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!)
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
It is a very inviting corridor.
ReplyDeleteA philantrophic decapitating machine. There's a contradiction in terms.
Wonderful perspective Genie. Would live to take a stroll down that passage.
ReplyDeleteThese 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.
ReplyDeleteI like those cours and can't imagine why they destroyed so many of them. There used to be hundred.
ReplyDelete'Philanthropic decapitating machine'!!!!!!!! Mind boggles!
ReplyDeleteWhen 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!
ReplyDeletehmmm....
ReplyDelete"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...
I must tell you that there is a plate on the building (no. 9) where the machine was built and tried.
ReplyDeleteI guess you know that Louis XVI later gave some indications how to improve the blade. :-)
Glad the decapitating machine isn't on site. But what a lovely spot!
ReplyDeleteA lovely place with a gruesome history!
ReplyDeleteLiz
Peter est incollable !
ReplyDeleteWlliam, it sounds horrible for sure!
ReplyDeletePeter, 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
This is a beautiful place. Glad to read that all is well in Parisville.
ReplyDeletePretty.
ReplyDeleteLove the reflections!It's a charming passage and you got an amazing composition!
ReplyDeleteLéia
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.
ReplyDelete