last chance to join my art-lovers trip to Rouen and Normandy (18th to 22nd May ’26)

Many of our guests and subscribers know that we led a trip to the magical city of Venice late last year. It was our first-ever “Dublin Decoded” overseas excursion and was a terrific success, enjoyable, highly convivial, and stuffed with beautiful art treasures. This was just the first of a long serious of overseas tours… Read More last chance to join my art-lovers trip to Rouen and Normandy (18th to 22nd May ’26)

March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 Arran Henderson1 Comment

Paris Pictures part ii: snakes & elephants, a morning at the Flea market.

A large part of the last full day in Paris is spent browsing the flea market at Porte de Clingnancourt. In fact this is the collective name for a number of markets, each with a different character, spread over a large area. As a whole Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is very diverse, but as a… Read More Paris Pictures part ii: snakes & elephants, a morning at the Flea market.

May 29, 2014June 9, 2014 Arran Henderson9 Comments

Parks, potatoes, pullovers & the Promenade Plantée, pictures from Paris (days 1-3)

Thursday. Arrival, into airport Charles de Gaulle. I’ve never warmed to the older Terminal 1. It’s a silly donut of a building, Wastes your time. Terminal two is even more enormous, and thus equally alienating, with the important caveat that’s far, far more beautiful. Later that evening, meet an old friend for supper. A long-time… Read More Parks, potatoes, pullovers & the Promenade Plantée, pictures from Paris (days 1-3)

May 28, 2014May 29, 2014 Arran Henderson2 Comments

Secret Soldiers: Exiled Heroes.

These toy soldiers appear in the same exhibition as the First World War recruitment posters from recent post, although clearly the uniforms and equipment date from much earlier. They come from France, currently on loan to Collins Barracks from the Musée l’armée, at the famous les Invalides of Paris. But as you see, these particular… Read More Secret Soldiers: Exiled Heroes.

March 25, 2013September 12, 2016 Arran Henderson6 Comments

These were a few of my favourite things.

I’ve not to date participated in that Word Press institution known as “the Daily Prompt”. You know the one, it’s for those who like to blog everyday, but occasionally find themselves, temporarily, stuck for inspiration. “The Prompt” is a suggested topic, serving as a nudge to get them writing. I’ve nothing against it; indeed it’s… Read More These were a few of my favourite things.

January 28, 2013January 28, 2013 Arran Henderson21 Comments

Another day in Paris-dise (or Hell for the unlucky)

I was about to abandon the little memoir of my recent Paris jaunt, and blog instead about other things. Time- after all- marches on. Tempus fugit and all that. But then I looked at some photos saved on the computer, of statues, saints and angels, one of Mary Magdalene even. Inevitably, thoughts turned to Paris… Read More Another day in Paris-dise (or Hell for the unlucky)

January 23, 2013January 28, 2014 Arran Henderson13 Comments

We’ll always have Paris.

Since Christmas is a time for families, and since my sister and my niece were not with us this year, my mother and I made a slightly late-in-the day, slightly haphazard and snap decision to go to Paris for 5 days, setting off the morning after Stephen’s Day. I am not going to pretend it… Read More We’ll always have Paris.

January 3, 2013April 14, 2013 Arran Henderson23 Comments

Pont Aven Washout & the Cathedral and the Bridges of Quimper.

The day after Carnac, Mike and I drop Lindsey off at the train station to make her way home. It’s a sad moment, the Fellowship of the Mast is coming to an end. Later the same afternoon Mike and I take our rental car to visit Pont Aven. This pretty little town was made… Read More Pont Aven Washout & the Cathedral and the Bridges of Quimper.

October 22, 2012November 13, 2012 Arran Henderson3 Comments

Sailing Brittany part VII- Audierne to Concarneau.

Another days sailing done. Having survived a mix of weathers, a run-in with a spiteful tug boat and long day’s sail, we find ourselves coming into view of our next stop: Concarneau. Passing the first harbor walls, it is a beautiful evening. Even from sea, the place looks amazing. In fact, arriving by sea is… Read More Sailing Brittany part VII- Audierne to Concarneau.

October 15, 2012October 15, 2012 Arran Henderson6 Comments

Sailing Brittany part VII- Cameret to Audierne.

a- Getting there. Dave, alas, has departed back home, to England, and work. Our crew is a man down. But we few remaining sailors, just three now, must press on, to our next destination. That destination, our new target, is Audierne. A new chapter awaits. We sail out fairly early to catch the tide, passing… Read More Sailing Brittany part VII- Cameret to Audierne.

October 11, 2012April 14, 2013 Arran Henderson9 Comments

Arran Q Henderson

History, Art & Architecture in Dublin & abroad. Plus Art & Architecture tours by Arran & Dublin Decoded.

Category: France