Monday, December 31, 2012

Les Soldes




  Les Soldes!


Will soon begin in Paris and in all of France.  The dates for the winter sales in Paris are from the 9th of January and ending on the 12th of February.  


If you will be in St. Barth's or St. Martin in the French West Indes 
the dates are different as are those of Réunion.  
In Paris you will find les Soldes again in the summer.



Métro Bourse
75002, Paris

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Église St. Gervais et St. Protais - III



2012 Jan 17 3rd_0384 

Église Saint-Gervais Saint-Protais


Looking into the Lady Chapel (Chapelle de la Vierge) 
the diffused light from the stained glass windows will take your breath away.


bon dimanche


Église St. Gervais et St. Protais
13, rue des Barres
Place Saint Gervais
75004 Paris
 


Saturday, December 29, 2012




2012 Jan 17 3rd_0266


Rue Cler


A favorite street of mine as you can run into old friends and make new ones.  This pedestrian street is only a few blocks long, but it is a delightful neighborhood  and the decorations are appealing in the daylight as well as at night.


I am thinking about my friend Christiane who I first met here several years ago, 
and who shared with me her treasured fèves anciennes.  We have kept up with each other over the years, and Holly and I saw her in Paris recently.


It makes me think of an old poem, "Make new friends and keep the old.  
One is silver and the other gold."  I do treasure the friends I have made in Paris.



Rue Cler
75006, Paris
 

Friday, December 28, 2012

Galerie Vivienne - IX







2012 Jan 11 1st_0068


Galerie Vivienne


This is one of my favorite places to stay warm and 
window shop on a cold dreary day in Paris.  
Holly and I enjoyed the toy store with their wonderful selection of books.


After shopping you can always stop at A Priori Thé for a bit of tea.
Yes, most of my excursions in Paris involve a beverage and a pastry!



Galerie Vivienne
Rue des Petits Champs, 
Rue de la Banque, et Rue Vivienne
75002, Paris
Métro Bourse, Métro Pyramides, ou Bus 29  


Thursday, December 27, 2012

Marché d'Aligre - XV



Flickr for 2012 1227

Marché d'Aligre


The clock tower stands watch over the activities. 


I have bought fruit, vegetables, cheese, pastries, old keys, linens, books, sheet music, and watercolors of Paris landmarks... all right here within a two block area.  Even if you do not buy a thing the market scene is a delight to observe.  No matter the weather, the markets are always busy.


 Be sure to stop in one of the cafés for a warm beverage and a pastry.


Marché d'Aligre
Place d'Aligre
75012, Paris
Métro Ledru Rolin

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Le manège Garnier - Jardin du Luxembourg

2012 Jan 15  2nd_0580 bw


Carousel in Jardin du Luxembourg



This charming carousel in Jardin du Luxembourg was constructed in 1879 
from the plans of Charles Garnier, 
the architect of Palais Garnier (the Paris Opera House).  


The animals are suspended from the canopy,
and after selecting a wood horse or elephant, 
each child is given a wand 
On each turn of the carousel they try to catch a brass ring.


As you can see from this eager little girl, 
some are quite good at catching the ring!



Le manège Garnier
Jardin du Luxembourg
75006, Paris   

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Joyeux Noël - la crèche




2012 Jan 16 2nd_0785


Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois


Of all the nativity scenes I have seen in Paris over the years, 
this is one that I come back to time and again...

for the trees, 
the lights, 
the cherubs in the distance, 
the tapestry rug, 
and the players in this familiar scene.


Joyeux Noël



Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois
2, place du Louvre
75001, Paris
Métro Louvre-Rivoli ou Pont Neuf

Monday, December 24, 2012

Les oiseaux - Printemps



Dec -- Paris-049 (2)


Printemps


Just one day more...

This Christmas window was filled with exotic birds and elaborate fashion.  
Although this was not an animated window, 
the array of colors and textures gives a feeling of movement.



Printemps
64, boulevard Haussmann
75009, Paris

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île - la crèche



Je vous annonce une grande joie

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île


 This church with first construction in 1642 is an active parish with many events.  Although much of the church was dark, the nativity scene had been well-attended and flooded in light.


This is the same church where Peter, David and I saw the donkey on Palm Sunday in April.


bon dimanche
 
 
 
Église Saint-Louis en l'Île
Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île
Saint-Louis en l'Île
75004, Paris
 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Une forêt de sapins de Noël



  A small forest of Christmas trees


As you cross Pont Marie from l'Île Saint Louis 
this stand of trees greets you with its silver and blue bows.  
Little pockets of decoration and celebration 
such as this can be enjoyed all over Paris.



Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville at Pont Marie
75004, Paris
Métro Pont Marie

Friday, December 21, 2012

Rue Cler - les sapins de Noël



Les sapins de Noël 


Most of the trees in Paris are quite petite compared to what one might see in the US.


If I lived there, I would want a small tree no taller than me, 
perhaps one like the little one on the right.  The log stands are beyond charming.



Rue Cler
(a pedestrian street)
75007, Paris
Métro École Militaire
 
 

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Les lumières de Noël - Hôtel de Ville

2012 Jan 12 1st_0469




The blue Christmas lights of Hôtel de Ville
are balanced by the green BHV sign 
and its bright red banners announcing "les soldes."


Les Soldes are the twice a year sales in Paris, 
which will begin on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at 8:00am.



Hôtel de Ville et BHV
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
75004, Paris
Métro Hôtel de Ville

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Tapisseries de la Bûcherie - la crèche



Tapisseries de la Bûcherie


This needlepoint shop on Rue du Haut-Pavé has more than 1,700 French designs and more than 400 exclusive colors of wool.  It was founded in 1990 by Dominique Siegler-Lathrop who has written a book on the technique of needlepoint.  The French art of stitching on canvas is many centuries old and Mrs. Siegler-Lathrop is an advocate of passing this tradition to future generations.


Holly carries her needlepoint work, always with a project in process.  We popped in to look at the yarns and kits featuring hand-dyed wool from Aubusson, France.  I snapped this nativity scene in the window.



Tapisseries de la Bûcherie
2, rue du Haut-Pavé
(just around the corner from Le Réminet)
75005, Paris

 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Le Réminet - la cave


Le Réminet


The cave (or basement) setting for larger parties (or perhaps for a group of rowdy Americans) is actually quite intimate.  I have dined both upstairs and down.  


I think that we took about 100 photos of the black Cafés Richard cup, another 50 of the candlelight and wine glasses, many covert photos of the other diners, and then we took photos of their table when they left.  We took photos of each other, of reflections, of the blackboard menu...


Can you figure out why they put us in the basement?



(We took photos of the kitchen and the bathroom, too - shhhhh!)



Le Reminet
3, rue des Grands Degrés
75005, Paris
Métro Maubert Mutualité

Monday, December 17, 2012

Marché Cadet - les lumières de Noël



Marché Cadet


This pedestrian street always has a festive evening presence, but during the Christmas season the lights provide a canopy for the length of the street.


If you are in Paris during the holiday season, 
take an evening bus or if you are brave, ride a Vélib, 
to see the variety of Christmas decorations all around Paris.



Marché Cadet
Rue Cadet
75009, Paris
Métros Le Peletier et Cadet

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Église Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-de-Passy - la crèche


Église Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-de-Passy


Although the works of art, the chapels, the marble altar, a great organ, and architecture of four centuries are well-documented, it is this quiet corner at the rear of the church which caught my attention.

Candles and camels, angels and cherubs, 
all surround the manger, completed by a "star in the east."


bon dimanche



Église Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-de-Passy
10, rue de l'Annonciation
75016, Paris
Métro La Muette


Saturday, December 15, 2012

Must be a French girl - XXV



As the children lined up to catch a view of the spectacular 
Galeries Lafayette Christmas windows, 
I spotted this petite miss with her cascade of boucles (curls), 
white beret, and stylish pink coat.


Yes, definitely a French girl.


Galeries Lafayette
40, boulevard Haussmann
75009, Paris
Metro Chaussee d'Antin Lafayette

Friday, December 14, 2012

Palais Garnier - les danseuses de Noël



These graceful ballerinas dance under the Christmas tree of Palais Garnier's gift shop.  
What a view of the icy street below.


These handcrafted papier-mâché dolls are illuminated with the flick of a switch.


Palais Garnier is one of my favorite places in Paris,
 for the architecture, the music, the ballets and operas, the history, and...
the Phantom.



Palais Garnier
8, rue Scribe
Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Marché Maubert - une couronne



Une couronne


If only I could reach through the photo to pluck this beautiful wreath ...

I do not think that US Customs would permit it to be carried home on a plane. 
 I got in trouble once for having an orange in my bag upon my return to the US.


For now, the photo will just have to suffice...


Marché Maubert
Place Maubert
75005, Paris


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Un chat, un cocker, et des salamandres



A cat, a dog, and many salamanders


A sense of humor by the architect (Bastier) is seen as the two pets perch above the door, keeping watch on all those who walk beneath.  The bottom tiles on either side of the door are signed by "Bigot" on the left and by "A and M Turin" on the right.  The permit for the building was dated 1903.  


Now, I found this entrance delightfully whimsical, worthy of observation and photographing.  It was interesting that a man walked up to me and said that he had lived in the neighborhood on this quiet street for over 30 years and had never noticed this doorway or the one just like it next door.  He watched me looking up and snapping with my camera.  Otherwise, he might still have not noticed.  We exchanged pleasantries and remarked that often we do not notice what treasures surround us.


He thanked me for the discovery, and we went our separate ways.



76-78, rue Mademoiselle
75015, Paris
Métros Vaugirard et Volontaires
(we were on Vélibs)
 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Un régal pour les yeux


Un régal pour les yeux
A feast for the eyes


The intensity of color combined with the richness 
of crystal, silver, pearls, and porcelain
just about makes my eyes water.



Printemps
64, boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Le Parisien - la vie quotidienne



The Parisian
la vie quotidienne


The moment is frozen in my memory.

A quick glimpse across the rooftops on Rue Saint-Honoré,
Monsieur on the telephone, cigarette in hand,
framed in a window, 
 the architecture of centuries past,
oblivious of my delight in capturing this scene.


What stories we could write  


205 Rue St-Honoré
75001, Paris
Métro Tuileries

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges



Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges


Built in 1863 by the Marist Fathers, 
this Gothic Revival architecture is largely hidden from the street view.  
One gets a glimpse here of a few of the nearly forty storied windows 
created by Joseph Vigne and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  


bon dimanche


Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges
104, rue de Vaugirard
75006, Paris


Saturday, December 8, 2012

Le manteau rouge


Le manteau rouge
(The red coat)


As I stood in the rain, 
there was something familiar about this young French girl 
with her long dark locks and bright red coat...

She looked like a miniature of one I know well...


Joyeux anniversaire, Holly!

Rue Littré
75006, Paris
Métro Saint-Placide

Friday, December 7, 2012

Dansant dans la rue


Dancing in the street
Rue Mouffetard


Every Sunday a small crowd gathers on Rue Mouffetard 
in front of Église Saint-Médard to sing and dance 
to the music of Christian Bassoul.  

It is easy to spot the regulars, 
whose easy steps and spins are evidence of the Sunday routine.  


All are welcome to participate 
so if you find yourself in Paris on a Sunday morning, 
find your way to this charming experience and.... 
dance.



Rue Mouffetard at Rue Censier
75005, Paris
Métro Censier-Daubenton

(joyeux anniversaire, Cherie)

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Rue Soufflot - les trois amies



Rue Soufflot


The grand rue between the Panthéon and Jardin du Luxembourg
has many interesting windows, architectural elements,
and a few signs.


I do not think that photographers say, "Watch the birdie!" any longer.



Rue Soufflot
75005, Paris

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Rue Paul Bert - la porte verte


Rue Paul Bert


Just a few steps from Bistrot Paul Bert 
is this striking green doorway of great height.  
It is complemented by the architectural details, 
the bright red flowers in the window box, 
and a reflection of the building just opposite.


It was a beautiful spot to meet a friend for déjeuner.



24, rue Paul Bert
75011, Paris
Métro Faidherbe Chaligny

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Galeries Lafayette - les vitrines de Noël



Galeries Lafayette
(Noël 2011)


One cold day last November, I met my blog friend Vreni (Vreni's Vienna Daily Photo and Verena's Paris Blog) to see a photo exhibit on Quai Branly.  We spent the afternoon walking in the 6ème and 7ème and then rushed to see all the windows of Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.  We worked as a team to get to the front of each window, a challenge with all the little children on risers built to give them a close up view.  

Vreni and I were successful in capturing each window, 
and she will be there soon to brave it without me.



Galeries Lafayette
Boulevard Haussmann
75009, Paris



Monday, December 3, 2012

Deux parapluies


Two umbrellas
Quai Malaquais
(near Institut de France)



Looking down from Pont des Arts to the quai below, 
it seems that the rain was just nothing more than an annoyance
for these two tourists.


Travel tip for Paris:
Raincoat (imperméable) with a hood
Umbrella (parapluie)
An extra pair of shoes (chaussures)
Oh, and a waterproof camera (appareil photo)




Quai Malaquais
La Seine -  la rive gauche
75006, Paris

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de Paris III


Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de Paris


One could spend many hours observing the beauty of this church: 
The imagery, the architecture, the repeating patterns, 
the organs, the artwork...


I wonder just how many angels and cherubs there might be. 



bon dimanche


Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de Paris
Place Franz-Liszt
75010, Paris
Métro Poissonnière

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Rue Saint Roch - ma rue à Paris



Rue Saint Roch
my street in Paris


This is undoubtedly one of the smallest of café terraces with seating for six.
Rue Saint Roch runs between Rue de Rivoli 
and Avenue de l'Opéra, a single-lane, one-way street.


From my residence of choice in Paris, I can look (hang) out of the large windows 
and watch the school children marching their way to Jardin des Tuileries, 
gaze on the large stained glass windows of Église Saint-Roch, 
or, in warm weather, observe the wonderful food selections on the terrace below.  
Often we can hear the music from one or more of the church's three organs.


Just thinking about my street in Paris lightens my mood 
and brings a smile to my face.


Restaurant de la Cordonnerie
20, rue Saint Roch
75001, Paris

City Daily Photo Theme Day: My Street
 

Friday, November 30, 2012

Sainte-Geneviève des Bois - le cimetière



The Russian Orthodox Cemetery
at Sainte-Geneviève des Bois


Although I have only seen this cemetery in the fall, 
in any month one imagines that the setting would still appear as an artist's palette 
but in the shades of the proper season.

Whether carpeted with Ginko leaves, 
a rare blanket of snow, 
or the petals of the spring blooms,
 it would surely be an artist's canvas.


Russian Orthodox Cemetery
Sainte-Geneviève des Bois

(Joyeux anniversaire, Renée)

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Pain et Chocolat - sous la table



Pain et Chocolat
salon de thé


This authentic salon de thé has captured my taste buds.

The menu is varied and excellent...

The desserts will transport you to heaven in a spoon 



Pain et Chocolat
16, avenue la Motte Picquet
75007, Paris
Métro École Militaire

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Le Relais Odéon - une grande brasserie


Le Relais Odéon
Rue du Jardinet


This famous Paris brasserie has an address on Boulevard Saint-Germain
but there is back entrance on Rue du Jardinet as seen here.


The weather worsened as the day progressed, 
but the rain made for moody photos on the rain-soaked, cobbled streets.



Le Relais Odéon
Boulevard Saint-Germain et
Rue du Jardinet
75006, Paris
Métro Odéon

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Printemps - Noël



Printemps
 Noël, Rêves d'Evasion

Last year Vreni (of Vienna Daily Photo) and I spent an evening early in the Christmas season
snapping every window on Boulevard Haussmann.

This is one of my favorites.

She will be there soon,
 and I will miss being there with her to see
 and photograph the beautiful windows.



Printemps
64, boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris

Monday, November 26, 2012

Marché d'Aligre - XIV





Marché d'Aligre


Early Sunday morning at Marché d'Aligre
is my favorite for taking photographs and watching the day come alive.

As with all the street markets of Paris, there is a collegial neighborhood atmosphere as shoppers greet their favorite vendors.  You see children playing and families shopping together on the weekend mornings.  Quite often they finish the morning in the nearby Square Trousseau with the children playing.


Marché d'Aligre
Place d'Aligre
75012, Paris
  
I am linking to Paulita's 
 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île - les cierges



Église Saint-Louis en l'Île


Far from the bustling crowd on this well-traversed island in the Seine
is Église Saint-Louis en l'Île, full of art and soft light.


Construction started in 1642 at the direction of Louis XIV 
using the plans of François Le Vau who was also designing Versailles.


bon dimanche


Église Saint-Louis en l'Île
Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île
Saint-Louis en l'Île
75004, Paris