Wednesday, July 31, 2013

La vie quotidienne - Rue Cler


Les marchés de Paris


It is impossible to read a novel (or non-fiction) 
about life in Paris without observing the daily shopping.  
I think about the time I spend driving to 
the seafood market, 
the family-owned vegetable market, 
and the grocery for the other items.  


How wonderful would it be to walk down this pedestrian street, 
greeting your neighbors, while selecting all the items you need.



Rue Cler
75007, Paris

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Jardin de l'Intendant II


Jardin de l'Intendant


On the secluded southwest corner of the grounds of Hôtel des Invalides 
is this quiet topiary garden walled off from the Avenue de Tourville.  
It is far away from the entrances to les Invalides and the tourists.  


In my many visits here I have seen 
families, lovers, readers, walkers, 
and not infrequently a single person 
enjoying the benches and solitude.



Jardin de l'Intendant
Les Invalides
Ave de Tourville
75007, Paris

Monday, July 29, 2013

Le Carrousel et la Tour Eiffel



2012 Mar 29 Paris_045DSC_4728

le carrousel de la Tour Eiffel


On a sunny day in Paris you can ride (pedal) a painted pony 
and catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower with every rotation.



La Tour Eiffel et Le Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel
Quai Branley
75007, Paris

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île



2012 Mar 31 Paris_286DSC_5522

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île


Almost hidden in the narrow streets of Île Saint Louis
stands the lacy spire of Église Saint-Louis en l'Île, the only church on the island.


It was built from 1652 to 1765 in the Baroque style, 
designed by architect François Le Vau. 
 St-Louis' interior was essentially stripped during the Revolution 
as were so many French churches, 
but the odd outdoor iron clock, dating from 1741, survived.


bon dimanche



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

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Village Bercy - la bouteille rouge


Bercy Village
Cour Saint-Émilion


The customer snuffed out a cigarette and left.


I snapped a photo before the table was cleared
and the red bottle disappeared!


(I am not the only photographer of Paris 
who snaps dirty café tables)



Paris Café
Bercy Village 
Cour St-Émilion
75012, Paris


Friday, July 26, 2013

Au bord de la Seine - les amis II


la Seine,
the water's edge



When the weather cooperates 
one can find groups of friends gathering on a Friday evening 
to share stories of the week and 
simply to enjoy la vie quotidienne on the banks of the Seine.


May you "exhale" 
and enjoy the company of friends this weekend.




La Seine
Right bank - just off Pont des Arts
75001, Paris
 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Palais Garnier - Illumination



2012 Paris Mar 31_5348DSC_5375


Palais Garnier
The Grand Staircase


Would you like to turn back the clock 100 years 
to attend an elegant ball, just for the evening?


Yeah, me too



The Grand Staircase
Palais Garnier
Place de l'Opéra 75009, Paris

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

L'heure bleue - Jardins du Trocadéro


Fountain of Warsaw
fontaine de Varsovie


Not as many fountains as seen in the gardens of Versailles, 
but still a perfect seat to enjoy the water show 
during l'heure bleue (the blue hour).


As the sky darkens one simply turns to the southeast 
to watch the lights of la Tour Eiffel just across the Seine.  
What a festival!


every day of the week!



Fountain of Warsaw
Jardins du Trocadéro
75016, Paris
Métro Trocadéro

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Escalier du Ministre - Louvre



2012 Mar 30 Paris_217DSC_5165


Escalier du Ministre 
in the Richelieu wing of the Louvre


The Louvre is filled with architectural designs and details, 
and this staircase, Escalier du Ministre, 
led up to the private apartments of the Minister of State.  
If you visit this area of the museum, you can walk up these steps 
just as the royal visitors once did, 
and amble through the apartments of Napoleon III.


It is interesting to discover the many elegant designs 
of the Louvre staircases.



Musée du Louvre
75001, Paris



Monday, July 22, 2013

La Petite Rose - salon de thé


La Petite Rose


This is one of my favorite lunch spots, 
just a short walk from Parc de Monceau.  
Gorgeous salads and delicious quiches


Well, selecting a dessert is a challenge!



La Petite Rose 11, boulevard de Courcelles Métro Villiers 75008 Paris

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Église Saint-Étienne du Mont - l'orgue


Église Saint-Étienne du Mont


The organ of Saint-Étienne du Mont 
is a marvel of architectural design and carving, 
dating back to the early 17th Century.


 From this angle it appears 
that the angels and cherubs might jump or fly


bon dimanche




Église Saint-Étienne du Mont
1, place Ste-Geneviève
75005, Paris

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Horloge et candélabres



2011 April day 3 DSC_0312

Clock and candelabra


The antique stores scattered throughout Paris are full of treasures.  
Many of the items may be out of the reach of the traveler, 
or perhaps to large to carry home.  
However, one never knows when a "find" will be discovered.


This window was seen in one of the narrow streets of the Marais.



Antique boutique
Marais
75004, Paris

Friday, July 19, 2013

Hôtel de Sens - Bibiothèque Forney


Hôtel de Sens
and the Forney Art Library


Built originally for the archbishops of Sens in the thirteenth century, 
this hôtel was rebuilt completely 
by Archbishop Tristan de Salazar between 1498 and 1518.



Although there have been many modifications 
over the past five hundred years, 
"it remains a rare survivor of late medieval-civil architecture, 
an example of a semi-fortified manoir dressed up in the Flamboyant style."

(Andrew Ayers - The Architecture of Paris: An Architectural Guide)



Hôtel de Sens - Bibliothèque Forney
Rue du Figuier at Rue du Fauconnier
75004, Paris

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Port de l'Arsenal


Port de l'Arsenal


From the above ground platform on Line 1 of the Bastille station, 
you have this view of Port de l'Arsenal.  
For many years I imagined this view was a narrow stretch of the Seine.  
When you look at a map it is simple to identify.  
This basin connects Canal St. Martin to the Seine 
and is a  part of France's national Voies navigables de France 
(VNF, Navigable Waterways of France) system.


Did you know that from Line 5 the remains of the Bastille can be seen?



Port de l'Arsenal
from Bastille station, Line 1
75004, Paris (the border between 4ième and 12ième)
Métro Bastille (bien sûr!)

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Fenêtre dans le Marais



2011 April Day 3 DSC_0294


Window in the Marais


Just a simple window with geraniums askew, 
but the iron railing and alluring curtains 
contribute to the mystery that is Paris.



le Marais
75004, Paris

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Séduction - Dalloyau


Seduction?


Indeed!

miam-miam





Dalloyau
5, boulevard Beaumarchais
75004, Paris
Métro Bastille

Monday, July 15, 2013

Le défilé du 14-Juillet



Quatorze Juillet

2008
The many regiments line up an hour or two 
before the march down Avenue des Champs Elysées.



2013
In all, 4,800 troops marched in front of the presidential stage Sunday, 
along with 241 horses, 265 vehicles and 58 planes.
Bringing up the rear was an array of 35 helicopters, 
used in wartime and for civilian missions. 


Precision parachutists landed 
in front of the presidential stand to close the parade.



The military parade of 14-Juillet
Avenue des Champs Elysées
75008, Paris

 

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Quatorze Juillet - La Fête Nationale!



The Gates of Invalides


All of Paris is dressed in the bleu, blanc, et rouge of the French flag.  
The crowds and the traffic are impossible, 
but the pleasure of being there in the streets 
for the great national celebration is worth it.


Vive la France!


Invalides
75007, Paris

Paris and Beyond - 3 years, 1109 posts
Thank you for following, for your feedback,
and for sharing in my love for Paris (and beyond)

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Champs de Mars - les chevaux


Ponies in the Park


Festivities surround Champs de Mars in July
Pony rides and picnics


Tomorrow is quatorze juillet, La Fête Nationale, 
and the third anniversary of Paris and Beyond.  


I'll take a pony ride and a picnic, svp.



Champs de Mars
75007, Paris


Friday, July 12, 2013

Palais Royal - un reflet


Palais Royal


In the arcade of Palais Royal, 
these reflective green lenses caught my attention...

and, my reflection.


bon weekend



Palais Royal
75001, Paris

Thursday, July 11, 2013

L'oiseau et le chapeau


The bird and the hat?


This flashy window of H&M 
is nestled between the grand windows of Le Printemps 
and Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann.


The windows of Paris fascinate me and 
I only wish I could be there to see them each time they change.  


I try, believe me.



H&M
54, blvd Haussmann
75009, Paris

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

La Palette - le bar


La Palette


The rainy day refuge was a photographer's delight 
as we enjoyed the classic French fare and a glass of bubbly.  
The weather provided the drama.


Il pleuvait des cordes!


(It was raining cats and dogs - loosely translating here, 
but I am sure that you know some other French expressions 
for an abundance of rain)



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


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Château de Chenonceau - le labyrinthe



2010 June 16-17 DSC_0422

Château de Chenonceau
The Maze


Seen from ground level the grand labyrinth shows only a tight hedge of yews.  If you are able to navigate the maze to the center you will be rewarded with the view from a heightened gazebo of the entire layout.   The design for this formal garden was created by Catherine de Médicis in the 16th century.


Chenonceau is also known as the Château de Femmes for the succession of six powerful French knoblewomen, each of whom had an impact on the chateau over the period of four centuries.  The four caryatids seen in the background were added to the chateau by Catherine de Médicis and more recently added to "her" maze.

 
Château de Chenonceau has nearly one million visitors every year, and with the exception of the Palace of Versailles, is the most visited castle in France. 



Château de Chenonceau
45000, Chenonceaux
(one hour by train from Paris - day trip)
 

Monday, July 8, 2013

La Coupe d'Or


La Coupe d'Or


Sitting on Rue Saint-Honoré 
at the corner of Rue du Marché Saint-Honoré 
would be a nice spot for people-watching.  


The reviews indicate that this may not be the best place for a meal, 
but a quick café and a moment to rest one's feet 
might be reason enough to stop.




La Coupe d'Or
330, rue St Honoré
75001, Paris

Connecting to Dreaming of France and Paris in July with Thyme for Tea and  Bookbath

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul III



2012 Oct 8 Monday_52DSC_9163

Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul


In one of the ornate chapels of this church, 
so unassuming by its exterior, 
is seen this serene statue adorned with a crown of gold.  


Under the left foot is a serpent which has been crushed.  
The backdrop has been styled to appear as a fine silk fabric.  
The details of this alcove are memorable.


bon dimanche




Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul
95, rue de Sèvres
75006, Paris
Métro Sèvres-Babylone
 
Previously posted here and here

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Les chaussures et les requins oranges?



The Sharks and the Shoes


The creativity of a Paris window appeals to my artistic side.


The shoes appeal to my inner Imelda Marcos.



bon weekend!



Le Printemps
Rue de Caumartin
75009, Paris

This is my contribution to James' Weekend Reflections. 
Click here to see the other postings from around the world.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Le Champ de Mars - brasserie



Le Champ de Mars


I wondered how many movies have been shot here in front of Le Champ de Mars, 
a brasserie sitting in view of La Tour Eiffel.  


The dining reviews are mixed 
but the people-watching quotient should be quite high.


The rouge awnings are perfect.




Le Champ de Mars-Brasserie 
124, rue St Dominique  
75007, Paris
Métro École Militaire

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Flamme de la Liberté à Paris


Flame of Liberty in Paris


"The Flame of Liberty.  An exact replica of the Statue of Liberty's flame offered to the people of France by donors throughout the world as a symbol of the Franco-American friendship.  On the occasion of the centennial of the International Herald Tribune.  Paris 1887-1987."


The site of this monument is Pont de l'Alma on the right bank of the Seine.  How appropriate that La Tour Eiffel is peering in from the other side of the river.


joyeaux anniversaire, USA!



Flamme de la Liberté
Place de l'Alma
75016, Paris

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Dominique Bart - artiste-peintre



2010 June 17-18 DSC_0673


Dominique Bart
Artist


Si vous passez Place des Vosges à Paris, 
vous rencontrerez certainement sous les arcades au n° 13  
Dominique Bart. Artiste-peintre, 
il vous montrera ses aquarelles et ses huiles représentant cette superbe place.


I have had this photo for a few years of M. Bart, but did not know his name.  Mon amie Marie found him and bought one of his beautiful watercolors.  He allowed me to take his photo, and Marie shared his name.  I have not seen him on recent visits to Place des Vosges, but would love to give him a copy of this portrait.  Perhaps I will find him on my next trip.


Dominique Bart
13, Place des Vosges
75004, Paris

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Boulevard Saint-Germain - le marché


Booths along Bd Saint-Germain


The colors in this booth caught my eye, 
but it was only just now that I noticed two souvenirs 
I should have purchased that day.  


I see the vélos in many bright shades and just below... 
are those miniature 2CVs*?!


* 2CV = deux chevaux-vapeur



Weekend street (sidewalk) market
Bd Saint-Germain at Rue Bonaparte
75006, Paris
 

Monday, July 1, 2013

Château de Chambord - une grande façade!


Chambord
a very grand façade


Constructed for King François I in the early years of the Sixteenth Century, this chateau features 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases.  In the center hall is a grand double-helix open staircase spanning three floors.  The château also features 128 meters of façade, more than 800 sculpted columns and an elaborately decorated roof. When François I commissioned the construction of Chambord, he wanted it to look like the skyline of Constantinople. 


In 1939, shortly before the outbreak of World War II, the art collections of the Louvre and Compiègne museums were stored at the Château de Chambord.
 


This is my contribution to the City Daily Photo Theme Day - façade
Click here to see all the others from around the world.



Château de Chambord
Chambord, France
(an easy day trip out of Paris to the Loire Valley)