Notre Dame de Paris // Paris
Our Lady of Paris is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Her legendary gargoyles have kept watch over the city, her bells can be heard rising far and wide, her three 13th-century colorful rose glass windows are awe-inspiring, and her two towers were the tallest structures in Paris until the Eiffel Tower was completed. She is the most visited place in Paris annually.
Did you know it took 182 years to build the cathedral? And that in 2013 the cathedral celebrated its 850 anniversary.
I was luckily enough to have visited her twice on my trip to Paris in 2017. I sat inside and marveled at the rose windows and vaulted ceiling. Then climbed the 140 steps of the towers, enjoyed the views over the Île de la Cité and beyond, stood next to the ancient gargoyles and chimera, and walk among the bells. Notre-Dame is more than a building, it’s a symbol of Paris and of hope!
- Size: 5x7
- Materials: watercolor + pen on watercolor paper
Le Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower) // Paris
Oh la la! Is there anything more iconic of France than La Tour Eiffel? If I could spend everyday strolling along the Seine, baguette or croissant (or both) in hand, towards the wrought iron lattice tower…that’s Heaven!
Constructed as the entrance for the 1889 World’s Fair, it remains the tallest structure in Paris—the views are incroyable! And watching it burst into effervescent sparkles each evening…well it gives me goose-bumps just thinking about it. No wonder today it’s the most-visited paid monument in the world.
- Size: 5x7
- Materials: Watercolor and pen on watercolor paper
Le Consulat // Paris
If Paris is the city of romance, the charming neighborhood of Montmartre is the heart. Cobblestone streets, trailing ivy up buildings, artistic history (Van Gogh, Picasso, ToulouseLautrec, Monet among other greats had flats in the area), and of course the cutest cafes, all nestled in the shadow of the The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris.
Montmartre Hill is the highest point in the city and the views are nothing short of spectacular.
Just around the corner from Sacré-Cœur, sits Le Consulat café, one of the oldest houses in the area. This coffee house has a menu of French wines, French cuisine and vintage charm galore. Standing the test of time the café was visited by plenty of the acclaimed artists, writers and painters that flocked to the area in the 19th century.
- Size: 5x7
- Materials: watercolor + pen on watercolor paper
Arc de Triomphe // Paris
Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, the incredibly elaborate structure took 30 years to finish and remains the world’s second largest triumphal arch. It’s an architectural icon in Paris and the landmark site of several large-scale events each year such as the Bastille Day parade and celebration and the final leg/finish line of the Tour de France cycling race.
Each of the four base pillars feature relief scenes of four war victories while names of major battles during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods and of 558 generals are listed around the top and inside walls. Visitors can access the site at the center of the craziest roundabout via an underground tunnel then enjoy a small museum and stunning views from atop the 164-foot high roof viewing platform. It’s a fantastic place to watch the sunset over the city and enjoy the twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower in the evenings.
- Size: 5x7
- Materials: watercolor + pen on watercolor paper
La Maison Rose // Paris
Walk around the charming Parisian neighborhood of Montmartre and you’re sure to stumble upon La Maison Rose. Literally translates to The Pink House, the cafe has been serving coffee to the artists and writers who have called Montmartre home for more than 100 years. Nestled on the corner of a cobbled stone intersection beneath buildings covered with ivy just around the corner from the towering Sacré-Cœur Basilica, La Maison Rose is definitely one of the most photographed places in the neighborhood. It continues to capture the the classic allure of this delightful neighborhood.
- Size: 5x7
- Materials: watercolor + pen on watercolor paper
Shakespeare & Company // Paris
After visiting Notre Dame, walk across the bridge to the Left Bank of Paris and enjoy the charm and collection of Shakespeare & Company. Perhaps the most famous independent bookstore in the world, this shop with its green and yellow façade, rustic signage, and literally collection has people overflowing onto the sidewalk in reminiscent of days of Paris past.
Find a book, grab some coffee and sit outside soaking in the creative energy of the city.
- Size: 5x7
- Materials: watercolor + pen on watercolor paper
