Sunday, December 18, 2011

Église Notre Dame de Lorette


There has been much said about the gaudy interior of Notre Dame de Lorette, but I found it elegant, adorned with 19th Century art and a Cavaille-Col grand organ. 
The painter Eugene Delacroix lived nearby and was christened here in 1840.

The other stories of this large church refer to the "kept women" of the surrounding neighborhood.  Many wealthy men of this period had mistresses as well as wives and it is said that all attended Sunday services. 

Interesting, n'est-ce pas? 
That little fact was not included in the church literature I picked up in November.


bon dimanche


Église Notre Dame de Lorette
18, bis rue de Chateaudun
75009 Paris

  

at

17 comments:

  1. StarmanDecember 18, 2011 at 12:42 AM

    Don't remember having been there, but don't rule it out. Bon Dimanche.

    ReplyDelete
  2. cocoa and coconut December 18, 2011 at 12:56 AM

    I haven't explored enough of Paris' churches. Of course, your blog always helps me to do so. This one is gorgeous, like the others too. How funny to think that all the mistresses and wives were all together at Church each week. Awkward!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sylvia KDecember 18, 2011 at 1:57 AM

    Great post as always, love your capture of the cathedral and love the story of the mistresses and wives! Awkward indeed, but what a hoot! Hope your weekend is going well, Genie! Enjoy!

    Hugs
    Sylvia

    ReplyDelete
  4. lajeunecaptiveDecember 18, 2011 at 3:54 AM

    In what Parisian neighborhood do you think the "kept women" are nowadays?

    Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  5. lajeunecaptiveDecember 18, 2011 at 3:54 AM

    In what Parisian neighborhood do you think the "kept women" are nowadays?

    Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Forest Dream WeaverDecember 18, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    It's beautiful.......looks more like an art museum than a church!

    Bon dimanche Genie,
    Ruby

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cezar and LéiaDecember 18, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    I think from your blog it would be possible to put up a tour of impressive Parisian churches... Never guessed there were so many! Thanks for sharing the beauty!
    God bless you!
    Cezar

    ReplyDelete
  8. VirginiaDecember 18, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I wonder if they shared the same pew? :)
    I like this church. I was getting some much needed repair when we went in Jan. '10.
    V

    ReplyDelete
  9. martinealisonDecember 18, 2011 at 11:11 AM

    Je reste captivée et admirative... Gros bisous

    ReplyDelete
  10. PalomaseaDecember 18, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    I love a little Delacroix! But more is better ;))
    Thanks for the fun tidbit!
    Beautiful, as always, dear Genie...
    A blessed Sunday to you,
    Bises,
    - Irina

    ReplyDelete
  11. PerthDailyPhotoDecember 18, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    I bet that wasn't included in the info Genie, how hilarious! Beautiful details here, I do love your Sunday churches, beautiful details, I definitely would not say gaudy.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnonymousDecember 18, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    I don't think it looks gaudy, I think it is beautiful. Do you think the wives knew which mistress was who's?

    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  13. JackDecember 18, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    Did the services have intermissions so the guys could shift pews? There is a lot going on in this decoration.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Sharon CreechDecember 18, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    Astounding, the lush detail! Bon dimanche . .

    ReplyDelete
  15. TheChieftessDecember 18, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hana de PragueDecember 19, 2011 at 3:26 AM

    Great photo, Genie!
    Have a nice week!
    Bises Hana

    ReplyDelete
  17. RandyDecember 20, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    Beautiful place and artwork.

    ReplyDelete

Merci for your comments!