Winning the Dans Le TGV contest for 'things you do on the train'.

Remember last summer when I was jumping on trains every other day and painting. I wanted to win the DansLeTGV contest for 'things you do on the train'.Well I won 2nd prize 🥇   (a very nice 200€ Of travel vouchers).

Fortunately no one else was fool enough to try painting on a moving train though some did pick up a pen or pencil.

Today I used some gift vouchers to renew my annual CARTE SENIOR. If you like taking trains in France and who doesn't its best to have a travel card. 

Plus SNCF sends you daily temptations. That's how come I went to Nice for 4 days (40€ A/R!) There are are discount cards for everyone(all 49€). 

Tomorrow morning I'm taking the train to DIJON.

To the URBAN SKETCHERS FRANCE annual meetup. I missed Aix last year.

I plan to eat everything

Burgundian.

Any suggestions of any kind are most welcome. Would you like a painting of your favorite Montrachet? Just say the word. I may even run to Beaune for a vineyard tour🥂. Thanks for reading Parisbreakfast. If you enjoyed this please share with a friend. Get monthly Paris letters, maps and watercolors in your mailbox at ETSY. xxx💋Carolg and Bear 🐻 ❤️ the TGV

Revelations at Grand Palais

When I went to REVELATIONS at Grand Palais previously it was a mostly all-French affair with just Norway as guest.

The latest edition last weekend of “Revelations“.

The 4th arts and craft biennale was a delight

Since 33 more guest countries were added.

The mix of craft artists working in so many mediums was outstanding.

Usually I'm not so thrilled by crafts but the grand scale, strong colors, variety of textures, materials and shapes made for an exciting experience.

At Revelations you had a chance to speak with the creators about their medium. Quite a few were honing their craft on site.

Revelations will be back in 2021 for another four days at Grand Palais. Its well worth planning ahead.  

All the brilliant colors and textures inspired me to do a new set of subscription bonus watercolors. Thanks for reading Parisbreakfast. If you enjoyed this please share with a friend. Get monthly Paris letters, maps and watercolors in your mailbox at ETSY. xxx💋Carolg and Bear 🐻 in Paris

Tea at the British Embassy, Festival de Loire d'Orleans

When you get an invitation for tea at the British Embassy for the upcoming FESTIVAL DE LOIRE D'ORLEANS you don't think twice. You go. No questions asked.

Do bring proper ID or you won't get past the guards or in the door.

I was a tiny bit late so I had the place to myself somewhat.Quite nice to wander about on my own.

Glorious floral bouquets.

Magnificent paintings.

Lovely clocks.

All very grand indeed. Was the Queen there?

Of course she was.

The garden looked lovely.

Admittedly I was expecting a grand tea. Still the embassy crown china was stunning.

I've been painting it all week.

On to the purpose of our gathering. The biggest boat festival in France in September. A 5-day extravaganza of fireworks, boat races, dancing, picnicking and most definitely tasting of Loire vallé wines. And British Thames boats have been invited.

Start planning now for the FESTIVAL September 18 through the 22nd. I'll be going bien sur👍🏻 Meanwhile I'll go back to painting the Queen's lovely china. Thanks for reading Parisbreakfast. If you enjoyed this please share with a friend. Get monthly Paris letters, maps and watercolors in your mailbox at ETSY.

xxx💋Carolg and Bear 🐻 in Paris

Les Fraises de Paris Map

The Paris maps began in May 4 years ago so you will get 2 maps this month🥂🍾 Two birthdays/anniversaires this weekend! I'm celebrating mine in DEAUVILLE, but not telling any birthdates.

French strawberries are May’s theme.

Sunday Lunch at Le Grand Colbert

Thank you PBer Kathleen & Mariah. When you get an invite to Sunday lunch at LE GRAND COLBERT you go. No hesitation.

Diane Keaton did not hesitate in SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE. Though I forgot to get her famous roast chicken. 

I did flirt with it but the duck won.

The traditional brasserie setting is to die for. Big globe lights (the warm, golden light makes it impossible to get a decent shot btw but you will look good). Palm plants, Empire murals, mirrors are everywhere.

The chief financier for Louis XIV, JEAN-BABTISTE COLBERT  is the restaurant's namesake. He originally bought the former townhouse on the spot designed by Louis le Vau. Then later accused le Vau of nepotism and put Nicolas Fouquet, owner of CHATEAU VAUX-LE-VICOMTE in jail for fraud and a number of other shenanigans. Not my favorite Frenchman. Never mind. 

His bust is still a good subject to doodle while waiting for your canard 🦆 

These days I doodle ✏️ more than I shoot. It’s the best record you can get of any place. Why didn't I doodle the dessert trolley?

Don't miss the mosaic floors, same as in nearby GALERIE VIVIENNE .

The floral arrangements are outstanding. Post lunch you could waltz through the Palais Royal gardens close by.

During the week, Colbert offers  a daily blackboard lunch special for 19,50€. Never on Sundays. Thanks for reading Parisbreakfast. If you enjoyed this please share with a friend. 

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xxx💋Carolg et Bear 🐻 back in Paris

Monet at Giverny and the May Paris letter

I hear it all the time, "Oh visiting GIVERNY is on my 'bucket list'". Well cross it off and JUST GO!

The May Paris Letter comes complete with train and shuttle schedules.

Only 42 minutes from Paris. What are you waiting for?

Don't forget - take the underpass and visit the Lilly ponds and famous Monet green bridges.

I admit my favorite is Monet's kitchen.

You can take his stunning blue and egg-yolk yellow porcelain home from the gift shop if you're so inclined.

I ran to Giverny on overcast Wednesday and it was still beautiful. Afternoons and mid-week are less crowded than mornings and weekends.

My Monet doodles and

1st sketch struggles.

*Do not forget to buy some Normand Camembert or Neufchatel right from the source at a Vernon fromagerie or even at the local Monoprix.

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