Sunday, June 30, 2013

Église Saint-Pierre de Montrouge



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Église Saint-Pierre de Montrouge


This Nineteenth Century Paris church was the work of architect Joseph Auguste Émile Vaudremer between 1865 and 1870 during Haussmann's redesign of the city.  The elegant Neo-Romanesque and Byzantine influences can be seen in the architectural design.  Vaudremer was inspired by the Roman basilicas and churches, winning the lauréat du premier grand of the Prix de Rome in 1854.  He resided at the French Academy in Rome at the Villa Medici between 1855 and 1858.


It would appear that the church has recently undergone cleaning and perhaps renovation.  The "fresh-scrubbed" look takes out the surface contrast giving the structure a flat, two-dimensional appearance.  I did not go in, but have it on my list for a future trip.


bon dimanche



Saint-Pierre de Montrouge
82, avenue du Général Leclerc
75014, Paris
Métro : Alésia

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Le Tour de France 100


100 Years
Le Tour


Le Tour de France begins today and looks back to the first Tour in 1903.  Three grueling weeks of mountains and time trials, 2,000 miles, 23 stages, all culminating with a finish on the Champs-Elysées.

The Tour de France has visited every region of Metropolitan France except Corsica, but the opening stages this year begin on Corsica as part of the celebrations for the 100th edition of the race.


If you have no interest in the sport, you would surely love the countryside, the little villages, the chateaus, the mountain ridges, the coastlines.  Take a look at the towns and villages of the 2013 Tour.  There is much to be seen... and, it lasts for three weeks!


Le Tour de France
2013, June 29 - July 21
Corsica and France

Friday, June 28, 2013

Le Café Hortense




The website for this colorful-terrace is based in the same bright magenta, purple, red that you see here.  There were few patrons enjoying this sunny morning, but I would imagine a full terrace for déjeuner would be expected.  It sits at the corner of Rue Paul Cezanne, and is only a stone's throw from Avenue Myron Herrick.  


Herrick (1854-1929) was the Governor of Ohio and subsequently the American Ambassador to France.  It is interesting that he is the only American Ambassador to have a street named after him in Paris.  Herrick was the ambassador who hosted Charles Lindbergh in Paris after his successful New York to Paris Atlantic crossing in 1927.  
(A little historical tidbit for the week)


bon weekend


Le Café Hortense
5, rue Paul Cezanne
75008, Paris




Thursday, June 27, 2013

Les toits de Chartres



from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres
On the ascent to the top of the Bell Tower


A variety of architecture, rooftops, and layout of the city
can be seen from our ascent at the half-way point to the top of the Bell Tower.
The steps were worn smooth and a tight spiral shared by those going up and those going down.  We only encountered a few in either direction.  It is a bit dizzying.


If I had shown this photo in black and white you would have missed the fields of rape seed (canola) in the far horizon.  As we made the quick trip on the train, the bright yellow provided blocks of color as we zipped along.



Chartres, France
96 km southwest of Paris
an easy day-trip by train

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Les Vélibs


Try it!


Well, Holly has a big smile because we were having so much fun riding around Paris on the Vélibs.  The cost can be a little as $2.20 to ride for the day.  If you return your bike to one of the 1,800 stations within 30 minutes, there is no additional charge.  We rode for two days all over Paris, mixing it up with the traffic.  On my recent trip, I spent one day riding alone, crossing the Seine bridges and riding as far as Jardin des Plantes from the 2ème.


There are 20,000 bikes ready to ride, waiting on you.  Check out the site here.
If you are hesitant, start away from congested traffic areas (Place Charles de Gaule for sure!) 


On our first 30-minute ride we bumped across the cobblestones of Champs Elysées, passed between Grand Palais and Petit Palais, and then crossed Pont Alexandre III.  What a rush!  

(Learn the words - It will make you feel so cool - 
do not forget to ring the little bell as you sing, too)

Je m' baladais sur l' avenue
Le coeur ouvert à l' inconnu
J' avais envie de dire bonjour
A n' importe qui
N' importe qui et ce fut toi
Je t' ai dit n' importe quoi
Il suffisait de te parler
Pour t' apprivoiser
Aux Champs-Elysées
Aux Champs-Elysées
Au soleil, sous la pluie
A midi ou à minuit
Il y a tout c' que vous voulez
Aux Champs-Elysées!


Les rues du 15ième
75015, Paris

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Le Printemps, Palais Garnier, et les toits de Paris



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Taken from the rooftop of Printemps, 
one can see the two towers of Printemps, 
the magnificence of Palais Garnier, 
and many familiar outlines of Paris buildings.  


Oh, you will always see many cranes obliterating the skyline.



Printemps
64, boulevard Haussmann
75009, Paris

Monday, June 24, 2013

Le Baron Rouge - un bar à vin



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Le Baron Rouge


This suspended rack of wine glasses gives the illusion of a chandelier.  
In addition to oysters, 
you can bring your own container 
and buy wine right from the barrel.


Put Le Baron Rouge on your list. 




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

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris



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Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris


Last Sunday's post of Notre Dame was a night view
 of the east side of this great cathedral.  


I thought that you might like to see 
the same perspective under blue skies.


bon dimanche



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

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Fête de la Musique - Place de Furstenberg



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Fête de la Musique 2010
The guitarist


Perhaps one of thousands of musicians, 
the solo guitarist performed in the late afternoon in Place de Furstenberg, 
only steps from Eugène Delacroix' apartment (1857).  


Virginia, Marie and I encountered this guitarist in the quiet street 
and gave him our full attention.  
He willingly agreed to our photo shoot.


Place de Furstenberg
75006, Paris
Métro Mabillon


Friday, June 21, 2013

Fête de la Musique - solstice d'été


Summer Solstice


So what does the solstice d'été have to do with music?  In Paris and many parts of France the summer solstice is accompanied by a grand celebration of music, with all genres and forms.  You can visit the churches for special concerts, listen to street musicians in the squares and gardens.  The cafés have jazz quartets and pop music and everything in between.  The music begins early and extends to the wee hours of the morning.


"The musicians are asked to perform for free, and all the concerts are free for the public. It’s the reason why they are used to play in open air areas as streets and parks or in public buildings like museums, train stations, castles… Furthermore, the Fête de la Musique is a way to encourage the major music institutions (orchestra, operas, choirs, etc.) to perform outside their usual locations." (official site here)


This photo was taken of the "piano man" on June 21, 2010, Fête de la Musique, a wonderful day spent with friends soaking up beautiful weather and a variety of music.  


Wish I was there today.


Pont Saint-Louis
75004, Paris

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Rue Auber - le serveur



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A cafe on Rue Auber


A classic street scene in any part of Paris.  
This cafe is just around the corner from Cafe de la Paix 
and probably not as expensive.  


You still get a great view of Palais Garnier 
from this sidewalk terrace.


Rue Auber at Palais Garnier
75009, Paris

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Jardin des Tuileries - les enfants dans le parc


Jardin des Tuileries


A Sunday afternoon finds many children in the parks of Paris.  These two were part of a group of five or six who played a game of soccer with imaginary boundaries.  They were not daunted by the scattering of puddles left by the recent rain.



Jardin des Tuileries
75001, Paris

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Jardin du Palais Royal - des étirements


Jardin du Palais Royal


Some stretches before a run.  
How did she ever tear herself away 
from the mesmerizing view of that incredible fountain?



Jardin du Palais Royal
75001, Paris

Monday, June 17, 2013

Le Valentin - salon de thé


Le Valentin - salon de thé


The heat of the teapots was surpassed by the warmth of friendship.  
How wonderful to meet two friends face to face.



Le Valentin
30, Passage Jouffroy
75009, Paris

 

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris



Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris


Perhaps more recognizable from the other side, 
the majestic details of this view are my favorite.  
In the summer months you might even find it deserted 
very early in the day or very late at night.
It is worth losing an hour's sleep to have this scene to yourself.


bon dimanche



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

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Palais Garnier - The Grand Foyer



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The Grand Foyer


When I see the Grand Foyer, 
my eyes mist over with a scene of ballgowns 
and the sounds of the orchestra.  


Perhaps tonight the phantom will appear.



Palais Garnier
Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris

Friday, June 14, 2013

Passy - art et les ombres



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Art and the shadows


It seemed that the sun appeared at just the right moment 
to capture this shot.


bon weekend



Rue Paul Doumer
75016, Paris

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Rue de Birague - Marais


Rue de Birague
One of the entry streets to Place des Vosges


Peering in the window to get a look beyond the street view, 
one finds a collection of old and new, natural and fabricated... 
eclectically pleasing to the eye.


Rue de Birague
75004, Paris

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Bercy Village - Cour St. Émilion



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Cour Saint-Émilion


Bercy Village consists largely of small wine warehouses from the late 19th century.  The tracks seen in the paved courtyard above were originally used to transport barrels of wine in and out of the warehouses.  For more than a century and up until 1960, the Bercy neighborhood was a vast wine market.


Although some may complain that this has become a tourist attraction with its shops, bars, and restaurants, the architecture has been preserved (along with the rail tracks), and it has the feel of a historic village.  It is at the southeast end of Le Parc de Bercy and is easily accessed by Line 14, Métro Cour St. Émilion.


Cour Saint-Émilion
Bercy Village
75012, Paris

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Place des Pyramides - Rue de Rivoli



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Rue de Rivoli


The tourists making their way to the Louvre, 
the delivery truck workers, Parisians walking to work... 
all the activity of this busy street 
does not distract the couple enjoying a morning café.


If this were a quiz, 
you would surely be able to spot so many details: 


different lanterns, the Hotel Regina signs, 
reflections in the windows, 
Joan of Arc statue (sculpture by Emmanuel Frémiet), 
flags of different sorts, and the list goes on.


Place des Pyramides
Rue de Rivoli
75001, Paris

Monday, June 10, 2013

Square Gabriel-Pierné - un banc


Square Gabriel-Pierné
A bench of books

This little pocket of a park just behind Institut de France 
was named for Henri Gabriel-Pierné, 
a French composer, conductor, and organist who died in 1937.


There are some interesting features of this park 
and the bench made of books is my favorite.  
How clever a sculpture for public use 
and I do not even know the artist's name.


(a bench for Malyss)

Square Gavriel-Pierné
75006, Paris

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Église Saint-Merri



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Église Saint-Merri


This church was constructed between 1500 and 1550 
in a style called "Gothic flamboyant."  
Surviving the French Revolution is the oldest bell in Paris, 
cast in 1331.  (That is not a typo... 1331!!)


This church was reported as a site of the 1832 barricades 
fighting in a republican uprising against the July Monarchy.  
I will be going back to my unabridged Les Miserables to look for clues.



bon dimanche




Église Saint-Merri
76, rue de la Verrerie
75004, Paris

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Palais Garnier - caryatids



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Les caryatids


One of the rear entrances to Palais Garnier,
a rather ornate back door, oui?


bon weekend


Palais Garnier
Rue Scribe
75009, Paris

Friday, June 7, 2013

Joséphine Vannier - une guitare au chocolat



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Chocolaterie Joséphine Vannier
A chocolate guitar?


Yes, what a birthday gift that would be...


I only looked in from the street 
but the reports on this chocolate shop indicate 
that the displays are eye-catching and clever, 
but the star performers are the delicious individually-dipped chocolates.


Now on the other side of the ocean from this chocolaterie, 
I am yearning for just one.  
Tant pis pour moi.


Joséphine Vannier
4, rue du Pas de la Mule
75003, Paris

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Rue Daubenton - les fleurs et les fruits



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Rue Daubenton


The grill of such interesting design and the boxes of flowers 
might have been missed but 
the white background of window shutters 
provided a lovely backdrop.


I got off of my Velib to take this photo
 as I am not steady enough 
to ride without hands while I click and shoot.


C'est vrai!


Rue Daubenton
75005, Paris

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Jardin du Palais Royal - un skateboard


The Fountain at Palais Royal


This wide bowl of water with active fountains is not just for the retirees of Paris to prop their feet.  This twenty-something was reading, taking a moment to enjoy the quiet of the early morning.  He had the fountain to himself.


zoom-zoom


Jardin du Palais Royal
75001, Paris

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Le Bon Marché - le carrousel



Square Boucicaut
le carrousel


Almost hidden in the shadow of Le Bon Marché, 
sits this vintage carousel.  


Alas, it was too early in the morning for little passengers, 
but by the afternoon it will be full.



Le Bon Marché
Square Boucicaut
24, rue de Sèvres
75007, Paris

Monday, June 3, 2013

Rue des Thermopyles - de l'autre côté




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Rue des Thermopyles


After using a shot of this street for June CDP Theme Day's "decay," 
it seemed appropriate to show you the charming side of this street.  
It is quiet with well-manered cats wearing collars, 
green plants and herbs, window boxes, 
bicycles parked for cat-pedestals, and no cars allowed.  


This photo was taken in the fall 
and these vines should now be full of leaves and blooms.


(for Danielle of VenetiaMicio)


Rue des Thermopyles
75014, Paris



Sunday, June 2, 2013

Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires - en réflexion



Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires


In the small, quiet Place des Petits-Pères 
sits the regal Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires, 
one of the ten minor basilicas in the Île-de-France region.


Our sunny day of arrival in Paris 
created a reflection amidst the orchids.


bon dimanche



Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires
6, rue Notre Dame des Victoires
75002, Paris

joyeux anniversaire, Alisa

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Rue des Thermopyles - un rue qui se délabre


a decaying street


This small street outside the normal haunts of tourists 
has fallen into ruin but the quiet beauty captured me still



Rue des Thermopyles
75014, Paris

The City Daily Photo members are featuring "the beauty of decay" 
for theme day this month.  See the other entries here.