Friday, January 31, 2014

Le Douze - des reflets



Window of le Douze


a window of bright, shiny objects, 
chandeliers, figurines, 
and even a photographer



le Douze
12, rue Jacob
75006, Paris

Thursday, January 30, 2014

La Seine en hiver



The Seine in Winter


Taken from almost the same spot on Pont des Arts as my header 
the starkness of winter stands in contrast to the lush, colorful shot of summer.


I find a still, almost silvery beauty 
of the river in winter.



view of Pont Neuf
from Pont des Arts
75001, Paris



Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Un café et des cocktails



a colorful café


This terrasse on Rue de Turbigo, captured my attention first for the colorful café chairs, but the Cafés Richards cups were my favorite.  The mixture of colors and patterns remind me of the simple design and secondary colors of Fiestaware.  After the 2010 trip an artist friend, Carol Schiff, created this beautiful interpretation of the cups, a daily reminder of my Paris obsession.







Café Étienne
14, rue de Turbigo
75002, Paris

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Repetto - une réflexion


Repetto


The reflection here belies the upscale street of Rue de la Paix.  
Perhaps the black and white image gives it a less polished look, 
but I can assure you that the rent here would be quite high.




Repetto
22, rue de la Paix
75002, Paris
Métro Opéra

Monday, January 27, 2014

Passage du Grand Cerf



Passage du Grand Cerf


This passage of 1825 is filled with interesting shops and boutiques, and there seems to be a theme of art, antiques, and fine craft.  The natural wood framing, tiled floor and high ceiling bring the architecture and history to life.


This lovely mademoiselle was enjoying 
window shopping with her papa.


Must be a French girl, oui?



Passage du Grand Cerf
Rue Dussoubs et Rue St. Denis
75002, Paris

 

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Église Saint-Eustache

 
 
 
Église Saint-Eustache
 
 
This masterpiece of late Gothic architecture unveiled a bell tower framed in blue skies and white clouds, a reward for looking up.  The tower is finished in Renaissance style which would be expected for a church of this age.  Rennovation and reconstruction over the centuries produced many interesting details.
 
 
The construction of the present church was begun in 1532 and finished over a hundred years later.  The first church on this site was established in 1223. 
 
 
 
 
bon dimanche
 
 
 
Église Saint-Eustache
2, impasse Saint-Eustache
75001, Paris
 
 


Saturday, January 25, 2014

Moules ou Mussels?


 
Moules or mussels?
 
 
As fond as I am of the handwritten chalkboard menus of Paris, this one leaves me cold.  The English translation combined with the perfect lettering abandons the charm of the handwritten French.
 
 
What do you think?
 
 
 
Paris Cafe
off Rue Mouffetard
75005, Paris
 


Friday, January 24, 2014

L'Écailler du Bistrot

 
 
 
L'Écailler du Bistrot
 
 
If you are fond of seafood you will love this restaurant devoted to shrimp, fish, prawns, lobster, and most importantly (to me) oysters!  We were there for a midday meal of oysters and to sample their featured fish of the day.  I was not disappointed and as I type about the salty sea flavor of these delightful mollusks, my mouth is watering.  At home I might have been mixing a coctail sauce, but here they needed not a single seasoning or spice. 
 
 
The next trip to this bistrot, I will just have an assortment of oysters...
with a side of baguette.
 
 
 
L'Écailler du Bistrot
22, rue Paul Bert
75011, Paris
 



Thursday, January 23, 2014

École de Filles


École de Filles


Beautiful architecture and a serene setting belies the sign indicating that between 1942 and 1944 there were 140 school age children from the 2ième arrondissement who were murdered at Auschwitz.  


"Never forget"



École de Filles
44, rue Dussoubs
75002, Paris


Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Passage du Caire



Passage du Caire

Compared to the elegant upscale Gallerie Vivianne, this passage of the same era is in deplorable condition.  The structure is mostly intact and if you squint your eyes you can imagine how lovely it must have been in the late 1700s.  It is reportedly the oldest surviving passage in Paris.


I am hopeful for a brighter future for Passage du Caire



Passage du Caire
237-239, rue St. Denis
75002, Paris
Métro Sentier

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Crêperie Oroyona


Crêperie Oroyona


On Rue Mouffetard there are many choices for a crêpe  
sur le pouce (on the run), but this is my favorite.  
You can have a savory crêpe, a sweet crêpe, and a drink for 5,5€


I first photographed the pretty crêpe-maker several years ago 
and returned with a photo for her.  
She has been there on Sunday afternoons on each return trip.



Crêperie Oroyona
36, rue Mouffetard
75005, Paris

Monday, January 20, 2014

Jardin du Palais Royal - XXXII



Palais Royal
the fountain


It may be winter, 
but as long as the water will flow in this fountain, 
you will find a hearty soul or two gathered around the perimeter, 
feet propped.


She was sitting facing the sun 
watching the patterns of the fountain.



Jardin du Palais Royal
75001, Paris

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Église Saint-Louis des Invalides - l'orgue



Saint-Louis des Invalides


The design of this elaborate, ornate organcase is attributed to Jalues Hardouin-Mansart.  It is the only representative of the Louis-XIV era among the organs of Paris.


The instrument was built by Alexandre Thierry (1687).  Major revisions were carried out in the mid 1800s and more recently in 1957.  The organ is not the most ornate aspect of this mostly white and gilt church.  It is not my favorite but I can appreciate the detail as well as the sounds that are brought forth.


bon dimanche



Église Saint-Louis des Invalides
Les Invalides
75007, Paris

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Livraison de fleurs



Flower delivery


On this quiet street in the 11ième 
the colorful arrangement was headed briskly to its destination.  


I was tempted to follow this young woman 
in the red coat and the curly red locks.  
She is a student I think 
and was not dressed as a delivery person.  
So many questions...



Rue St. Sabin
75011, Paris

Thursday, January 16, 2014

La Tour Eiffel - la réflexion


La Tour Eiffel


The boutique window on Rue de Sèvres is not the address 
for la Tour Eiffel but it looks quite settled among the paper houses.  


The trees and Haussmann buildings seen in the window reflection 
add to the setting.


bon weekend



IKKS, clothing store and boutique
12, rue de Sevrès
75006, Paris

Elle doit être une fille française?


On the street, in the rain,
une trottinette rouge,
red ballerina skirt,
black and white striped leggings,
puffy coat,
rubber boots,


and totally unfazed by the rain?


Yes, she must be a French girl



French girl #42
rainy Paris street
75004, Paris

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Le Marais - une vitrine étrange



An odd window in the Marais


A plastic lobster and starfish,
a small world globe,
a jar of coral,
two cast metal crawfish,
a basket of shells,
an antique chest,
and...
a dead stuffed bird.


One never knows what one will find in Paris.



Rue de Birague
75004, Paris

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

pots de chiminées - Chimney pots



Chimney pots


Chimney pots in abundance on this rooftop near Sacré Coeur 
make a charming scene with turquoise-framed windows 
jutting from the mansard roof.  


Just imagine:  The view from these windows is Sacré Coeur, 
the lawn, and a delightful carrousel.




Rue Lamarck
75018, Paris



Monday, January 13, 2014

Palais Garnier - des illuminations



Palais Garnier
illumination


From the grand staircases to the illustrious sconces and lights, 
Palais Garnier is the place of dreams.


Do not forget to dream...



Palais Garnier
Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Église Saint-Roch



Église Saint-Roch


Rows of chairs and the long carpeted aisle 
give an indication of the size of this church on Rue Saint Honoré.


Saint-Roch is filled with art, stunning architecture, a storied past...
and three magnificent organs.


bon dimanche



Église Saint-Roch
296, rue Saint Honoré
75001, Paris


Saturday, January 11, 2014

Rue du Cherche Midi - un balcon



Rue du Cherche Midi
a balcony


Plants, flowers, clay planters, espaliered tree,
Greek key wrought iron, dart and egg architectural detail,
soft color contrasts...


Yes, I could live here.
What about you?



9, rue du Cherche Midi
75006, Paris

Friday, January 10, 2014

Palais Royal - un vélo très cher



Palais Royal


If you could read the mark on this bicycle 
you would have an idea of its price.  
Seen in the upscale shop at Palais Royal 
it was gleaming in beautiful reflective silver as if to taunt me.


...still pouting because Santa did not leave me a bike this year...
again!


I am joining in James' Weekend Reflections today.
Take a look at other reflections from around the world.



Marc Jacobs
Palais Royal
34, rue de Montpensier
75001, Paris

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Des bouchons



Wine and Champagne corks


A wine shop on Île Saint Louis had a window 
filled with corks.  


The light of the afternoon sun 
made me stop in my tracks 
before we hurried along 
to meet Paris friends for a glass of wine.



Rue Jean du Bellay
Île Saint Louis
75004, Paris

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Bressaï - Pour l'Amour de Paris exposition


Bressaï - For the Love of Paris exhibition
November 8, 2013 - March 8, 2014


This free exhibit at Hôtel de Ville is a delight for photographers and everyone who sighs at the romance of Paris.  Even in the first week of opening, the wait was less than 15 minutes on a weekday in November.


The Brassaï, Pour l'amour de Paris
exhibition tells the extraordinary
story of the passion that has united 
for more than 50 years Brassai, the
writer, photographer and moviemaker,
to every nook and cranny of Paris,
but also to intellectuals, artists,
great families, prostitutes and little rascals.

In short, to everyone who defines the
legend of Paris.  Paris remains indeed
in the heart of his reflection, the
governing theme of his work.

Put this one on your list


Hôtel de Ville de Paris
Salle Saint-Jean. 5, rue de Lobau
75004, Paris

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Une fille française?



French girl?


Retro bicycle..
pouring rain...
stylish lace-up boots...
black swing-coat...
wicker basket...
and, of course, a precisely wrapped scarf


Yes, she's a French girl...




 Boulevard Raspail (in front of Hôtel Lutetia)
75006, Paris
 

Monday, January 6, 2014

Le Perchoir - a rooftop bar



(the perch)


This stunning rooftop bar is 7 flights up with a view from each corner.  It is found on an unlikely industrial office street with no sign or indication of what could be found inside.  Feeling certain that I had the correct address, it still made me a bit uneasy that I had led Peter (Peter's Paris) and Virginia (Paris Through My Lens) on a wild goose-chase.  We walked through large (open) industrial doors into an open space and found an open winding staircase.  


When we reached the top of the building (by the elevator) we found a delightful 360° view of Paris.  Looking at the bar, it made me think of a Moorish tent in the middle of the desert.  We enjoyed beverages and took many photos before leaving this oasis in the 11ième arrondissement.  


Do not miss this and get there early as the rooftop is limited to 110 persons.  There is a wonderful restaurant on the floor below for which you will need reservations.



Le Perchoir
14, rue Crespin du Gast
75011, Paris

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul



Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul


Saint Vincent de Paul was born in 1581 and after early years of study, graduated in theology and was ordained in 1600 at the age of 19.  In 1617 he founded the "Ladies of Charity" from a group of women within his parish who came to be known as the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul.

He worked for some time in Paris among imprisoned galley-slaves, and established a group known as the Vincentians, priests with vows of poverty, chastity, obedience.  The Vincentians (also known as Lazarists) are today present in over 80 countries.


bon dimanche





Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul
95, rue de Sèvres
75006, Paris
Métro Sèvres-Babylone

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Repetto en hiver



Repetto


It is always a treat to see the Repetto windows on Rue de la Paix 
with crystal chandeliers and wall of mirrors.  
The snow-flocked trees frame the ballet scene vignettes.


By January 7, the windows will have a heap 
of once-worn pale pink pointe shoes to announce Les Soldes.



Repetto
22, rue de la Paix
75002, Paris

Friday, January 3, 2014

Les Marquis de Ladurée - papier et chocolat



Les Marquis de Ladurée


Expanding the Ladurée brand beyond the pastries and macarons, Les Marquis de Ladurée is a luxury product dedicated to exquisite gourmet chocolates.  The flagship boutique is found just off Place Vendôme with a window full of branded chocolates.


What you may not notice at first glance...
Everything in the windows other than the chocolates are made of paper.
The chandeliers, the candles, the plates, the flat-ware, the goblets, 
and even the "crystals" hanging from the chandeliers.



Les Marquis de Ladurée
14, rue de Castiglione
75001, Paris

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Métro Gare d'Austerlitz



Métro Gare d'Austerlitz


As you look beyond the Métro platform, you can see the trains approach and depart.  So many of the stations now protect the awaiting passengers with glass panels and the view is only be into the darkness of the subway tunnels.  I rather enjoy the few above-ground stations and the ability, for now, to peer down the winding tracks.


If you are vacationing during these holiday weeks, 
be safe and travel well.


Métro Gare d'Austerlitz
Platform, Line 5
75005, Paris

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Photo of the Year 2013 - Theme Day

 
 
 
 
Favorite photo of the year
 
 
This black and white is my favorite for the action, interest, and detail.  A breezy but sunny day on Rue Saint-Honoré was enjoyed by this woman sitting alone and enjoying her cafe.  The waiter is in watchful attendance while the lovers in the background enjoy a bottle of wine.
 
 
 
For me, this photo exemplifies life in Paris, la vie quotidienne.
 
 
 
I am joining the City Daily Photo blog
theme day: Best Photo of the Year. 
 
 
 

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