Sunday 18 December 2011

Back from Paris(and Ashbourne)

The Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees in Paris.A very famous sight.Down either side there was a Xmas market.We stayed in the Ibis hotel in the Bastille area.It is certainly a hotel I would recommend with good restaurants nearby.We flew from Manchester with Flybe in their brand new aircraft.We were on its first flight since taking delivery!

A view down the Seine.The Eiffel Tower was in the distance but hasn't shown on the photo.Below Montmartre.


We love going to art galleries and had pre booked to see the Gertrude Stein Collection at the Grand Palais.A wonderful exhibition showing works by Picasso,Cezanne,Matisse and others which havn't been in an exhibition before.The Steins were great cllectors of art and supported young artists.If you have seen the latest Woody Allen film "Midnight in Paris" you will recognise this.If you havn't seen it -go.Its a brilliant film.

We also went to Musee D'Orsay which has a huge collection of works by Renoir,Van Gogh,Degas,Seurat etc.Wonderful


We also went to Galleries Lafayette.What an amazing store.Jimmy Choo shoes at 500 euros etc.


Every Xmas they do brilliant animated window displays which schoolchildren come to see.There are little platform/bridges so they can see better.This year's theme was Rock'n'Roll



Our trip was very enjoyable.We had great time but to finish a couple of photos from C's birthday weekend near Ashbourne


Ilam Country Park(NT).We had lunch here on the Saturday after a walk in nearby Dovedale


The whole family.I'm in the middle in the red jacket.So lovely to have everyone together


The morning of C's birthday surrounded by our gorgeous grandchildren-all still in their pj's.Now it is back down to earth after a superb week.



















10 comments:

  1. Fab photos - what a week!!! xxx

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  2. Oh, how wonderful! I love the Musee D'Orsay and Galleries Lafayette. What a super week you have have had:)

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  3. You've had a wonderful time. I love Paris, and I love Ilam Hall too. We've been there many times. It's like the land time forgot!!!
    Great to have time with the whole family too!
    xxx

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  4. I love Paris, so amazing!
    It's so chic!xx

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  5. Well, you certainly managed to do a lot in Paris. Sounds as if you had a really good time.

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  6. What fabulous photo's - love the family one! I aspire to a pair of Jimmy Choos but unless I win the lotto ..... Have a very lovely Christmas xx

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  7. Wow! Looks like you had a fabulous time. We have all our family home for the Christmas break. Chaos, but lovely! have a good Christmas. Ros

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  8. I am so glad you all had a wonderful time and you will all have some wonderful memories to cherish. Paris looks fabulous! Glad you are home safe and sound.

    Merry Christmas, Sxx

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  9. Snap!!! We didn't get to see the Galeries Lafeyette displays, we were there in October, but agree wholeheartedly that the Stein exhibition was wonderful, as was Paris (but so so expensive!). Thanks for the comment on my blog.

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  10. Nice to know the birthday celebration continued on in like manner from Waterhouses.

    The Musee D'Orsay is amazing isn't it, wherever you turn there is a picture you've known all your life.

    BTW I watched 'Midnight in Paris' on the Amsterdam - Nairobi flight. It was a bit strange watching Owen Wilson being 'Woody Allen'. I really enjoyed it but I probably wouldn't have watched it if you hadn't recommended it at Waterhouses

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