Carrousel de l'Hôtel de Ville

The double-decked carrousel

at Hôtel de Ville 

is best enjoyed after dark.

This petite fille holds on tightly

as the horses run fast as the wind at night.

Carrousel de l'Hôtel de Ville

75004, Paris

Jeune patineur

Young skater

Contrary to the experienced skater of yesterday,

beginning skaters may need a little help.

Hotel de Ville

75004, Paris

La patineuse artistique

In the bright midday sun of a winter day,

the ice skaters moved around the temporary ice rink 

in front of Hôtel de Ville. 

This young woman was in a world of her own

as she gracefully made her turns, jumps and spins.

Hôtel de Ville

Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
75004 Paris

la Pleine Lune

The Full Moon over Paris

I have seen the rising full moon a few times in Paris,

and it always makes me realize how small the world is.

I hope that you will have clear skies and can enjoy the full moon tonight. 

 I will be watching it seven hours later than the Paris full moon from my city.

If you miss the rising, you can always watch it set in the early pre-dawn hours.

 Just as magnificent setting in the western sky.

Hôtel de Ville et Église Saint Gervais

75004, Paris

 

Carrousel XXXVIII

Hôtel de Ville

le carrousel

The proper name for the carousel, as you may be able to read, 

is "Carrousel, la Belle Épouque," 

but even without a label its double-decker elegance 

and unique crown are recognizable.  

The rides are painted with the finesse of a fine artist.

The night scene with an outline of lights 

around the Belle Époque carousel are worth a visit, too.

le carrousel

Hôtel de Ville

75004, Paris

 

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.

(www.parisphoto.com)

Put this one on your list

Hôtel de Ville de Paris

Salle Saint-Jean. 5, rue de Lobau

75004, Paris

Carrousel XXX - Hôtel de Ville

Carrousel - Hôtel de Ville

There is nothing as spectacular as a carrousel at night in a glory of lights.

It is even better when you throw your head back 

to see La Tour Eiffel as you are spinning.

bon weekend

Le Carrousel 

Place de l'Hôtel de Ville

75004, Paris

 

Les lumières de Noël - Hôtel de Ville

The blue Christmas lights of Hôtel de Ville

are balanced by the green BHV sign 

and its bright red banners announcing "les soldes."

Les Soldes are the twice a year sales in Paris, 

which will begin on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at 8:00am.

Hôtel de Ville et BHV

Place de l'Hôtel de Ville

75004, Paris

Métro Hôtel de Ville

Hôtel de Ville - le lion

This bronze sculpture has taken a striking patina and sits on the west side of Hôtel de Ville, what I would call the "back door" of this historical building on Rue de Lobau.

This majestic lion, one of a pair flanking the "back door," was likely sculpted in the 1880s by one of the 230 sculptors engaged to create the bronzes during reconstruction.  The building was almost destroyed by fire in 1871 leaving only the stone shell.

He looks very content and proud to be guarding the doors of Hôtel de Ville.

Hôtel de Ville

Rue de Lobau

75004, Paris



Hôtel de Ville

Photography exhibit at Hôtel de Ville

Not everyone was "toeing the line"

Hôtel de Ville

75004, Paris



La patineuse artistique

In the bright midday sun of January,

the ice skaters moved around the temporary ice rink in front of Hôtel de Ville. 

This young woman was in a world of her own

as she gracefully made her turns, jumps and spins.

Hôtel de Ville
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
75004 Paris

Sempé at Hôtel de Ville

The Sempé retrospective exhibition runs through March 31st at Hôtel de Ville.  It is free and photos are permitted!  Mary (Mad about Paris), Virginia (Paris Through My Lens), Peter (Peter's Paris), my daughter Holly and I all enjoyed the more than 300 original drawings.  The soft light of the chandelier seen here is one of several projections on the walls of the exhibit hall.

If you have not been, there is still time.  It is not to be missed!

Hôtel de Ville

Salle Saint Jean

5, rue Lobeau

75004 Paris



Le Métro et BHV

The Métro sign at Hotel de Ville and the Christmas lights of BHV (Bay Aash Vay)

are as colorful as the double-decker carrousel.

The full moon had some serious competition this night

BHV (Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville)

Métro Hotel de Ville

Rue de Rivoli et Rue de Lobau

75004 Paris

 

Carrousel VII -- Hôtel de Ville

This double-decker carousel in front of the splendid Hôtel de Ville is one of the few carousels I have seen on which the adults unabashedly ride with abandon. This evening scene witnessed a steady stream of riders on the planes, convertibles, and horses. I do not recall ever having seen another "two-story" carousel.

(In case anyone is paying attention, this one rotates counter-clockwise)