Reportedly the oldest church in Paris (founded in 542), the courtyard of Église Saint Germain des Prés on the north side displays some of the recovered architecture from this church which was destroyed many times over the centuries. In the foreground on the right is a Picasso sculpture of Dora Maar in memory of Guillame Apollinaire, the French poet, art critic, and playwright.
This quiet little courtyard, Square Laurent Prache, is just a small jump from Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. As we walked past these benches several times a day en juin, we found the square a quiet place of contemplation and free of graffiti.
14 comments:
It is a lovely church. Paris Karin and I were just here a few weeks back and the corner you photographed here seemed to be a hotel "en plien-air" for the homeless!
Beautifully serene, Genie!
Bonjour Genie,
this is a very nice place to sit on a bench and reflect on the day...
thank you for your very sweet comment on opera roof. My cousin will be very pleased !
And how lucky you were to attend these shows ! (it reminds me that i should go more often to Madrid) :-)
Un très bon week end à vous....
xoxo
Lala
I've never seen an image of this Church, although I have heard of it before. I love the little gardens, and the fact that it is so old.
I'm sorry I've not been in here as well. There are so many wonderful quiet places in Paris. I long for a visit when I have the time to sit and enjoy.
V
It really is a little oasis of tranquility from all the hustle and bustle just around the corner! This is a beautiful shot, Genie.
Paul -- That is so sad. When we were there it was the time surrounding Fête de la Musique and a street festival. It looked liked the waist high gates were locked at night but that would not keep anyone out. They may have temporarily relocated due to the noise.
Shell -- It is set back from the activity of the stone-paved street about 8 meters. Very nice.
Lala -- If we are ever in Paris at the same time I beg to go to "the roof!" Yes, when we are at home it is too easy to be complacent about the treasures we have in our "own backyard."
Virginia -- I think that the day we were all together and walked by this courtyard we were in a rush to get to ET for a night-shoot. So, it requires another trip to Paris. Do you like my logic?
Brittany -- I read much of the history of this church and it was actually more of a city at one time encompasing much of this area. You almost need a spreadsheet to track "who was in charge" over the centuries.
Alexa -- Yes, and the street running down the other side of the square is a narrow street leading to Musée Delacroix (which you may know by now that I missed entirely).
That is amazing. I love the Picasso sculpture. One of these days...
Ancient, beloved building,
town down in hateful fury,
rebuilt, again and again
by loving hands,
a care-full community,
still serving today.
Genie -- on a press trip I met Dorie Greenspan (do you know her books?), who has an apartment on rue de l'Abbaye that overlooks this courtyard. Envious, moi? You bet!
Randy -- ...and we will help you plan your trip!
Rob -- Beautiful thoughts on a site that has struggled. It does appear to be in good hands (at the moment).
Alexa -- I am envious too! I think that l'Abbaye is a beautiful little cobbled street. Yes, I know Ms. Greenspan's books! I am envious of you, too, mon amie! hah!
What a beautiful corner!
JM -- It is and I plan to see what it looks like in winter.
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