Annette Charlton | A French Collection

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.

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.

Rue Crémieux – The Most Colourful Street in Paris

Rue Crémieux Paris The Most Colourful Street of Paris

Rue Crémieux - The Most Colourful Street in Paris

Rue Crémieux in the 12th arrondissement of Paris is one of the prettiest and most colourful streets in Paris and for everyone who loves coloured buildings, pots of greenery and cobbled streets, you'll love Rue Crémieux.

This delightful Parisian street has become so popular it's the subject of blog posts and loads of Instagram photos and because of its extreme popularity, this previously quiet residential street has gone from unknown to a highly sought after tourist location. Because of this and in respect of the owners living in Rue Crémieux who are often inundated with over zealous photographers, come visit the street with me via my photos take some years earlier (before it was 'discovered') instead of adding to the pedestrian traffic in Rue Crémieux - the locals will thank you!

Giveaway – Luxury French Gift Box

Luxury French Gift Boxes by My Beautiful French Collection Boxes

Feeling Lucky? My Beautiful French Collection Box Giveaway

This week we have exciting news especially for you. We've teamed up with the very sweet Carolyn, editor of Perfectly Provence, and her team to create a luxury Giveaway.

A French Collection and My Beautiful French Collection Box are giving away one ‘So French So Chic‘ box to a lucky winner. (Pictured below) This beautifully wrapped box will transport you to France with French blue items including a Savon de Marseille soap, elegant French linen scarf and gorgeous notebook celebrating the art of Berthe Morisot. The contest details are below.

The Most Beautiful Villages of France Official Guide

Baux-de-Provence in The Most Beautiful Villages of France

Baux-de-Provence a village in The Most Beautiful Villages of France guide

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association

When you think of France do you think of medieval villages perched on top of rocky peaks, cobblestone lanes, pastel shutters, steep narrow streets, small chapels, half timbered houses, pretty flower boxes and walled gardens? Well, you are not alone.

This is the image of France many of us have in our minds and what takes travellers back time and time again. There are just so many beautiful villages to explore and admire in France, it could literally take a lifetime. Thankfully you don't have to travel the breadth and depth of the country to find the most beautiful ones for yourself. This has already been done by the Association of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France and gorgeously presented in their guide - The Most Beautiful Villages of France.

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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

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

Rue Crémieux – The Most Colourful Street in Paris

Rue Crémieux - The Most Colourful Street in Paris

Giveaway – Luxury French Gift Box

Feeling Lucky? My Beautiful French Collection Box Giveaway

The Most Beautiful Villages of France Official Guide

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association

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