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Paris, Bastille Day, French National Day. 5 things you must see during Bastille day. Part 4

Artist, ArtTravel, France, Urban sketching

Travel and Art. Urban Sketching in Paris: Bastille Day Highlights.

French National Day

Every year, French Nation celebrates the most important day for the country French National Day or Bastille Day. 

July 14 in 2019 was year of 230 anniversary of Bastille and 130 years of Eiffel Tower. It was one of my life’s highlights and here are some tips how to celebrate the Bastille Day in Paris.

A watercolor painting depicting the busy scene of the Alexandre III Bridge in Paris, featuring pedestrians, street lamps, and the golden dome of the Invalides in the background.
A watercolor painting of the bustling Pont Alexandre III in Paris. It showcases its iconic golden statues and lively atmosphere. This is perfect for celebrating Bastille Day.

The most attractive bridge in Paris, Alexander III, that connects Artillery Academy and Concord square. It is illuminated day and night. The bridge features gold statues and gorgeous street lamps. Relaxing and busy locals and visitors from all countries enjoy it.

Watercolor sketch depicting scenes from Bastille Day in Paris, featuring military personnel, fireworks, and street lamps, with the text 'July 14' and 'Paris, National Day.'
Sketches capturing the festive atmosphere of Bastille Day in Paris, featuring fireworks, a military parade, and iconic street lamps.
Fireworks in Paris

July 14, some sketches were done on location with fireworks, parade and street lamps on the streets of Paris.

An artistic watercolor painting of a sunset view over the Eiffel Tower, featuring people on a bridge with decorative street lamps and lush greenery in the background.
A vibrant urban sketch captures the Eiffel Tower against a colorful sunset. It showcases the lively atmosphere of Paris during Bastille Day celebrations.

Below is one Paris website that will help you to navigate you during this day. https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/bastille-day-in-paris/july-14th-fireworks/july-14th-fireworks-display

A watercolor sketch depicting a military parade in Paris, featuring figures in uniforms lined up with a focus on a woman in a hat at the forefront and the ornate architecture in the background.
Sketch of a military parade during Bastille Day celebrations, showcasing uniformed soldiers and a festive atmosphere in Paris.

I suggest watching Paris’ morning military parade down the Avenue des Champs Élysées, there are representatives of different military units. Interesting view when airplane planes are painting the sky in a 3-color rainbow- red, blue and white.

Wedding in Paris

Then, relaxing walking around city, it is nice holiday atmosphere. I made few sketches on location.

How about wedding in Paris? I did the painting of a bride on one of the Parisian bridge when a designer, groom and photographer were around this young lady in her white dress in one of important day in the life:)

A watercolor sketch depicting a bride in a white dress standing on a Parisian bridge, surrounded by a photographer, designer, and groom, with the Eiffel Tower visible in the background.
A bride poses for a painting on a Parisian bridge. She is surrounded by her wedding party. The iconic Eiffel Tower is in the background.
Sport in Paris

In the center, next to Grand Palais, people are playing football. Others are sitting and enjoying lunch on the grass. They are waiting for the fireworks. I noticed there were no one unpleasant incident during a day even the city is full of people:)

Watercolor painting depicting people playing football and enjoying leisure time at the Grand Palais in Paris.
Sketch of people enjoying leisure activities at Grand Palais in Paris, capturing the festive atmosphere of Bastille Day.

There is a young couple on scooters exploring the city. A mother and a girl are playing games next to the Paris Military Academy. This day has a very relaxing feeling.

A watercolor sketch depicting a sunny day in Paris, featuring two children riding scooters and a woman walking with a bag, with greenery and a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in the background.
A lively sketch shows a young couple on scooters. A mother and her daughter are enjoying a relaxing day near the Paris Military Academy.
Where to eat- how about the historical place?

The restaurant Bouillon Chartier is known for its magnificent stucco molding on the walls.

In Les beaux quartiers, Louis Aragon mentioned Le bouillon Chartier. The young medical student character Edmond Barbentane has lunch there regularly…

It has a majestic atmosphere. The waiters write the bill directly on the tablecloth. They have followed this custom since the opening in 1896.

Watercolor painting of the Bouillon Chartier restaurant in Paris, featuring its unique sign and interior elements.
An artistic watercolor depiction of Bouillon Chartier, highlighting its historic charm and vibrant ambiance.

Most importantly, its food is ingenious, homemade, and varied. The dishes are not very expensive, always offering something to surprise and welcome their clients. There is even a song about this restaurant. The restaurant is mentioned in Albert Willemetz’s 1939 song “Félicie aussi”, sung by Fernandel.

Evening events on National French Day
A watercolor artwork depicting a nighttime scene of the Seine River in Paris, showcasing the illuminated Alexander III Bridge, Eiffel Tower, and vibrant fireworks in the sky reflecting on the water.
A vibrant watercolor sketch captures the fireworks above the Eiffel Tower. The scene reflects on the Seine River during Bastille Day celebrations in Paris.

And of course the highlight of this day- firework in the evening! We chose a place to watch firework on the bridge. We were standing in Parisian Babylon. We admired the view of the Eiffel Tower and the firework itself. We also saw the reflection of the city and the next bridge, Alexander III. People were shouting joyful exclamations, they were from different parts of the world, enjoying of this show there were people from the UK, China, Portugal, Russia, Japan, and us, from Canada:)

Well, there are 5 reasons to be in Paris in National French Day

Start with the morning parade. You can relax or play football with your friends in the center of Paris. Alternatively, rent a scooter and enjoy Paris with some speed. Don’t forget to view the Eiffel Tower with some snack. A baguette is a must-have. Enjoy the night fireworks. Additionally, engage in urban sketching of happy life. Capture the architecture of the old and young city of Paris.

Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)

All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.

You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.

Tools used for my painting. Watercolour used Charvin and Van Gogh brands, Pastel GrayPas Expressionist, Derwent watercolour pencils and Faber Castell artist pens. Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)

Website with Bastille Day’s schedule is

https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/bastille-day-in-paris/july-14th-fireworks/july-14th-fireworks-display

Pont Alexandre III | Quai d’Orsay, Paris. the bridge is nex to Concord bridge and Invalides bridges

Grand Palais. address 3 avenue du General Eisenhower | Avenue Winston Churchill, Paris

Paris Military Academy. location 1 Place de Joffre

All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.

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Urban sketching. Paris, 1 day trips. Châteaus Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte or a true gems why to visit the Chateaus. Travel and Art,Part 6

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One-day trips from Paris

There are many options to do one-day trips from Paris. This time we chose a day trip to Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte chateaus.

The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is accessible by public transport. But, it will take a couple of hours with subway, train, and a local bus. Alternatively, you drive by car.

A colorful hand-drawn map showing a route from Paris to the chateaus of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau, featuring iconic landmarks in Paris and illustrations of a bus and couple.
Illustrated map detailing the route from Paris to the châteaux of Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau, highlighting a romantic one-day trip itinerary.

Map to two chateaus. Our one day trip’s itinerary is from Paris to Chateau de Veux le Vicomte and Fountenableau, back to Paris. We took a bus from Paris City Vision.

Departure is from Paris’ center, highly recommend this trip, just book it in advance:)

In the middle of sketch is our couple, my husband and I, who loves traveling, art and architecture.

The first castle was Vaux le Vicomte château

A view to stunning Vaux le Vicomte château that later inspired the famous Versailles. I imagined that beautiful ladies with little colored umbrellas from 17th century are walking at the park.

Watercolor painting of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, showcasing its unique architectural details and surrounding landscape.
A watercolor depiction of the stunning Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, showcasing its elegant architecture and surrounding water features.

The legend says that Nicolas Fouquet invited King Louis XIV. He also invited the whole court to the inauguration of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

The owners organized a grand and luxurious party and a dinner. Gold-plated gondolas glided through the channels. Gold salad bowls decorated its tables.

The monarch was blinded by the brilliance of the stolen gold. He refused to stay away for the night. Instead, he went to Fontainebleau. The unlucky aristocrat dared to challenge the Sun King. The musketeers arrested him on charges of fraud of the state treasury. Sentenced to life imprisonment and deprived of connection with the outside world.

Artistic illustration of a young woman with curly hair, framed by decorative floral elements.
Illustration of a legendary lady associated with the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, representing the influence of women in its history.

Ladies who guard the family and peace. What is the most fascinating in the history of the chateau are their legendary ladies of Vaux les Vicomte chateaux. Just some of amazing legends.

The first, Marie-Madeleinede Castille, the spouse of Vaux les Vicomte, continued supporting her husband. He received what was initially supposed to be three months of detention. It was later changed to a life sentence.

Mme Fouquet fought for her husband for many years, and recovered their family property 10 years later. Guyonne de Durfort was another intelligent lady. During the revolution, she didn’t let the castle be plundered. She kept the whole situation in her hands. She gave the castle to the “disposal” of the revolutionary committee and … voila … the whole furniture is still in place.

One more heroic lady Permisine Cas de Dorier set up a military hospital in the chateau during World War.

A watercolor illustration featuring elements related to Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, including sketches of architectural details and portraits.
Artistic illustration of the history of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, highlighting Nicolas Fouquet and the architectural team behind the masterpiece.

The history says that the castle was built by three masters. Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s Superintendent, assembled a team. He brought together an architect, Louis Le Vau. Charles Le Brun, a painter, was included as well. Lastly, André Le Notre, a landscape gardener, joined to execute the entire project. The result of this fraternal union was a work of supreme gorgeousness.

A painted illustration featuring the names of Nicolas Fouquet, Le Vaux, Le Brun, and Le Notre, along with artistic sketches, highlighting the key figures involved in the construction of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Artistic representation highlighting Nicolas Fouquet, architect Louis Le Vau, painter Charles Le Brun, and gardener André Le Nôtre, who collaborated on the magnificent Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

By the way, a cafe in the chateau will appeal to any lover of French cuisine

Watercolor painting depicting the gardens and architecture of Vaux-le-Vicomte château, featuring a central axis with fountains and sculptures, surrounded by manicured hedges and pathways.
A watercolor depiction of the elegant gardens and architecture at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, showcasing its stunning design and historical significance.

Crews and fun were present at only during the first ball. You feel ghosts everywhere…

A watercolor illustration featuring a sign for Vaux le Vicomte and two wooden utensils, set against a lightly textured background.
Artistic representation of Vaux-le-Vicomte château, depicting its iconic features and surroundings.

Why do not buy a magnet and little spoons with little squirrels on top. Yes, squirrel is emblem of the family and chateau.

On summer evenings, costume candles are held here by candlelight, we will definitely return…

Next castle was Fontainebleau chateau, Stendhal called it the “architectural encyclopedia” and Napoleon called the “House of Ages”.

Colorful watercolor sketches depicting scenes from the gardens and interiors of the Fontainebleau chateau in France.
UNESCO World Heritage

Four French monarchs were born in the Fontainebleau palace, and for many rulers it was the main residence. At present, the palace is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Its chambers, galleries, parks, and gardens are simply amazing.

BBC series “The Impressionists”

I’ve learned about the Fontainebleau garden from BBC “The Impressionists” where young Monet, Renoir and Bazille were painting Fontainebleau forest.

Watercolor painting of a statue, depicting a classical figure with flowing hair and a detailed headdress on a textured background.
Artistic depiction of the Egyptian Sphinx statue at the Château de Fontainebleau.

In the middle of the magnificent French-style formal gardens, there is a statue. This statue is the Egyptian Sphinx of Chateau de Fontainebleau, Paris, France. Why did it here, in the majestic royal and imperial château in the heart of the forest of Fontainebleau.

A watercolor painting depicting an ornate interior, featuring tall columns, a throne with decorative elements, and rich, colorful drapes and lighting that evoke a sense of grandeur.
A colorful watercolor depicting the throne room at Fontainebleau, where Napoleon famously signed his abdication.
Chambers of Napoleon

The chateau was the first to be conceived as a residential complex and not a bastion. Kings were born here; Napoleon signed the abdication in this room, on this chair the great commander was sitting. According to the legend Napoleon said to his subordinates “Did you want to relax? You will get your rest”.

A watercolor painting depicting an ornate yellow and red chair set against a blue and purple background, with decorative cushions and a patterned seat.
Artistic depiction of Napoleon’s throne from the chambers of Chateau de Fontainebleau, showcasing the grandeur of French history.

In the chambers of Napoleon, you can immerse yourself in the time of the great emperor.

He was famous for his wish to go down in history.

Gallery of Diana

The Fontainebleau library bathed in the sun, thanks to Italian masters, the French Renaissance was born. In the middle of the library there is a vast globe. The library holds the originals of books dating back to the 13th century.

A watercolor painting depicting a brightly lit interior with a patterned ceiling and lanterns. A globe on a stand is visible in the foreground.
Watercolor illustration of the Gallery of Diana in the Fontainebleau library, showcasing its grandeur and historical significance.

Well next time we visit another chateau, maybe Versailles?:)

Bon voyage! Until the next travel:)

You are welcome to visit my personal website pages. There, you can find out more about the artwork I am offering in oil and watercolor paintings. You can buy canvas prints, framed prints, and more artwork.

All paintings belong to the author. No image is to be copied without permission.

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Tools used for my painting include Charvin and Van Gogh watercolours. I also used Pastel GrayPas Expressionist. Derwent watercolour pencils and Faber Castell artist pens were also utilized. Paper Strathmore Watercolour and Mixed Media albums, 15×20 cm (6×8 in.)

PARISCityVISION agency. address: 2 Rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris. 
Trip to Fontainebleau & Vaux le Vicomte

Chateau de Vaux-Le-Vicomte. address 77950 Maincy, France

Chateau de Fontainebleau. address Pl. du General-de-Gaulle, 77300, Fontainebleau, France.