Église Saint-Nicolas du Chardonnet

Église Saint-Nicolas du Chardonnet

The early morning sun 

casts long shadows 

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Nicolas du Chardonnet

23, rue des Bernardins

75005, Paris

Église Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

Église Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

In the early winter years of visiting this church

I found it dark and uninteresting.

A bright warm day showed its interior 

to better advantage.

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

23, rue des Bernardins

75005, Paris

Église Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

Église Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

"The Choir Organ"

Did you know that most of the churches in Paris 

have at least two organs?

This one was easy to spot, 

but sometimes you will have to search.

If you find the choir organ, keep looking, 

and you may even find a third organ.

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

23, rue des Bernardins

75005, Paris

Les choristes de Noël

The Carolers

Each December 8th the churches of the Left Bank 

gather in the 5ième to sing the French Christmas carols 

carrying candles through the streets.

We have joined them on several occasions 

after evening services at Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet.

bon dimanche

Celebration of the Immaculate Conception

Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

75005, Paris

 

Église Saint Nicholas du Chardonnet

Église Saint Nicholas du Chardonnet

Like many of the churches in Paris (and France and all of Europe), 

this early 18th century church has a marble plaque 

listing those of the church who "Morts pour la France, 1914 - 1918"

This is but one church among hundreds in the city 

who lost a generation of young people to World War I.

bon dimanche

Église Saint Nicholas du Chardonnet

23, rue des Bernardins

75005, Paris

(joyeux anniversaire, Cherie)

Église Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

Église Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

On a quiet Monday morning 

the church was vacant with rows and row of chairs, 

and an abundance of shadows

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

23, rue des Barnardins

75005, Paris

Procession aux flambeaux -- 8 decembre

The churches of Paris gather for the Fête de l'Immaculée Conception every December 8th at Saint-Nicolas du Chardonnet. Each of the participating churches brings its banner to be carried by its members. After Mass the families and persons of all ages light the candles and sing while walking through the streets of the 5ième, traffic stopped.



What an amazing experience...

Bon dimanche, mes amis.

Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet

Ma fille Holly and I have stayed in the same hotel (and same room) for many trips to Paris, and Saint-Nicholas du Chardonnet as shown in the photo below this text is the primary view from our window over rue des Bernardins. Although the photos I took in June this year show few people, the church we have watched over the years is an active, vibrant church in the 5th arrondisement. When the bells ring on Saturday at 6pm and again on Sunday morning, the street in front of the church is busy with multi-generational families and people of all ages coming and going.

From the exterior, the church is attractive but not singularly stunning. I have found that you must enter a church to know what might be inside, that a very plain building may hide a beautiful interior. St-Nicholas has a very warm feel and is well cared for by its parishioners. The 18th century organ has an exquisite sound and the crystal chandeliers just sparkle. I will bring you here again in December to tell you (photos too) about singing in the streets of the 5th arr.

As a tourist one may appreciate the aesthetic beauty of a place, but as with many Parisian sites there may be historical drama and controversy.