It was my second time in Paris, after my first in 1998. Paris, La Ville-Lumière, The City of Light. The spring was sunny and breezy. And it was full of love, that makes it impossible not to fall for the city.

There are too many beautiful things in Paris. It is nearly impossible to explore even half of its main attractions in a visit. I always prefer to do it in slow motion, feel and memorize the atmosphere, the vibe of the place. But I can suggest and share you some simple things to do in Paris.

Have lunch at unbeatable French bistros, such as Le Comptoir de Relais at Saint Germain. Enjoy the romance on Pont Neuf, the famous bridge crossing Seine River. Pray and feel at peace at Notre Dame cathedral. Just wander and get lost in the Latin quarter and take a nap in one of its little parks. Admire the glorious Eiffel tower from many spots of the city; wait until its thousands of lights start flashing, glittering your dusk. Go to the Louvre, seek Da Vinci’s Monalisa. Shop till you drop on Avenue des Champ Elysées. Watch Moulin Rouge and be amazed. Dress uniquely, as it is the capital of fashion.

Once I asked a favor from a man to take a picture of me on Pont Neuf. He was apparently a poet, whose origin was Peru. Through our little chat, I was told that he had been living in many places in the world just to discover more and more about life. One simple thing he said, to feel joy and happiness, we have to open our hearts to sorrow.

In the city of love, wisdom comes in many wonderful ways. Paris oh Paris…

Chateau de Chambord

It was a lovely spring in Loire Valley, the Garden of France, the Cradle of the French Language, Vallée de la Loire…

Never really like French car

My trip started at Avis rent-a-car in Paris (Rent a car! It’s the best way to explore Loire). Driving on the right lane of the road was quite frightening, as I hadn’t done it for years. After 2 hours trying-not-to-kill-ourselves driving, I and my girlfriend reached Loire Valley and checked in at a beautiful small châteaux, Chateau de la Villaine, for 120 euro per night. It is owned by a retired Dutch couple, Joke and Adrian (She’s not a joke, call her Yo-ke). What you get is worth every euro you spend. Good hospitality, nice room, beautiful chateau, huge surrounding land, plus delicious cookies with your afternoon tea. Life is good in Loire.

Nice house to have!

If you wish to add 35 euro per person, you then can have dinner at the chateau. Joke is an excellent cook. And the food is of course French. We decided to have it once, together with another two guests from South Africa. It was such a nice dinner and Adrian never stopped pouring the wine.

Loire Valley is famous for its wine. You will find many wineries along the way, and feel free to stop by and taste the wine. I tried it once in Touraine, and found its rosé exceptional. I am not a wine expert, but I love having my every meal with wine, especially whenever I travel to Europe. But remember not to drink and drive, unless you are willing to drive 35 km/hr along the country road.

The main attraction is the châteaux. Numbering more than 300 in the area, there are several unbelievably big ones that you have to see. I decided to go to Chateau d’Azay le Rideau, Chambord, Chenonceau, Ussé, and Amboise. I like Chateau de Amboise the most. It is up on the hill with amazing view to its surrounding town. I also learned that Leonardo da Vinci lived, worked and was buried here, under the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, adjoining the Château, which had been built in 1491–96. His house, which is located in the nearby Clos Lucé (it’s a lovely house! I wish a photographer like me can afford it), connected to the château by an underground passage.

It must have been nice to be a French nobles, I thought, as some of the châteaux (with hundreds of rooms) were even only for summer holidays, or a gift for their wives (as long as you have a hundred servants to take care of you and your property).

Street Market in Loches

I would also suggest you to go to the small towns in the area, like Loches, to feel its local atmosphere. Go to the street markets, town squares or just walk exploring the city.

Last but not least, the food (I love eating and I can talk about food for hours. But since it is a photo/design blog, I’m sure it’s not your best interest ). For food lovers, French might be the best. For food lovers who also love arts, French is definitely the best. It will satisfy not only your tongue, but also your eyes (and ears, as the waiters/waitresses sound very sexy). Bon appétit!

Amboise

Amboise

Chenonceaux

Boats at Chambord

Raigny Ussé

Wild flowers

Pines

Strawberry sold in street market

You can see I was busy taking photos