Sunday, March 31, 2013

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris



Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris


Une couronne pour le Roi
A crown for the King



joyeuses Pâques




Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
6 Parvis Notre Dame
Place Jean-Paul II
75004, Paris

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Le Baron Rouge - Poisson d'Avril



Le Baron Rouge


There is a long line on the sidewalk for the freshly shucked oysters on Sundays at Le Baron Rouge.  Last year on April 1st, my husband, Peter (Peter's Paris), and I were there for the salty delicacies.


The French tradition for "April Fools Day" is 
put a paper fish on the back of some unsuspecting person.


Do you see it?




You have two days to cut out your fish... Don't wait.


Le Baron Rouge, wine bar
1, rue Théophile Roussel
75012, Paris

Friday, March 29, 2013

Place André Malraux - la fontaine de jouvence?


The fountain of youth?


There are at least three cherubs in this fountain of changing colors, but alas...
I do not believe that the water will make you young.


Surely there is a reason that the French women are so beautiful and youthful.



bon weekend


Place André Malraux
et Rue St-Honoré
75001, Paris

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Jardin du Palais Royal - Dépêchez-vous!



Jardin du Palais Royal


Moving rapidly through the enclave of Palais Royal's garden, 
her feet were a blur.


Was she off to meet un petit ami 
or just rushing back to work?


Must be a French girl


Jardin du Palais Royal
75001, Paris
 

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Le Charolais - les huitres


Le Charolais


Monsieur is selecting oysters
 as the patrons eagerly await these delicacies on the café terrace.


I will be back in Paris soon and will enjoy some oysters here 
and also around the corner at Le Baron Rouge.  
They are deliciously salted by the sea 
and need nothing more than a splash of lemon juice.


Le Charolais, café
15, rue de Cotte
75012, Paris

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Café rouge




This café terrace on Rue de Sèvres was not attracting many customers 
despite the rouge blankets draped across the chairs.  

The rain had moved the crowd indoors.



Rue de Sèvres
75006, Paris

Monday, March 25, 2013

La Petite Baleine - papeterie



(The Little Whale)

If you are planning a wedding, celebrating the birth of a child, 
or for any special occasion, 
this charming shop on Rue Littré 
has both the traditional engraved announcements/invitations 
and a creative artistry for a more eclectic look.


I was taken with the petite sign sporting a little whale!



La Petite Baleine
5, rue Littré
75006, Paris

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Église Saint-Louis des Invalides III


Église Saint-Louis des Invalides


This dome which sits prominently on the Paris horizon is atop
 what is commonly called Les Invalides.  
The church is known as "The Soldiers' Church" 
and was constructed in 1677.  


Although many have visited Napoleon's tomb 
and toured the Musée de l'Armée, 
most of those have missed the interior 
of this bright and beautiful church.  


bon dimanche


Église Saint-Louis des Invalides
Les Invalides
75007, Paris


Saturday, March 23, 2013

La Palette - pluie battante



La Palette


This café/bistro was filled with people seen here on the terrace 
huddled under the umbrellas and heaters.  
We were fortunate to find a spot inside with a view, 
dry and free from the blowing rain.


As we say, "a rainy day in Paris beats a great day at home."



La Palette
43, rue de Seine
75006, Paris
Métro Mabillon

Friday, March 22, 2013

Ultramod Mercerie II



2012 Jan 17 3rd_0417


Mercerie
Ultramod


Even the name "Ultramod" is enchanting and is a reminder of times past.  There is nothing dull about this mercerie, a place not only to buy buttons, threads, and ribbons, but a joyful gathering of people who enjoy the needle arts and haberdashery.  The colors almost tumble off the shelves in an array of tassles and silks.


The ambiance here is palatable



Ultramod
3-4, rue de Choiseul
75002 Paris

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Pétanque X - Jardin du Luxembourg



Jardin du Luxembourg


On my next trip to Paris I would like to play a game of Pétanque
but the regulars of Jardin du Luxembourg (and Tuileries)
would not likely embrace this American beginner.


Perhaps a trip to Bassin de la Villette in the 19ème 
would be a better place to start.


Jardin du Luxembourg
75006, Paris

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Jour du Macaron - 20 mars 2013





Oh, how I wish that I was in Paris today to enjoy the celebration of macarons.  Started by Pierre Hermé several years ago, one could run to each of the stores for up to three free macarons at each.  For those who made it to every Pierre Hermé in Paris there was a beautiful box of macarons, a treasure chest.  Pierre Hermé made a charity donation in honor of the day.


The success of the day quickly put a halt to the free macaron hunt and end-of-day bonus.  Still, it would be fun to follow the map for a macaron-saturated day.


Pierre Hermé
all over Paris (and Beyond)

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Marché aux Oiseaux - Place Louis Lépine



Marché aux Fleurs
(Marché aux Oiseaux)


On Sundays the Marché aux Fleurs becomes the Marché aux Oiseaux (Bird Market) 
with a chatty selection of birds, from the ordinary to the rare.   You may find hens, chickens, roosters, rabbits, fish, Guinea pigs.  


If you are looking for color, the birds will oblige your request.

 


Marché aux Fleurs
Place Louis Lépine
Île de la Cité
75004, Paris

Monday, March 18, 2013

Jardin du Luxembourg - une tortue verte



A green turtle in
Jardin du Luxembourg


This young fellow with a jacket and mittens
 to match his green turtle seems in a daze.


Is he wishing that he had jumped on the cart led by a stallion 
which would surely be faster than une tortue?



Jardin du Luxembourg
75006, Paris
 

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois



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Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois


Back when the Louvre was still a royal palace (Palais du Louvre), Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois was its church.  The impressive and unique bell tower dates from the 12th century and was the only Romanesque survival.  It was later transformed to the Gothic style in the 19th century.


It does enjoy a lofty view of the Louvre


bon dimanche

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

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Marché aux Puces - Saint-Ouen VII


Les puces de Saint-Ouen
Marché Vernaison


The winding aisles of Marché Vernaison contain an abundance 
of silver, furniture, old toys, keys, ceramics, linens, and much more.


It is reminiscent of flea markets of the past and is one of the
Antica, Biron, Cambo, Dauphine, Jules Vallès, Le Passage, Le Plateau, 
L'Entrepôt, Malassis, Malik, Paul Bert, Serpette, Vernaison, l'Usine and Lécuyer



Check the link before you go and choose wisely 
as you will not be able to see it all in one trip.


Marché aux Puces, Saint-Ouen
Porte de Clignancourt
75018, Paris
 
 
 

Friday, March 15, 2013

Pont des Arts - sous la neige


Pont des Arts


Taken a few years ago during a dusting of snow,
the bridge is seen after a pruning of locks



bon weekend


Pont des Arts
75001, Paris

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Baguette Monge et saucisson sec



Eric Kayser's 
Baguette Monge


Certainly there are many fine boulangeries in Paris but for me, the perfect baguette can be found at Eric Kayser (on Rue Monge).  You must ask for the Baguette Monge, and if you have good timing, it will be still warm from the oven.  
They are a little over 1€ - what a bargain.


For a little piece of heaven, step outside, pinch off the top, 
and take a bite while the steam fogs your face.


miam-miam


Baguette Monge, Eric Kayser
8, rue Monge (and other locations in Paris)
75005, Paris

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Jardin du Palais Royal - sous la neige



Palais Royal in the snow


In the first week of December 2010, the snow started to fall gingerly as seen here, 
and by the 8th of December, it was a traffic-stopping blanket of soft whiteness.


The green leaves still on the sculpted trees 
are a pleasing contrast to the white carpet.



Jardin du Palais Royal
75001, Paris

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Marché d'Aligre - XVIII



Marché d'Aligre


The street markets of Paris are many, each with its own flavor.


You never know when you will find a porte-bonheur (lucky charm), 
a  cherished memory that will long remind you of Paris.



Marché d'Aligre
Place d'Aligre
Rue d'Aligre et Rue Beccaria
75012, Paris

Monday, March 11, 2013

Votre lessive?



Laundry day?


No!  This is 59 Rivoli, which is billed as the "cultural alternative in the heart of Paris."  There are 30 artists in studios throughout all 6 floors of 59 Rivoli plus the Galerie 59 on the rez-de-chaussée (ground floor).

  Originally, it was a squat started by artists looking for a place to work, live and show.  Now it is legalized and open to the public every day except Mondays.  Not only can you see the artists' work but visit the ateliers where the creations are made.  Galerie 59 has exhibitions running for approximately two weeks at a time with a vernissage open to everyone, usually on the first day of the show. 


  
59 Rivoli
59, rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
 

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Église Notre Dame de Lorette



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Église Notre Dame de Lorette


The construction of this grand church was started in 1823 under the reign of Louis XVIII and was completed in 1836 under Louis-Philippe.  The elaborate murals were painted directly on the walls and one can see sections which are being restored.  Considered too modern, too bright with gas lighting, the walls are entirely covered with designs and painting.



bon dimanche


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

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Métro Réaumur-Sébastopol - Entrée d'Hector Guimard


Art Nouveau design


These famed entrances designed by Hector Guimard were surrounded in talk and not a little controversy in 1900.  The most elaborate were those with glass canopies, of which three still exist.  


Guimard's design above can be seen all over Paris, and there are 80 of this style with cast-iron balustrades decorated in plant-like motifs still remaining today.  The orange light globes sit atop ornate cast-iron supports in the form of plant stems.  Typical of the Art Nouveau style, the entire design is quite "organic."



Métro Réaumur-Sébastopol - Entrée d'Hector Guimard
Lines 3 et 4
75002, 75003, Paris 

Friday, March 8, 2013

Carrousel XXX - Hôtel de Ville



Carrousel - Hôtel de Ville


There is nothing as spectacular as a carrousel at night in a glory of lights.


It is even better when you throw your head back 
to see La Tour Eiffel as you are spinning.



bon weekend


Le Carrousel 
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
75004, Paris
 

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Père Lachaise - la chouette et son ombre



2009 dec 00364

A majestic tomb


Rising above most of the tombs in this area of the famed Père Lachaise, three mighty owls stand watch perched between stone garlands.  The crown supports a shield that surely identifies the family.  How could I have failed to note the name and the story.  Alas, a momentary lapse, but I will return for another look.  


The skies may never be this blue again


Cimetière du Père Lachaise
75020, Paris

 

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Le petit musicien



The little musician


Dressed warmly for the cold winter day, he played his red accordion.

Another generation passes down the music and traditions, 
the dancing, the culture.


Sing a little, make some music, laugh until your sides hurt


Rue Mouffetard
75005, Paris
Métro Censier-Daubenton

 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Yah! Yah! Plus vite, cheval!



Playing in Jardin du Luxembourg


There is a large rectangular area in the garden where children can race pedal cars.

This joyful child is enjoying what would be my choice for a ride, a well-kept horse with a blue saddle and a red cart.  Most of the rides are cars, tractors, and other mundane vehicles.  She found the only one with a horse, and commanded the field.


Jardin du Luxembourg
75006, Paris


Monday, March 4, 2013

Rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève - le travailleur



2012 Jan 15 2nd_0440


Le travailleur


Color-matched for the job at hand, 
this worker made a nice contrast to the stark winter scene.


May you not work too hard this week 
and take time to enjoy your surroundings, 
wherever they may be.



Rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève
(just across from the steps of Saint-Étienne du Mont)
75005, Paris

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Église Sainte-Marguerite



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Église Sainte-Marguerite


The layout of the church of Sainte-Marguerite is a Latin cross, 
according to the classical style of the 17th Century.   


It's adjacent cemetery was opened in 1637 and during the French Revolution, 
the bodies of three hundred people who were guillontined in 
Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation were buried there.  Most of the cemetery was closed in 1804, but there are a few interesting stories to share on another day.



bon dimanche


Église Sainte-Marguerite
36, rue Saint-Bernard
75011, Paris

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Rue Mouffetard - café-bistrot



2012 Jan 15 2nd_0404

Café-Bistrot
Rue Mouffetard


On this chilly day there were no customers outside.  
You can tell from the windows, that they were doing a great business inside.


Do you just love the writing on the blackboard?
It is beautifully French.



Rue Moufetard
75005, Paris

Friday, March 1, 2013

Montmartre - être un observateur



Two café chairs...
one for sitting, and the other for...


Just outside the café on the warm terrace, 
this young man watched the pedestrians taking a Sunday stroll.

Was he waiting for a friend, for a sweetheart?  We will never know.




Le Relais de la Butte
Rue Ravignan et Rue des 3 Frères
Montmartre
75018 Paris
 
 
This is my entry for City Daily Photo Bloggers March theme day, "café chairs
and what better place to find them than in Paris!  
Click HERE to see café chairs featured by bloggers from around the world.