Saturday, January 31, 2015

Passage du Caire - Restaurant le Champollion


Le Champollion


Not quite the lunch hour, 
but the tables and chairs are ready


The heaters under the awning keep it a moderate temperature 
on all but the most frigid days.


(Do not forget to look-up
at the head sculptures on the building)



Le Champollion
Place du Caire
109, rue du Caire
75002, Paris

Friday, January 30, 2015

Cassiopée & Co - Antiquités-Brocante



Cassiopée & Co


If you are looking for a little treasure to remind you of a special trip,
do not forget the brocantes


Buy a single silver spoon to use every day...
and people will wonder why you have a dreamy look
 as you stir your coffee or tea


bon weekend

Cassiopée & Co
Village Saint Paul\
23-25, rue Saint Paul
75004, Paris

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Rue Saint Julien le Pauvre


Rue Saint Julien le Pauvre


When you turn a corner in Paris 
you never know what you will discover...


a pedestrian street,
one of the oldest churches in Paris,
a mixture of centuries of architecture,
and a quiet place for un café



4, rue Saint Julien le Pauvre
75005, Paris

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Charcuterie d'Auvergne


Au Sauvignon - Cafe Bar


It was just too cold to sit on the terrace
which is best enjoyed in warmer weather.


Madame may have ordered from the 
"Patisseries Artisanales" 
rather than the Charcuterie d'Auvergne.




Au Sauvignon
80, rue des Petits Peres
75007, Paris

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Poilâne



Poilâne


 Deep under the street, the Poilâne wood-burning ovens 
scent the air with the smell of baking bread.  


I can close my eyes and recall the delicious aroma 
of early mornings on Rue du Cherche-Midi.


"... mark it with a 'P' and put it in the oven
for baby and me"



Poilâne
8, rue du Cherche-Midi
75006, Paris
 

Monday, January 26, 2015

Rue des Petits Pères


Rue des Petits Pères


Just opposite the Basilique Notre Dame des Victoires 
this morning view is filled with the winter blue skies of January 
as light and shadows bounce around the buildings.


This building on the "pie-slice corner" is the other side of the building 
on Rue de Feuillade posted last week.



2, rue des Petits Pères
75002, Paris

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Basilique Saint Denis



Basilique Saint Denis


It is worth the trip to the outskirts of Paris to see this basilica, 
with its outstanding array of 
stained glass windows, 
Gothic arches, 
funerary art, 
tombs and sculptures.


bon dimanche



Basilique Saint Denis
1, rue de la Légion d'Honneur
92300, Saint-Denis
 



Saturday, January 24, 2015

Note de cendrier



Ashtray note


It is difficult to believe that the French have limited smoking to outdoors.  
When I think of the French film there was always a sultry type with a cigarette.  
The restaurants do not allow smoking except on their terraces 
which makes it difficult to enjoy the open-air cafes.  


I was amused by this little note written on the paneled courtyard wall, 
imploring so politely that the smoker use the ashtray provided 
and not throw the butts on the ground.



joyeux anniversaire, Nanette



Courtyard, Rue de Seine
75006, Paris

Friday, January 23, 2015

Patisserie reflet - Le Moulin de la Vierge


Le Moulin de la Vierge


Although there are several of these boulangeries in Paris, 
this is the original shop with its wood-fired ovens.

It is worth a trip to Rue Vercingétorix
to gaze at the original tiles and mirrors,
etched glass doors, all
unchanged over the past century. 


bon weekend



Le Moulin de la Vierge
104, rue Vercingétorix
75014, Paris
Métro Pernety

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Rue la Feuillade



Rue la Feuillade


Looking from one apartment window towards another,
admiring the architecture,
the tall windows,


...and wishing that I had the blue street sign
in my office.



Rue la Feuillade
75002, Paris
 

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

La Tour Eiffel



La Tour Eiffel


I cannot count the number of photos I have taken of the Eiffel Tower, 
but it still takes my breath away like I am seeing it for the first time.


I have been to places where the hype exceeded the excitement of actually being there, 
but the Eiffel Tower marks the landscape with golden light 
as I gasp yet again and hold my breath to take the shot.



La Tour Eiffel
from Palais de Chaillot
75007 and 75016, Paris

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Une grand-mère et trois petits-enfants



A grandmother and
three grandchildren


At the first hour of the opening day of Niki de Saint Phalle exhibit 
at Grand Palais, we happened upon this petite grandmother 
with her three grandchildren.  


We first encountered them outside the entrance 
patiently waiting for the doors to open.  
It was not a hurried run through the exhibit, 
but a lingering enjoyment over the sculptures and paintings.



Niki de Saint Phalle exhibit
17 September 2014 to 2 February 2015
Grand Palais - Galeries Nationales
75008, Paris  

Monday, January 19, 2015

Passage du Bourg l'Abbé


Passage du Bourg l'Abbé


Built in 1828 by Auguste Lusson, 
it ran between the Passage du Grand Cerf and Passage de l'Ancre.
 Although the passage itself is only a shadow of its former grandeur, 
it is in the process of renovation.

  
The passage opening seen here is the work of Henri Blondel 
who was also the architect of Bourse de commerce.  
The two figures (caryatids) flanking the entrance 
were carved by Aimé Millet and are allegories of Industry and Commerce.



Passage du Bourg l'Abbé
3, rue de Palestro
75002, Paris
 
 

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Église Saint Germain des Prés



Église Saint Germain des Prés


The 1,000 year old tower 
reigns over the remainder of the church.


The recent renovations make the tower appear 
almost white against the bright blue skies.


bon dimanche



Église Saint Germain des Prés
3, place Saint Germain des Prés
75006, Paris

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Le weekend - shopping



Weekend shopping


On any given morning 
you will find people headed to their neighborhood market 
or to the street markets.  


You will notice that everyone knows one another 
and that there is a relaxed social atmosphere.
Wish I was headed there this morning...


29, rue de Turbigo
75002, Paris

Friday, January 16, 2015

Chaussures d'or



Gold shoes (petite)


Can you imagine how thrilled 
a little girl would be 
to wear these petite gold shoes, 
to twirl in her full skirt 
as she watches the little gold puppy-dogs dance?


Look here to see reflections from around the world
James' Weekend Reflections



Arcade of Palais Royal
75001, Paris


Thursday, January 15, 2015

Les toits de Paris



The roofs of Paris


The clay chimney pots and roofs 
offset the winter blue skies.

 
Surely there are as many layers of history 
as there are angles of these buildings



a convergence of streets
75006, Paris

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

La femme et sa chien



Rainy day in Paris...
out for lunch with friends...
warm pink coat...
ah, Paris...


Who says it's a dog's life?



Rue de Turbigo
75003, Paris

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Moulins Burgeois - un camion de livraison



"A miller, and much more"


Coming out of Eric Kayser one morning we found these friendly delivery men bringing in the heavy sacks of flour from Moulins Bourgeois.  We asked permission for their photos and I was fascinated by the source of the flour which is transformed into the indescribable pastries and breads of Eric Kayser and other pâtisseries/boulangeries.


The company was established in 1895 in Verdelot and today continues to produce "classic bread-making flour, traditional French flour, gruel and flour from the USA, stone ground and organic flour."  With a staff of 80 people they serve a customer base of artisan bakeries, both within 200 km of the mill and Internationally to Europe and Asia.  


At home, would I notice a flour delivery to a bakery I frequented?
Probably not, unless it was Eric Kayser, John-Paul Hévin, Julien, Pierre Hermé, Dalloyau, Ladurée, La Petite Rose, Pâtisserie des Rêves, Stohrer, Coqueliqot.... just too many to name



Eric Kayser
8, rue Monge
75005, Paris

Monday, January 12, 2015

Le Bateau Ivre



Scouts and Guides de France


On a Sunday afternoon a large group of Scouts 
performed in the square of Église Saint Sulpice 
and then walked to Jardin du Luxembourg.  


The poem "Le Bateau Ivre" 
written by a young Arthur Rimbaud in 1871 
has been written on the long stone wall in the narrow street.


This lone Scout paused ever so briefly to take notice.



Le Bateau Ivre
Rue Férou
75006, Paris

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris



Notre Dame


If you go to this well-known landmark very early in the morning 
when the doors are first opened 
(and it is not in the months of March through October), 
you can take your time photographing the amazing architecture 
and details absent the crowds.  
The Cathedral is open every day at 8am 
and on Saturdays and Sundays at 7:15am.


Since I did not take my own advice on this particular visit, 
you will notice that my photo (and all of the others I took) 
are aimed away from the tourists.


bon dimanche



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

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Le petit dans le jardin



The small boy in the garden


He was bundled against the elements and ready for the day.  
Paris children seem to play outside no matter the weather.


It is difficult to call le Jardin du Palais Royal
just a "garden."



Jardin du Palais Royal
75001, Paris

Friday, January 9, 2015

Les Médailles Militaires



Military Medals


The many shops in the arcades 
around the courtyard of Palais Royal are filled with treasures.


bon weekend



Palais Royal
75001, Paris

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Elle pleure



She cries


She has cried many times 
over the past century
for loss of innocent lives


She cried again 
on January 7, 2015



Cimetière du Père Lachaise
75020, Paris

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Buveuses de thé



Tea drinkers


On a brisk afternoon we found we found 
these women enjoying tea in the winter sun.


I wonder if they knit as well?



L'Oisive Thé
Salon de Thé et Tricot
8 bis, rue de la Butte aux Cailles
75013, Paris

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Carrousel Montparnasse



Carrousel Montparnasse


Although this carrousel looks a bit shabby, 
a close inspection reveals that it consists of the original wood horses.  


Most of the carrousels in Paris today have been "updated" 
and the wood replaced with artificial polymers and plastic.  
These horses could do with a bit of paint, but all together look quite good.



Carrousel Montparnasse
Gare Montparnasse
75015, Paris

Monday, January 5, 2015

des gants et des mitaines



des gants et des mitaines
(gloves and fingerless gloves)


This window is as tempting as the fine Paris pâtisseries...
delicious array of colors


The prices are not that much more than some of the elaborate pastries, 
and these will last much longer without any of the calories!


Paris window 
Rue Saint Honoré
75001, Paris


Sunday, January 4, 2015

Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges



Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges


The plain street exterior of this church belies 
the exquisite Gothic Revival architecture of the interior.


There are nearly forty stained glass windows,
each with a story to tell.


bon dimanche
(a bit late)


Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges
104, rue de Vaugirard
75006, Paris

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Rue Cremieux



Rue Cremieux


This short pedestrian street is quiet and colorful.


Well maintained, I could imagine living here 
and knowing all of the neighbors.


bon weekend


Rue Cremieux
75012, Paris

Friday, January 2, 2015

la Voiture Rouge



la voiture rouge


Oh, could you imagine leaving Gare de Lyon
in this set of wheels?


It was exquisite.



Gare de Lyon
75012, Paris

Thursday, January 1, 2015

La vie est bonne n'est-ce pas?


Life is good, isn't it?


I do not know if this is my best photo of the year, 
but it does exemplify the relaxed approach to life seen in Paris.  


Draw in deep breaths 
and love life as it unfolds.



Paris terrace
75012, Paris