Monday, November 18, 2013

Cours du Commerce Saint-André



2012 Oct 6 Saturday_122DSC_8716


Cours du Commerce Saint-André


This charming passage was opened in the mid-1700s 
linking the rue Saint-André des Arts and the Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie. 
 It houses the Procope café, a meeting place for writers and intellectuals of that era.


 In a granary here, M. Guillotin tried out his "philanthropic decapitating machine"
on sheep (1790).  I do not believe that there is a marker or any evidence of such in this gallery.  (thankfully!)



Cours du Commerce Saint-André
75006, Paris

16 comments:

William Kendall said...

It is a very inviting corridor.

A philantrophic decapitating machine. There's a contradiction in terms.

Joe said...

Wonderful perspective Genie. Would live to take a stroll down that passage.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

These covered passages are such a treat. I've only seen a few and yet know there are several surviving in Paris. think I'll seek them all out the next time I'm in Paris. Hope you're enjoying yourself (how could you not) on this trip.

Starman said...

I like those cours and can't imagine why they destroyed so many of them. There used to be hundred.

Lucy Corrander : Photos said...

'Philanthropic decapitating machine'!!!!!!!! Mind boggles!

Malyss said...

When we know what condemned people had to endure in old times before guillotine, yes , one can consider it as a philantropic machine! Glad there's no marker of it in that beautiful gallery anyway!

Louis la Vache said...

hmmm....
"Philantropic Decapitating Machine"
That name must have been conjured up by the same person who named the (ahem) Affordable Care Act which, to their horror, so many are discovering is unaffordable...

That aside, «Louis» has been in this passageway. Procope is one of the most famous cafés in Paris.
«Louis» regrets that he didn't make good on his promise to himself to try it out when he lived in Paris...

PeterParis said...

I must tell you that there is a plate on the building (no. 9) where the machine was built and tried.
I guess you know that Louis XVI later gave some indications how to improve the blade. :-)

Jeanie said...

Glad the decapitating machine isn't on site. But what a lovely spot!

The Greenockian said...

A lovely place with a gruesome history!
Liz

Alain said...

Peter est incollable !

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Wlliam, it sounds horrible for sure!

Peter, I did not know that there was a sign, but will search it out before I leave.

Alain, c'est vrai!

We had a great day in Paris, meeting Meredith Mullins for lunch and getting together with friends later at our favorite apartment. We went through Galeries Lafayette taking videos and stills of the Christmas decor and the beautiful windows.

I will tell you more later about this but we successfully achieved NAVIGO Découverte passes which are much less expensive than Metro/bus tickets and allow you speed through the metro. Until the past several years you could not get the reusable pass unless you were a resident.... more details when I get home.

We have another photographic full day for tomorrow and it is late now...

Bises,
Genie

Jack said...

This is a beautiful place. Glad to read that all is well in Parisville.

Randy said...

Pretty.

Cezar and Léia said...

Love the reflections!It's a charming passage and you got an amazing composition!
Léia

Louise said...

I went to that passage way in July. I looked for a plaque, but couldn't find one, I see Peter tells us there is one. Ah well, will have to find it on another visit.