ABC Wednesday—Q is for "quaint"

 . . . and also for "queen."  This is part of 
Marie-Antoinette's Petit Hameau, her little
escape from the rigors of being royalty.
(Don't blame her a bit—seriously, who would
want to live in the palace at Versailles?)

[To see more ABC posts, go here.]

Skywatch Friday

Cherubs decorate the rooftop of the
French pavilion in the gardens
of Marie-Antoinette's Petit Trianon, 
at Versailles.

[To see more Skywatch pics, go here.]

Shady arbor at Versailles

Once you move away from the chateau itself,
the crowds thin out a lot and it's much 
easier to appreciate the beauty of this place.
This arbor is on the grounds of the 
Petit Trianon, the (relatively) little home
that Marie-Antoinette could escape to from time to 
time and live a (again, relatively) normal life.

[Linking back to The Weekend in Black and White
and to Shadow Shot Sunday.]

The Grand Trianon

Decorating Louis XIV's home-away-from-home
at Versailles: Apparently when they found a
fabric they liked, they cornered the market
on it and used it for absolutely everything . . .  

including the draperies, of course!

[To see more Mellow Yellow, go here.]

"Sky Mirror"

That's the name of this sculpture by Anish Kapoor,
part of a (somewhat controversial) exhibit
on display now at Versailles.

The other side reflects the sky (and
the chateau) upside down. 

[Linking back to Skywatch Friday
and Weekend Reflections.]

Traveling Tuesdays

Here's a photo from the time BD—before digital.
It's part of Marie Antoinette's Petite Hameau at
Versailles. Can't you just see the young queen and her
handmaidens playing at being "rustics" here?


[To see more Tuesday travels, visit Sandi's meme.]

Happy Birthday, Eric!

Eric of Paris Daily Photo (aka our hero and the

man who invented the daily photo blog) is

having a big birthday today. In his honor, I've

chosen a photo taken from "the famous Tenin

perspective." Eric, this is the road that leads to

the rest of your life—see how long and straight

and free of obstacles it is! Merci bien for your

inspiration and your friendship. Have a very bon

anniversaire and many many more, mon capitain!