Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky Cathedral

On Rue Daru in the 8ième arrondissement, this Russian Orthodox church is nestled in a predominantly Russian neighborhood.  Although there are no photos allowed inside, the exterior is elegant, in the shape of a Greek cross.  Each branch of the cross is terminated by an apse, topped with onion dome turrets. 

Picasso was married to the dancer Olga Khokhlova in this church in 1918.  The cathedral celebrated its 150th anniversary in September this year, and just a week ago a charitable auction featuring works of 29 Russian painters living in Paris was held to benefit restoration of the cathedral. 

bon dimanche

Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky Cathedral

12, rue Daru

75008 Paris

Métro Ternes ou Métro Courcelles

   

Église Saint Germain des Prés

Reportedly the oldest church in Paris (founded in 542), the courtyard of Église Saint Germain des Prés on the north side displays some of the recovered architecture from this church which was destroyed many times over the centuries. In the foreground on the right is a Picasso sculpture of Dora Maar in memory of Guillame Apollinaire, the French poet, art critic, and playwright.

This quiet little courtyard, Square Laurent Prache, is just a small jump from Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. As we walked past these benches several times a day en juin, we found the square a quiet place of contemplation and free of graffiti.