Dear Paul,

Sadly I didn't have time to visit the archives but they were closed on the day we went anyway. I will definitely find time for them on my next visit but photographing Vincennes took up a lot of time on this first occasion. We were lucky to benefit from winter sunshine on that occasion that improved my results no end and it seemed more like summer at 18 degrees for an Englishman. I can't recommend the site enough for enthusiasts though, regardless of the weather.

The "Remise Au Senat Des Trophees" by Edouard Detaille on the link you sent is a fantastic painting. I immediately recognised the façade of the Palais du Luxembourg, which I photographed during my visit. Although access to the palace is restricted (it is the house of the French Senate after all) it's worth photographing the front and rear and the Luxembourg gardens are a pleasure to walk around. Ney's famous statue is also located to the south and worth walking the length of the gardens to visit.

Regards,

David