Posts Tagged: France

Marie Antoinette library at Versailles The Versailles You’ve Never Seen

Posted on September 19, 2017 by Stacey Bewkes   •   9 Comments
You’ve made the requisite pilgrimage to Versailles and seen the storied chateau, in all likelihood with throngs of others. The Hall of Mirrors was glorious, the magnificent gardens sublime but in truth, you saw only a small portion of the great and hidden splendors of the Sun King’s Palace.…
Posted in architecture, art, art history, design, garden, history, interior design, photography, travel | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments  

A Day at Château de Fontainebleau - the pond pavilion A Day at Château de Fontainebleau

Posted on January 17, 2016 by Stacey Bewkes   •   4 Comments
Whereas many chateaux are associated primarily with a particular resident or royal, Chateau de Fontainebleau represents almost 1,000 years of French ruling dynasties. A Day at Château de Fontainebleau offers not only insights into the history, art and culture of France throughout the centuries, but also the lives of those who inhabited this magnificent French landmark.…
Posted in architecture, art, art history, books, design, history, interior design, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments  

Oval salon at Vaux le Vicomte A Day at Château de Vaux le Vicomte

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Stacey Bewkes   •   8 Comments
While no doubt familiar with the palatial splendor of Louis XIV’s Versailles, what you may not know is that the inspiration, and indeed the architect, decorator and garden designer, were taken (rather literally) from Nicolas Fouquet’s masterpiece, the Château de Vaux le Vicomte.…
Posted in architecture, art history, garden, history, interior design, travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments  

International House Guest Video with Susanna Salk and Timothy Corrigan

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Stacey Bewkes   •   20 Comments
As the indomitable Ms. Vreeland taught us, the eye indeed has to travel, so today we are delighted to introduce a new video series, International House Guest. Our first episode takes us to the Loire Valley where designer Timothy Corrigan has meticulously renovated Château du Grand-Lucé, transforming this estate of impressive stature and significance into his chic french home.…
Posted in architecture, art, interior design, International House Guest, Stylish Shopping, travel | Tagged , , , , , | 20 Comments  

New Passport Rules | Traveler Beware

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Stacey Bewkes   •   32 Comments
Anyone who has seen me within the last week now knows of the new passport rules governing international travel. And while this may not be within my usual topic of discussion, I feel it prudent to share my recent experiences. new passport rules I was scheduled to leave for Paris the Tuesday evening before last.…
Posted in travel | Tagged , , | 32 Comments  

Le Quatorze Juillet

Posted on July 14, 2013 by Stacey Bewkes   •   6 Comments
So today we recognize Bastille Day, le quatorze juillet, with a little red white and blue, French style. I’ve gathered just a few of my iconic French favorites, from a great Côtes du Rhône to the Breton classic Amor Lux (can’t even think how many of these I’ve owned over the years).…
Posted in At Ease, beauty, fashion, food and drink, gifts, holiday | Tagged , , | 6 Comments  

At Ease | Riviera Refinement

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Stacey Bewkes   •   8 Comments
Who doesn’t dream about renting a villa with water views on the French Riviera? It’s all about summering at ease with a relaxed refinement that combines understated luxe from table to attire. You too can fantasize you’re lounging in this Cap Ferrat villa with these fashionable finds.…
Posted in fashion, gifts, travel | Tagged , , | 8 Comments  

The Discreet Charm of the Petit Trianon

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Stacey Bewkes   •   6 Comments
Today we travel back to Versailles to take a quick look at the Petit Trianon. Built by Louis XV for his influential mistress Madame de Pompadour, who died before she could ever inhabit it, it is Marie Antoinette who is most associated with the charming chateau.…
Posted in architecture, design, furniture, interior design, travel | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments