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Rodin Museum – Why This Is the Most Beautiful Museum in Paris

Musée Rodin, Hôtel Biron, 7th Arrondissement, Paris

Musée Rodin is a sophisticated museum housed in a pretty 18th century chateau called Hôtel Biron on rue de Varenne in the 7^th arrondissement. Surrounded by elegant dwellings, lush private gardens and foreign embassies, this museum has to be my favourite, as is the arrondissement it lives in.

Peaceful reflection is the norm in the sculpture garden and hushed admiration of the art works within the walls of Hôtel Biron is how I would describe the vibe of visitors to this museum.

There is so much to share with you about this museum. The history involving evicted nuns no less; perfectly designed gardens; paintings, and sculptures including The Thinker, The Gates of Hell and Balzac; and the architecturally magnificent Hôtel Biron. Let's find out why the Rodin Museum is the most beautiful museum in Paris.

The Thinker by Auguste Rodin – Rodin Museum

The Thinker by Auguste Rodin - Rodin Museum, Paris

The Thinker is a famous sculpture by French sculptor François Auguste René that is part of the collection of Rodin sculptures at the Rodin Museum ( Musée Rodin) in Paris.

The Rodin Museum is located in a classic 18th-century mansion called Hôtel Biron, which is nestled just behind Les Invalides in the 7th arrondissement. The elegant, two-story hôtel particulier overlooks seven acres of manicured lawns, rose gardens, and sculptures by Rodin dotted amongst rows of perfectly-pruned trees.

20 Amazing Historical Photos of Paris

Historical Paris - The Great Paris flood of 1910

20 Amazing Historical Photos of Paris

In these 20 historical photos of Paris, we get a glimpse into how devastating the Great Paris flood of 1910 was, how some of the Metro was built, old forms of transport around the city and the stunning array of pavilions and structures built for the World Fair in 1889, including of course, the Eiffel Tower. To finish off our gallery of amazing historical photos of Paris, there is a photo of a young child getting water during a hot spell from an iconic Wallace fountain.

The Great Paris Flood of 1910

It was in late January 1910, following months of high rainfall, that the Seine River flooded Paris for over a week. The Seine River banks did not actually overflow causing the flood, it was rather the water that pushed upwards from overflowing sewers and subway tunnels, and that seeped into basements through fully saturated soil, that caused the city’s flooding.

Chartres Cathedral – A UNESCO Wonder

Chartres Cathedral - A UNESCO Wonder

Chartres Cathedral is huge which ever way you look at it and viewed from the surrounding countryside, its soaring spires tower above the city. Even when you are walking in the city, you will often see the spires projecting above the rooftops. It truly is stunning! This UNESCO listed Cathedral, located in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, is one of the most authentic and complete works of religious architecture of the early 13th century, and is the major drawcard for Chartres.

Chartres is situated approximately 100km southwest of Paris and is about an hour away on the express train from Montparnasse station so can easily be a day visit from Paris.

Le Puy en Velay & Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe

Le Puy en Velay and Chapelle Saint Michel d`Aiguilhe, Auvergne, France

What to See and Do in Le Puy en Velay

Le Puy en Velay, most commonly referred to as Le Puy, is a small town in southern France with a fascinating history and heritage.

It has been an important religious centre for centuries now as it’s where one of the Camino routes in France starts. The UNESCO-protected route leads pilgrims on a journey of over 1,000km to Santiago de Compostela where Saint James is supposedly buried.

Le Puy is also famous for its own kind of green lentil as well as for the lace-making craft.

It is a charming place that will transport you to another time. Here’s what you can do and see in Le Puy.

Deauville – The 21st Arrondissement of Paris

Place de Morny, Deauville, France

Deauville, France - The 21st Arrondissement of Paris

Deauville in Normandy, France is described as Paris’ 21^st arrondissement and is known as the playground of the rich and famous. Being an easy 200 kms from Paris, it’s long been the luxury holiday destination of Parisians. Deauville’s luxurious allure started soon after Napoleon III’s half-brother, the Duke of Morny, founded it in 1861. The Duke of Morny, an influential financier, created Deauville from swamp and sandy land with the help of his physician, his banker and architect.

Reminders of the Duke of Morny everywhere

There are reminders everywhere of the Duke that created Deauville with places and shops named after him. La Place de Morny has been built as a copy of Paris’ Place de l’Etoile with eight roads converging onto the central garden and fountains. The town hall or Mairie of Deauville is located at Place de Morny.

French Tarte Tatin Recipe

Tarte Tatin, the delicious French apple cake is a traditional French dessert served in France and throughout the world. Its distinctive caramelised apple was apparently created by mistake by the Tatin sisters who served it in their hotel. It is made with a crisp buttery crust and sliced apple (or sometimes pear) caramelised in butter and sugar and served upside down.

History of the Tarte Tatin

The Tatin sisters, Caroline and Stephanie, who ran a restaurant near Orleans at the beginning of the 20th Century are given the credit for inventing this famous French dish but whether they actually invented it or made it famous, we'll never know. The story goes that while cooking for guests at their hotel-restaurant, the Tatin sisters accidentally dropped the tarte and baked it upside down. Another story goes that they accidentally baked it for too long and therefore created the delicious caramelised flavour. The tarte tatin also rose to popularity being served at Maxim's Restaurant in Paris. The dessert was first offered at the luxury restaurant in 1926.

Escape to the Chateau – ‘A Year at the Chateau’ Book Review

Escape to the Château - 'A Year At The Château' Book Review

Have you dreamt of living in a French château, even for just a little while? Well, if so, I'd say you've probably heard of Dick and Angel Strawbridge and watched their television series Escape to the Château. Maybe you've even watched their spinoff Escape to the Château - DIY show?

Did you know they've written a book, A Year At The Château, about the first year of living in their new family home, Château-de-la-Motte Husson, in Pays de la Loire? I've read the book, learnt a lot about owning a château and enjoyed hearing about their story from two different view points. That's right, both Dick and Angel share the writing and it makes for an enjoyable read.

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Rodin Museum – Why This Is the Most Beautiful Museum in Paris

Musée Rodin, Hôtel Biron, 7th Arrondissement, Paris

The Thinker by Auguste Rodin – Rodin Museum

The Thinker by Auguste Rodin - Rodin Museum, Paris

20 Amazing Historical Photos of Paris

20 Amazing Historical Photos of Paris

The Great Paris Flood of 1910

Chartres Cathedral – A UNESCO Wonder

Chartres Cathedral - A UNESCO Wonder

Le Puy en Velay & Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe

What to See and Do in Le Puy en Velay

Deauville – The 21st Arrondissement of Paris

Deauville, France - The 21st Arrondissement of Paris

Reminders of the Duke of Morny everywhere

French Tarte Tatin Recipe

French Tarte Tatin Recipe

History of the Tarte Tatin

Escape to the Chateau – ‘A Year at the Chateau’ Book Review

Escape to the Château - 'A Year At The Château' Book Review

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