberries come from this time of year - from Chile like ours? Only much more premium looking...
There is probably a part of France equidistant with Chile...
DeleteI love your photos :)
ReplyDeleteThe doorway with the plaque, the fabulous shot down the Metro steps, and the last shot, where the green just shouts at you.
I love the exhibit shots, too - perfect photos......
You always make me go back and take a second look ;))
ReplyDeleteI've always loved Le Notre. The precision, the geometry of the gardens, his drawings. Just very appealing to me!
ReplyDeleteinteresting.
DeleteThey are hard for me to wrap my head around. I think I prefer the British messy way of Gertrude Jekyll...the wilder, free gardens and wild flowers too.
You're taking the best photos I've ever seen from you now!
ReplyDeletefantastic piece on Versailles and Le Notre! Love love love it. Yes 17th century. Bring it on!
ReplyDeleteThat green in the last picture! Longing for spring in snowy PA.
ReplyDeleteLove le Notre's work and the garden he designed at Vaux le Vicomte - wasn't it the garden Louis was so jealous of that he stole le Notre to design Versailles?
ReplyDeleteNice to linger in the 17th century for awhile. Just don't trip on those long dresses and remember to carry your
ReplyDeleteparasol.
Loved this set..the topiary pictures are amusing...the mugs are super...and of course the desserts....I
ReplyDeleteCarol, you must stop tempting me with the photos of the tarte aux framboises. I am truly getting desperate to have one. Love your post today. Love le Notre! Born in Tuileries gardens???? In a basket by the lavender? :))))) (Did you catch the right train :)
ReplyDeleteI took the real train from the train station not the wrong RER going the wrong way when we went together. takes 20 minutes. But there is one that takes just 13. I missed that one.
DeleteBUY YR ENTRY TICKETS AT THE TOURIST OFFICE THERE.
No lines!!!
All I can say is that I am soooo happy I had some raspberries in my refrigerator after reading your blog!!
ReplyDeleteThis have been a real tour of France, your pictures are so beautiful !!!!!!!!! <3
ReplyDelete