Cultural and Historical Learnings of France.

So, I've been in Paris for 6 months now, I love the city. I really do. I love how beautiful it is, even in the driving rain. I love its quaint eaterys, cake shops and patisseries, restaurants of any cuisine you could imagine... (can you see a pattern here...)

OKAY I love food.

I get excited when I find a new blog showcasing Paris' newest boho coffee shop and automatically GoogleMap it and see their prices for their in-house cakes! I have an addiction. I don't think it will stop. But i need to broaden my Parisian exploring. What with work (and eating cake) I've sidelined the reasons why Paris is visited by so many millions a year. I know, slap me on the wrist.

So, I've made a deal with myself. Lean things about France, Paris and culture-y things, then reward oneself with cake. I think it's a fair deal.

Last weekend (free - museum Sunday! Many museums and galleries in Paris offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month! I KNOW! It's fantastic! But beware, this isn't a secret. Prepare to queue!)
was a weekend of cultural and historical learnings.

This Sundays trip was to Hotel des Invalides to have a look French war history. (Honestly, not much was learnt, other than they really like suits of armour) But the grounds were spectacular! I mean look here, there is the beautiful Tour Eiffel poking into the beautiful blue sky.

The Dome glistening golden in the beautiful sunshine. 

Napoleon. (one of the few left resting here in the Dome..) 

The main altar in the Dome. Everything is made with ornate marble and finished with beautiful gold. The reflection of the sun shining through the windows makes the inside glisten as much as the large golden dome outside that can be seen from all areas of Paris.

A Frenchy Fleur-de-Lis. 

A French Unicorns Helmet.  

After that historical lesson, we popped over the road to Musee Rodin. Sculptor and Painter. His work is just breathtaking. The gardens are full of hidden scuptures poking out of bushes and hiding behind trees. They blend in with nature. A perfect home for his work. Weathered and old, they tell stories.

We found this guy just contemplating in the sunshine. The Thinker. Hidden behind a few topiary trees amongst the rose bushes. 

And just look at the building itself. Truly beautiful. Placed in front of the beautiful sculpture garden. This place is truly an artists utopia amongst the hustle and bustle of a capital city. 

Paris has wonderful hidden gems like this. I want to see them all.