Doing a house sit means that you get to see places that you wouldn’t discover if staying in a hotel, as that would inevitably mean being somewhere more well known. We had access to bicycles so took the opportunity to visit some local sights. The first was a beautiful mansion in Maisons-Laffitte, and it was built in the 17th century. Being off the tourist trail also mean that we almost had the place to ourselves which was a big bonus and very welcome after the crowds of the central Parisian locations. As we arrived we looked at the sky and thought that we may get very wet on the ride home, but the skies cleared up. The clouds did make for a dramatic photo though!
As a portrait photographer, I always notice beautiful light, and these rooms were filled with gorgeous soft light.
The stone carvings and details were stunning.
There’s something about staircases that I love to photograph. Especially if they are old as it makes me wonder just how many footsteps have trodden them over the years. I liked the fact that the walls are left bare and not cluttered with paintings. The beautiful stonework deserves to be seen.
The kitchen was down in the basement and that was wonderfully characterful. I imagine it would have been freezing cold in the winter with its vaulted ceilings and cobbled floor.
Upstairs was a tiny room but access to it was roped off. It was actually quite dark in there and I hadn’t taken a tripod, so had to brace myself against the doorway to steady the camera. For the photographers who are reading this, the settings were 0.5 sec at f/4.5, ISO800. 14mm lens.
In complete contrast, we got off the train one day to find out what was at a stop that mentioned ‘Grande Arche’. It’s in an area called La Défense, and is the major business area of Paris. I like striking modern architecture as much as characterful beautiful old buildings.
People and pigeons were all making use of the steps.
I also like shadows and reflections.
Walking down some steps I noticed our reflections in the windows in front, so set up a selfie.
That concludes my Parisian adventure and I’m back home – for a few weeks anyway:)
