Église Saint-Severin - l'horloge

Église Saint-Severin

The Clock

Just beneath the pipes of the Jean Ferrand organ (1748) 

is the church clock which on this day was right on time.  

In a church that dates back to the 13th century, 

I would think that the clock has been updated 

and reworked many times.  

Do you think that the inner workings are digital?

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Séverin

3, rue des Prêtres Saint-Séverin

75005, Paris

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île

Almost hidden in the narrow streets of Île Saint Louis

stands the lacy spire of Église Saint-Louis en l'Île, the only church on the island.

It was built from 1652 to 1765 in the Baroque style, 

designed by architect François Le Vau. 

 St-Louis' interior was essentially stripped during the Revolution 

as were so many French churches, 

but the odd outdoor iron clock, dating from 1741, survived.

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île

Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île

Saint-Louis en l'Île

75004, Paris

Marché d'Aligre - XV

Marché d'Aligre

The clock tower stands watch over the activities. 

I have bought fruit, vegetables, cheese, pastries, old keys, linens, books, sheet music, and watercolors of Paris landmarks... all right here within a two block area.  Even if you do not buy a thing the market scene is a delight to observe.  No matter the weather, the markets are always busy.

 Be sure to stop in one of the cafés for a warm beverage and a pastry.

Marché d'Aligre
Place d'Aligre
75012, Paris
Métro Ledru Rolin

Cathedral of our Lady of Chartres - astrological clock

The chancel screen of Chartres Cathedral displays an impressive astrological clock dating from the 16th century. It told not only the time but the day of the week, the month of the year, the time of sunrise and sunset, the phase of the moon and the current sign of the zodiac. Its inner works were partially destroyed in 1793.

With the thousands of stained glass windows one could almost miss this treasure

bon dimanche

Le Défenseur du Temps -- l'automate

Okay, this is not exactly a secret place but when I ask people (Parisians and tourists) most have never heard of it. The first time I saw this horloge by Jacques Monestier, sculpteur d'automates, Le Défenseur du Temps was fully functional and just amazing.

You can find the whole story in the imbeded links but here is the Genie Notes version: The clock was commissioned in 1975 and installed in 1979 in le Quartier de l'Horloge, so named for this work. At the striking of each hour the man with his sword and shield fights against a bird, a dragon, or a crab representing heaven, earth and sea. At the special hours of noon, 18h and 22h, the three attack him all together. There are accompanying sounds for the rumbling of earth, the blowing of the wind, and the breaking of waves. It is 4M (13 feet) high and weighs about 1 ton.

The original electronics were upgraded in 1995 but sadly there has been no funding for maintenance and the clock stopped on 1 juillet 2003. To have seen the clock striking an hour was fascinating, but the special hours were beyond description! Quel dommage.

Here is a video of 14h as he fights the bird.