Museums, Chateau & Monuments | A French Collection

The Oldest Public Clock in Paris: The Conciergerie Clock Tower

In the middle of the city of Paris, on the Île de la Cité, stands the Conciergerie. The Conciergerie, positioned on the very edge of the Seine River, and with its dramatic four towers, also houses the oldest public clock in Paris. The clock is housed, funnily enough, in the Clock Tower. If you'd like to read about the history of the Conciergerie click here for blog post Marie Antoinette’s Last Prison: A Guide to the Conciergerie, Paris.

The Clock Tower was built by King Jean II (Jean le Bon) between 1350 and 1353, on the corner of what is now the Quai de l'Horloge and the Boulevard du Palais. It rises 47 metres tall and was originally built as a lookout for the Royal Palace. Later In 1370, King Charles V commissioned a clock to be installed in the tower. The clock was designed by Henri de Vic and was the first public clock in Paris.

Marie Antoinette’s Last Prison: A Guide to the Conciergerie, Paris

Marie Antoinette's Last Prison: A Guide to the Conciergerie, Paris

Ever wondered what the history is of the Conciergerie that stands boldly on the water's edge of the Seine on Île de la Cité? Was Marie Antoinette actually imprisoned in the Conciergerie? Today the Conciergerie operates as a museum and is listed as a national monument, but it's been used for many different purposes over the centuries. It's a popular visitor attraction in Paris where you can explore the medieval halls of the former royal palace and the prisons used during the French Revolution. And yes, the Conciergerie was Marie Antoinette's last prison before her death.

The Conciergerie can be described as a relic of the Palace of the Cité, the royal residence in the Middle Ages. It has kept its original name as it was the headquarters for the Conciergerie of the Palace, chief of police and justice of Paris. In the XIV century, Charles V left his residence for the Louvre and transformed the Conciergerie into a State prison.

The Statue of Liberty in Paris

Statue of Liberty in Paris

You'll find the Statue of Liberty in Paris on the Île aux Cygnes. The statue is a replica of the famous monument in New York City offered by the Americans to the French. Formally named 'Liberty Enlightening the World' most of us know, and love her as, 'the Statue of Liberty'.

Three years after the inauguration of the Statue of Liberty in New York City, the French people living in the United States offered to their fellow countrymen of France a replica of the statue for the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The inauguration of this statue took place on 4 July 1889 (the American Independence Day) in the presence of French president Sadi Carnot.

Grand Palais, Paris

In 1892 the President of the French Republic, Sadi Carnot, decided to organise the 1900 Universal Exhibition (or World Fair) in Paris, so he put into action the building of both the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais. The two palaces were designed together with the intention of extending the perspective of the Invalides on the Right Bank. With work beginning on the Grand Palais in 1897, it was an immense project to complete by the 1900 World Fair.

Arènes de Lutèce – Roman ruins in Paris

Arènes de Lutèce - Roman ruins in Paris

Have you visited the Roman ruins in Paris, Arènes de Lutèce? The Lutece Arena is listed as a historical monument and is tucked away in Square Capitan, a small garden in the iconic Latin Quarter. The Roman ruins are a reminder of the age-old history of the City of Paris. The story of Paris starts even before Roman settlement with the Parisii tribe. The Parisiis were a Celtic tribe that settled on the banks of the Seine in the 3rd century BC.

The Parisii settlement was strategically located at a crossing point of the Seine, which made it an important trade centre and easier to defend. However, not totally defensible, because it was in 52 BC that the invading Romans were able to overtake the settlement and claim the town as their own.

Discover Stunning French Châteaux with Photos

France is called "the land of the châteaux", and with over 45,000 châteaux scattered across the breath and width of the country it literally is a land filled with stunning châteaux!

Discover Stunning French Châteaux with Photos

In this beautiful post we discover some stunning French châteaux and there's gorgeous photos, a little history and fun info on each. Use this post to plan your itinerary for your next trip to France, or to simply enjoy some armchair travelling.

Some regions are well known for their immense and stunning châteaux and are popular with visitors, but castles and châteaux are literally dotted all across France. The Loire Valley has some of the most visited châteaux, but the Dordogne and Languedoc also have their fair share of stunning castles and châteaux. Read on for more information about France's stunning castles and be inspired by our stunning French château photos.

Place des Vosges – The Oldest Square in Paris

Place des Vosges - The Oldest Square in Paris

Place des Vosges is famously one of the most elegant residential squares in Paris. It’s an exclusive and much sought after address with its distinctive red and sand coloured stone and tile matching buildings, with large windows that overlook its beautiful enclosed park.

While living in this prestigious and glamorous Square is not possible for the majority of us; the park with its fountain, playground, large trees and manicured lawns are available for anyone to enjoy. Peaceful all year round, but particularly charming in spring and autumn, I love to visit Place des Vosges when in Paris.

European Heritage Day – Journées du Patrimoine

European Heritage Day - Journées du Patrimoine

Have you ever wanted to look behind the closed doors of French government and wander the corridors of normally closed châteaux?

Well you can, on each third weekend of September during the annual Journées du Patrimoine, or European Heritage Days. Over the weekend the public are welcome to explore some of France's most exclusive locations as part of the 'portes ouvertes' (open doors) event that takes place across Europe.