Forbidden Fruit is Cute

Of all the shots we took, a favorite is the snapshot Aunt Nelly captured. When I asked Philippe what his favorite part of the trip was, he answered referring to William and I, "You." YES, the best part of the trip truly was family - uninterrupted.

Geraldine and William

Philippe's second cousin Geraldine hosted us while we were in Paris. Her apartment is blocks away from "Les Invalides"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Des_Invalides.
4 star accommodations!

Chateau de Versailles

http://www.chateauversailles.fr/homepage

Versailles is as extravagant as Louis XIV was. The palace was packed when we visited making the hallways feel more like cattle chutes. We spent hours in the unhurried gardens.

Jardin du Luxembourg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardin_du_Luxembourg
Jardin du Luxembourg is to Paris what Central Park is to New York. There is an exceptional balance of public thoroughfares and secluded gardens.

Of all the architecture in the "world's most beautiful" city, the exterior spaces charmed me most.

Parisian Icons

William is my favorite icon, anywhere.

Auto Museum - Mulhouse

http://www.collection-schlumpf.com/en/schlumpf/

The auto museum was spectacular. The photo-op was fun - and particularly indicative of our driving styles. Another booth had a simulation roll-over where the car was suspended between two robotic arms and spun for about a minute. I was green just watching.

Family Dinners - Mulhouse France

Chez Jojo et Marie-Therese


Chez Guy et Anne-Marie


Chez Serge et Genevieve


Chez Chantal


Chez Liliane

In Mulhouse, we stayed with Philippe's Uncle Francois. He orchestrated a full dinner calendar. We feasted!

Train Museum - Mulhouse

http://www.citedutrain.com/en/train/

The Train Museum in Mulhouse, France was the best I've ever seen. (Genetically, I'm coded as a train aficionado - this is my third train museum in 2009) The oh-so-sleek train pictured was designed by Bugatti.

Hospices de Beaune

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospices_de_Beaune

The hospices are also referred to as "Hôtel-Dieu" - perhaps the opposite of "Hôtel-California." The rooftop dates from the 15th Century. It is a stunning mosaic. It is now a museum of sorts. The mannequi-nuns looked like Audrey Hepburn, doe-eyed and wafer-thin, except for the plump servant in the kitchen.