Porte Saint-Denis was built in 1672 replacing a medieval gate in the city walls of Paris. This triumphal arch was designed by architect François Blondel at the direction of Louis XIV.
This is but a small section of the massive monument and arch. I related to this guy who was not having a good day.
Porte Saint-Denis
Métro Strasborg-Saint Denis
Métro Strasborg-Saint Denis
:-)
ReplyDeletePauvre lion altété! Et pauvre Genie, aussi. J'espère que les choses sont meilleures bientôt.
ReplyDeleteI have seen this lovely bridge - your aspect though is lovely x
ReplyDeletePauvre lion... Il semble bien fatigué... Que guette-t-il? Le passage de la petite Américaine?
ReplyDeleteBonne journée, Genie!
He looks very tired and thirsty, what a great sculpture. I hope your day gets better Genie.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Grace
I admire the intricate detail the sculptor has wrought on Monsieur le Léon! Marvelous indeed! Thank you, Genie!
ReplyDeleteHe looks really distressed - maybe thirsty or hungry or both!!
ReplyDeleteGreat detail shot Genie!
I live sculpture and this lazy lion is no exception. "In the jungle, the might jungle, the lion sleeps tonight".
ReplyDeletewe have a few lions, dotted around Leeds but nothing like this wonderful lion. It really is a beauty.
ReplyDeletePour boy, he lookes exhausted.
ReplyDeleteMe, I think he has had too much of a good day...
ReplyDeleteNo, c'est moi after Mary and Peter have drug me all over Paris!! :)
ReplyDeleteV
Thanks for the smile today!
ReplyDeleteCan I pet? I'm loving your photos!
ReplyDeleteHis expression is perfectly understandable when you remember that there is a chariot above him that appears to be running right over him ... poor beast!
ReplyDeleteI think that is exactly what I look like today!!!
Oh, yes! Thanks for a big smile to start my day! I can relate to him as well -- so well!! Terrific capture, Genie! Hope your week is going well! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
He does look a little under the weather, doesn't he.
ReplyDeleteFunny Lion!!!
ReplyDeleteLéia
The arch at Porte Saint-Denis was the very first we experienced on our very first trip to Paris.
ReplyDeletehe looks so tired! like he's hangin his paws over the arch and givin everyone a big juicy raspberry! great shots as always!
ReplyDeleteeveryone will look at this bridge differently after your post !
ReplyDeletePoor lion. He looks so tired.
ReplyDeleteWhat a creative sculptor. You've captured the detail beautifully.
ReplyDeleteI love your eye for details!
ReplyDeleteThis poor lion looks hot, tired, thirsty—or maybe just hung over. The sculptor had a sense of humor!
ReplyDeleteThis loooks like the end of a lion marathon.
ReplyDeletePierre -- Sourire
ReplyDeleteBear -- Today is perfect... It was yesterday with too much work-work and a dinner for 22 last night chez nous. Merci
Suzi -- Although I did not show enough to really see the big view, this is a large arch with much detail on both sides. It would be worth seeing if you are in the area.
Richard -- Moi? Tu es marrant, mon ami!
Grace -- Holly and I found him many years ago on my first trip to Paris and this last trip in April was the first time I have seen him since... We always called him "Fang."
beau gosse -- He is so high up that I think most flaneurs just miss his detail and beauty... just look at those claws!
Dianne -- Perhaps he was run over or a victim of battle
Joe -- Love that song, my friend! Merci!
Paul -- So glad that you like "Fang" with his wrinkled brow and detailed mane
biebkriebels -- Indeed he does with his limp front paws and tongue hanging out
Janey -- He may be tired from watching all that have passed beneath over the centuries
Virginia -- Hahaha... I think that it may be Peter or Mary, but not you!
Tammy -- Je t'en pris!
AA -- I think that he is safe to pet but we will need a tall ladder! Merci
Marie -- Ah, yes I remember that now... hope you are feeling better, mon amie
Sylvia -- How does that song go... "somedays you feel like the windshield and somedays you feel like the bug."
Clueless -- Indeed he does, but I like to imagine that he is just tired and not...
Léia -- He is funny and verrrrry big!
Starman -- It really is a beautiful design with interesting history... merci
Suz -- Now, that is very funny... perhaps a little growl now and then as well!
Anni -- You have to be looking to see him since this arch is rather ornate and large sitting right in the middle of an intersection on Rue Saint-Denis
Loree -- He certainly does... I guess a couple of centuries will have that effect - hah!
Harriet -- Merci, mon amie!
Vreni -- Many thanks... let me know if you go here in July
Alexa -- I agree about the sense of humor
I've never seen exhaustion look so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteJack -- and I think our buddy Fang here is finished!
ReplyDeleteLiz -- He really is beautiful, merci!
What a hoot! he looks like he's dying for a drink.
ReplyDeleteJilly -- I just think about the artist and what he must have considered in this design... how I would love to talk with him
ReplyDeleteI'll take one of these over my doorway any day ~ xox Alexandra
ReplyDeleteAlexandra -- Wouldn't that just be the "cat's meow!" Merci...
ReplyDeleteI think the lion had bit too much of that fabulous Paris vino last night!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, he looks like one sad lion! I wonder what his story is?
ReplyDeleteI really need t have another look at this arch! Passed it probably hundreds of times, but I never noticed him, the exhausted and thirsty lion
ReplyDeleteChieftess -- Only if he was an American lion (hah)!
ReplyDeleteCarol -- Marie thinks he was run over by a chariot but I think he is just having a "down day."
Rob -- If you get close enough and look up you can see him, but the arch is busy with carvings and sculptures. Once you see him you will not be able to take your eyes off of him (I wouldn't anyway - hehe)
That's one tired lion.
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