Monday, June 30, 2014

blé sucré - miam-miam



blé sucré


blé sucré is relatively new on the Paris bakery scene when one considers the legends of Ladurée and Pierre Hermé.  Founded by patissier Fabrice Le Bourdat, the list of temptations is long.  The quality is high and yet the prices are not.  So, what should you choose?
pain au chocolat, madeleine, and financier


Still hungry?
 éclair, croissant, chaussons aux pommes


More?
How about an assortment of macarons
 
 
blé sucré
7, rue Antoine Vollon
Métro Ledru Rollin
75012 Paris
 

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres



Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres


Chartres is a quick train ride from Paris, 
and an easy day trip.


If you are there to see the cathedral, 
do not miss the other churches such as 
Église Saint-Agnan de Chartres and Église Saint-Pierre.  
Each is unique and exquisite in detail.


bon dimanche




Église Saint-Aignan de Chartres
12, place de l'Etape au Vin
28000, Chartres

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Jardin du Palais Royal - les amoureux




Jardin du Palais Royal
 
 
There are a few places in Paris where, in good weather,
one can just about count on seeing young couples in love... 
nothing that would embarrass your grandmother,
but a scene from a love story, perhaps.
 
 
This garden is at the top
of the list
 
 
 
Jardin du Palais Royal
75001, Paris
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 


Friday, June 27, 2014

Des tapis - Rue Paul Doumer




Rugs and Reflection
 
 
Repurposed rugs...
an artful window display
 
 
bon weekend
 
 
 
 
Rue Paul Doumer
75016, Paris
 


Thursday, June 26, 2014

Bassin de la Villette - la vie quotidienne





Bassin de la Villette
 
 
 
This is a scene far from the tourist crowds of Paris,
but is a favorite spot for the Parisians on a Sunday afternoon.
 
 
Pétanque (more games than I could count),
picnics among friends,
multi-generation families out for a water-side stroll,
children at play riding trotinettes...
 
 
There is something here for everyone.
 
 
 
Bassin de la Villette
Quai de la Loire
75019, Paris
Métro Laumière
 
 

 
 
 


Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Le Square Trousseau - zoom-zoom





 
Square Trousseau
 
 
 
Perfectly balanced on his bike without pedals,
he moved rapidly across the play area
only touching down to gain more speed
 
 
The photographer had best
step aside
 
 
zoom-zoom!
 
 
 
Le Square Trousseau
75012, Paris
Métro Ledru-Rollin

 


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

C'est un mystère



 
At the end of this narrow walled passage,
the enigmatic figure slipped from view
 
 
 
...and, perhaps was never seen again
 
 
(just kidding)
 
 
 
 
Rue Berton
75016, Paris
 



Monday, June 23, 2014

Les fenêtres de Paris





Windows of Paris
 
 
 
If I lived in Paris I would have the perfect shade of blue shutters
and window boxes with pink geraniums.
 
 
Then, I would have a party and invite each of you.
 
 
 
As long as I am dreaming, it might as well
be the way I want it, n'est-ce pas?
 
 
 
Windows of Paris
75010, Paris
 


Sunday, June 22, 2014

Église Saint-Étienne du Mont

 
 
 
Église Saint-Étienne du Mont
 
 
 
One of my favorite churches in Paris...
 
light, airy,
filled with architectural details and history
 
 
 
bon dimanche
 
 
 
Église Saint-Étienne du Mont
1, place Ste-Geneviève
75005, Paris
 
 


Saturday, June 21, 2014

Fête de la Musique!



 
 
Fête de la Musique
 
 
If you are in France, you are surely enjoying the music today.  In Paris the streets, parks, and churches are filled with music of all genres.  I will never forget the delightful close of a very busy day as we sat on the terrasse of Pré aux Clercs and listened to the wonderful sounds of smooth jazz.  As you can tell from this photo, the jazz quartet was a visual delight as well.
 
 
For the summer solstice,
have a celebration with food and music,
centered on family and friends
 
 
 
Pré aux Clercs
rue Jacob et rue Bonaparte
75006, Paris

 
 
 


Friday, June 20, 2014

L'Eure à Chartres



L'Eure à Chartres


Not only will you find the magnificent cathedral in Chartres, 
but a quiet place to stroll along the river Eure, 
stopping for a cup of tea, a delicious lunch, 
or an assortment of pastries.


The relaxed pace of life here is a welcome reprieve 
from the rush of daily life.


bon weekend



L'Eure à Chartres
28000, Chartres

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Les trois chefs



Three chefs


We found these three chefs taking a midday break.  
Actually, I would guess two chefs and a cook?


The one on the left looks dressed as a chef,
and perhaps the man in the middle as well.
I wondered if the one on the right serves the plates?
Each of them has a white scarf or handkerchief 
tied in a short knot around his neck.


Ah, la vie quotidienne!



Brasserie Bofinger
5-7, rue de la Bastille
75004, Paris




Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Parc de Monceau - pelouse interdite?



Parc de Monceau


Have you seen the "Pelouse Interdite" signs 
in all of the green areas of Paris telling you to stay off the grass?  
Or perhaps you have seen the signs during 
the winter months indicating the grass is hibernating 
and to "stay off."


Parc de Monceau is one of the Paris parks 
that allows you to walk, sit, play on the grass 
(during the warm, green-grass months).  


Before I knew better, 
I once took a nap on the grass 
outside of Petit Palais (around the backside).
oops!


Parc de Monceau
Boulevard de Courcelles
75008, Paris

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Square Jean XXIII - dans un cadre



Square Jean XXIII


The elm trees above and the line of shrubbery below
make this lovely square into a vignette.  


Do you know this quiet, 
shady spot on the east side of Notre Dame?



Square Jean XXIII
l'Île de la Cité
75004, Paris

Monday, June 16, 2014

Ladurée - miam-miam!



Ladurée


It is probably not a healthy way to start the week, 
but who could resist these lovelies?


Perhaps just share one with a friend.
miam-miam


Ladurée
21, rue Bonaparte
75006, Paris


Sunday, June 15, 2014

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris



Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris


Beautiful from any angle, but this view is my favorite.
When you consider that this icon of Paris has seen nine centuries of history, 
she looks like she will be around for many more.


If you come around to this side of Notre Dame, 
you can enjoy an unobstructed view (sans beaucoup de touristes
and enjoy a shaded bench as well.


bon dimanche



Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris
(seen from Square Jean XXIII)
75004, Paris


Saturday, June 14, 2014

Théâtre du Palais-Royal



Théâtre du Palais-Royal


Originally known as a puppet theatre (Théâtre des Beaujolais) Théâtre du Palais-Royal was built in 1784 with seating for 750.  Through a rich history it has been a venue for operettas, plays, Neapolitan puppets, performing dogs (!), vaudeville, and comedies.  The comédie mêlée d'ariettes (comedy mixed with brief arias) was performed here including some early works of Hervé.


La Vie Parisienne, by Jacques Offenbach, was first presented here in 1866.  It is known as an opéra bouffle which is a form of operetta with elements of comedy, parody, satire, and farce.



Théâtre du Palais-Royal
Northwest corner of Palais-Royal
38, rue de Montpensier
75001, Paris

Friday, June 13, 2014

L'heure bleu - Jardin des Tuileries



Jardin des Tuileries


The perfect blue-tinted light of Paris 
on a June evening



bon weekend




Jardin des Tuileries
75001, Paris

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Rue Berton - une femme et son fils



A woman and her son


This chic mother and son captured my attention 
as they moved quickly down Rue Berton.  
Undoubtedly, the animated conversation 
centered on the boy's day at school.



Rue Berton
75016, Paris


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Pont des Arts - As-tu un clé?



Pont des Arts
Do you have a key?


This pedestrian bridge is in the news this week.  
The bridge was closed for a period of time 
as the weight of the "love locks" was so heavy 
that it tore a portion of the railing away from the bridge.  
The city (or the mysterious lock-remover) 
has periodically pruned locks from this bridge
 and Pont de l'Archevêché, 
but they re-appear almost as quickly as they are removed.  



Pont des Arts
75001, Paris


Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Cimetière Passy - un message privé



Passy Cemetery


Passy Cemetery sits in the shadow of la Tour Eiffel 
and is the final resting place of the painter Édouard Manet, 
a key figure in the transition from Realism to Impressionism.


On the left corner of his grave I found a weathered
message anchored by small rocks.
Always watch for the details


Passy Cemetery
2, rue du Commandant Schloesing
75016, Paris
 

Monday, June 9, 2014

Square Santiago du Chili - les trois amis



Three friends


Just off the northwest corner of Hôtel des Invalides 
are two "pocket parks," Square Santiago du Chili 
and Place Santiago du Chili.  
These three are enjoying warm weather in the shade.




Square Santiago du Chili
Avenue de la Motte Picquet
75007, Paris




Sunday, June 8, 2014

Église Saint-Louis des Invalides - des drapeaux



Église Saint-Louis des Invalides


This "soldier's church" was constructed in 1677 and its dome is recognizable on the Paris horizon.  It is worth a visit for its almost blinding light, very different from most Paris churches.  The ornate details of the altar and the organ are offset by the graceful array of flags lining both sides of the nave.


bon dimanche



Église Saint-Louis des Invalides
les Invalides
75007, Paris
 

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Parc des Buttes Chaumont



Parc des Buttes Chaumont


On a slightly cool, but clear Sunday afternoon in May 
I happened upon this young man on a quiet slope in the park.  
He was enjoying his beverage, the gentle weather, and his book.


The book:
Ecce Homo, by Nietzsche


bon weekend



Parc des Buttes Chaumont
75019, Paris

Friday, June 6, 2014

Le Carrousel de la Gare Montparnasse



Carousel at Gare Montparnasse


This (counterclockwise) carousel has the original
wood horses along with some other interesting rides.


I do not know the significance of the turquoise "F" along the crown.



Le Carrousel de la Gare Montparnasse
Métro Montparnasse Bienvenue
75014, Paris

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Déjeuner à Chatrès


Lunch in Chartrès


A quiet table for two.
Yes, this could be just about anywhere, 
but the cane chair just about gives it away.



Chartrès, 
a quick train from Paris

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Des fênetres de Provins



Windows in Provins


With just a quick train ride out of Paris (from Gare de l'Est)
you can be in the midst of a Medieval village
with a panoramic view of the landscape. 


Many of the 11th century buildings are relatively unchanged.
 It is an easy day trip out of Paris and has a very quiet, peaceful feeling.



16, rue du Four des Raines
77160, Provins

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

La Chaumière en l'Île - la terrasse



La Chaumière en l'Île


On a quiet street, under the shade of trees,
 this terrace looks quite inviting.  
However, I am always a bit suspicious 
when there is a sign in English.  


Perhaps I am a tourist-snob?



La Chaumière en l'Île
4, rue Jean du Bellay
Île Saint-Louis
75004, Paris

Monday, June 2, 2014

Des oranges et des fraises



Oranges and strawberries


This fruit was as delicious as it looked.  The strawberries had that just-picked look and taste, but the oranges, oh my!  They were an explosion of a perfect mix of sweet and tart in your mouth.


We had a group of friends in for an early evening at our favorite apartment on St. Roch.  We devoured all the fruit as well as the radishes, baguettes, saucisson sec....


Eat well this week!


rue St Roch
75001, Paris

Sunday, June 1, 2014

City Daily Photo Theme Day - "Zest!"



"Zest!"


Taken in the window of Galeries Lafayette, this grater would be fine for a citrus zest but not shaped well for larger fruits and vegetables.  I wish that I had bought one for my kitchen wall.


In observance of Theme Day for the City Daily Photo blogs (a different theme on the first day of every month), there is a double entendre with this photo:  First is the obvious function of this grater for making zest; second, my heart beats faster when it sees the Eiffel Tower design... zest!


Click here to see the many interpretations on this month's theme 
by photographers from around the world.



bon dimanche



Galeries Lafayette
Boulevard Haussmann
75009, Paris