Paris

Hannah Wilson

Masquerade Ball of Versailles

7 Comments Versailles

The moment I heard about a Masquerade Ball at the Palace of Versailles I knew I had to attend. I’m mostly a homebody and not much of a party animal, but the idea of dressing up like Marie Antoinette at the actual chateau was enough to push me to purchase the 78€ tickets (88€ for people over 26 years). The spending didn’t stop there, oh no. We rented some of the least expensive Rococo costumes available at the nearest Costume Shop, Déguisez-Moi, which ran from 80-110€ apiece.

I’m not complaining about the money spent – in fact, I have no regrets whatsoever! Since this is probably once-in-a-lifetime (or twice, if I still live here next summer), I’m more than willing to cough up the funds to have the experience. Actually, we decided that if we ever do this again, we’ll splurge even more on the costumes. I had some major costume envy when I saw a coordinating couple drenched entirely in bright white, feathers and crystals – the woman’s petticoat extended at least 3 feet to each side! My costume was lovely but not a true robe à la française. I suppose you’ll have to fork over more money if you want something truly authentic.

Read more

Jardin des Tuileries - French Californian
Hannah Wilson

Wandering Wednesdays

Comments Paris, Wandering

I adore wandering. If it weren’t for sore feet and basic needs like food and sleep, I’d wander all day long! Since I’m now in charge of the ParisPerfectRentals Instagram account, I have a wonderful excuse to just stroll around Paris looking for beautiful things! This week, I discovered a gorgeous reconstruction of an Art Nouveau hotel inside Musée Carnavalet, and then enjoyed the momentarily good weather at the Tuileries gardens. I even visited the Palais Royal gardens for the first time ever, but I’ll wait until next week to share those photos with you.

Read more

Hannah Wilson

Monet’s House

Comments See & Do

If you’ve ever wondered what Impressionism looks like in the form of a house – a speculation that has probably never been a priority in your life – then you may have also wandered what Claude Monet’s house looks like. I mean, he’s practically the king of Impressionism as far as I’m concerned, and if his house doesn’t embody 19th century French painting, then I don’t know what does.

… these are the kinds of thoughts that go through my head on a regular basis…

I had been to Giverny twice, and on both occasions, photographs inside the house were strictly Forbidden, with a capital F. My friend Natalie and I would always try to be sneaky and take quick iPhone snaps, thinking we were so incognito; the photos pretty much always came out blurred and crappy. THANKFULLY – and this seriously made me so happy – they now allow you to take photos! Mais sans flash, bien sûr. I discovered this while my sister was visiting me last week, and we also discovered that the Musée de l’Orangerie and Musée d’Orsay allow photographs now too.  :O

So without further ado, take a peek inside Monet’s house:

Read more

Hannah Wilson

Wandering Wednesdays

Comments Paris, Wandering

On Monday, the sun was out and all I needed to keep warm was a light jacket. I was on the hunt to find Easter treats in the chocolateries of Paris, but I also stumbled across tons of other great things! I walked all the way from Boulangerie La Moulin de la Vierge on Rue Saint Dominique, to the golden doors and dome of the Hôtel des Invalides, to the spring window displays at Ladurée, and the beautifully designed restaurants of Saint Germain and Saint Michel. I felt happy to be alive, and I think this batch of photos might be my favourite yet.

Read more

Hannah Wilson

Wandering Wednesdays

Comments Wandering

Wandering Wednesday is back! It’s been a solid few months since the last one, but let’s just focus on the present, shall we?

This Sunday, I ate a scrumptious and very American brunch at Breakfast in America. Bacon, root beer, pancakes, and salsa on eggs – we always thoroughly enjoy our trips there. We went to the location in the lower Marais; the dining rooms are a bit less packed-in than the location in the Latin Quarter.

Afterwards, we took a walk down towards the river and over the islands, through the 4th arrondissement. I love this area of Paris. A good chunk of it, aside from the immediate vicinity of Notre Dame and Berthillon ice cream, is so quiet and calm – or maybe it was just the winter chill that kept people away. I remember attempting to get ice cream this summer and the main street of île-Saint-Louis was PACKED with tourists. When there’s barely any people on the street, it feels like your own private world. I loved it. I kept an eye out for more color that day, since so many Paris pictures seem to be dominated by shades of white, gray, and taupe.

Read more