by Linda Laughter, Guest Blogger

We were newbies to France! We finally had the chance to travel this incredible Design Destination.

Our first stop was Paris. My architect husband was enthralled with the architecture and history…I the interior designer, sought color and design. As I gathered the pictures, I realized there was a theme…we both loved looking at or through windows…fenetres!

Here is our take on Paris and an incredible cruise from Paris to Rouen, Normandy and back. We saw through many windows, even if some were the window of our eyes!

We found one of the many boutique hotels that was the essence of Parisian charm. Our window looked out to a courtyard where we sat and drank wine and met new friends.

Paris

Getting lost in the Saint Germain and also in Montmartre Area was priceless! Back streets, winding staircases and shops. I caught a little girl taking a picture through a window of her grandpa.

Versailles

Venturing to Versailles was enhanced by our own private guide. It is hard to describe the interiors, even for a designer. Over the top is about it! My favorite was the Hall of Mirrors where we paused to reflect “us” through the frames of glass. The gardener in the group (Don) was in heaven.

Louvre

On to the Louvre, the larger of the King’s homes. Once we did the must sees (Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa), we ventured into empty rooms where artists were painting the paintings. I was so jealous…what an incredible thing to be able to paint with the windows spreading light on these priceless pieces of art. I was in love.

Cruising to Normandy

Next we boarded a cruise ship to travel on the Seine to Rouen and Normandy, with stops at small villages along the way. Our room’s window allowed us to see the green shorelines, the historic castles and experience the Locks along the way. Not to mention the food was AMAZING!

Rouen

Stopping in Rouen, we toured the city amazed by the stain glass window, in the Rouen Cathedral and then the Joan of Arc Square. That this beautiful glass was saved from the war is a tribute to the city.

Monet’s Garden

Monet’s Garden has been a dream, and we were there. The green shuttered windows of his home looked out on his amazing garden. Everything has soft edges, just like his paintings.

Normandy Beaches

A bus ride took us to the Normandy Beaches. The rows of monuments go on forever. May we never forget the sacrifices made that day.

Heading back to Paris, stopping in a wonderful small town called Les Andelys. Art galleries and shops!

Vincent Van Gogh spent the last 3 months of his life in Auvers sur Oise. To complete my art history lessons, we visited his room and saw the the church of Dame D’Auvers that he often painted.

Eiffel Tower View out the Window

Our last night in Paris, the Eiffel tower out our boat window! Amazing!

Linda Laughter is an Interior Designer/Artist from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and her husband Don enjoyed the opportunity to see the beauty of France.