As regular readers of this blog will know, I find hospitals fascinating.
The Hopital BicĂȘtre, situated just to the south east of Paris, was always one I’d meant to visit without ever quite
finding the time. I was glad though that I did finally make the effort.
A private community where it is forbidden to wander? That sounds like an invitation for a stroll, especially when it contains places to investigate!
The Villa des Ternes in Paris's 17th arrondissement is a neat warren of tree-lined roads and imposing buildings dating back to the 19th century. It was originally situated outside of Paris, in the grounds of a chateau that once stood nearby, but little by little the city has crept up around its edges. Nevertheless, it remains private, and the gates at its limits are still firmly locked to outsiders.