Les Soldes

 

  Les Soldes!

Will soon begin in Paris and in all of France.  The dates for the winter sales in Paris are from the 9th of January and ending on the 12th of February.  

If you will be in St. Barth's or St. Martin in the French West Indes 

the dates are different as are those of Réunion.  

In Paris you will find les Soldes again in the summer.

Métro Bourse

75002, Paris

Église St. Gervais et St. Protais - III

 

Église Saint-Gervais Saint-Protais


Looking into the Lady Chapel (Chapelle de la Vierge) 
the diffused light from the stained glass windows will take your breath away.


bon dimanche

Église St. Gervais et St. Protais

13, rue des Barres

Place Saint Gervais

75004 Paris

 

Rue Cler

A favorite street of mine as you can run into old friends and make new ones.  This pedestrian street is only a few blocks long, but it is a delightful neighborhood  and the decorations are appealing in the daylight as well as at night.

I am thinking about my friend Christiane who I first met here several years ago, 

and who shared with me her treasured fèves anciennes.  We have kept up with each other over the years, and Holly and I saw her in Paris recently.

It makes me think of an old poem, "Make new friends and keep the old.  

One is silver and the other gold."  I do treasure the friends I have made in Paris.

Rue Cler

75006, Paris

 

Galerie Vivienne - IX

Galerie Vivienne

This is one of my favorite places to stay warm and 

window shop on a cold dreary day in Paris.  

Holly and I enjoyed the toy store with their wonderful selection of books.

After shopping you can always stop at A Priori Thé for a bit of tea.

Yes, most of my excursions in Paris involve a beverage and a pastry!

Galerie Vivienne

Rue des Petits Champs, 

Rue de la Banque, et Rue Vivienne

75002, Paris

Métro Bourse, Métro Pyramides, ou Bus 29  

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

Le manège Garnier - Jardin du Luxembourg

Carousel in Jardin du Luxembourg

This charming carousel in Jardin du Luxembourg was constructed in 1879 

from the plans of Charles Garnier, 

the architect of Palais Garnier (the Paris Opera House).  

The animals are suspended from the canopy,

and after selecting a wood horse or elephant, 

each child is given a wand.   

On each turn of the carousel they try to catch a brass ring.

As you can see from this eager little girl, 

some are quite good at catching the ring!

Le manège Garnier

Jardin du Luxembourg

75006, Paris   

Joyeux Noël - la crèche

Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois

Of all the nativity scenes I have seen in Paris over the years, 

this is one that I come back to time and again...

for the trees, 

the lights, 

the cherubs in the distance, 

the tapestry rug, 

and the players in this familiar scene.

Joyeux Noël

Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois

2, place du Louvre

75001, Paris

Métro Louvre-Rivoli ou Pont Neuf

Les oiseaux - Printemps

Printemps

Just one day more...

This Christmas window was filled with exotic birds and elaborate fashion.  

Although this was not an animated window, 

the array of colors and textures gives a feeling of movement.

Printemps

64, boulevard Haussmann

75009, Paris

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île - la crèche

 

Je vous annonce une grande joie

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île


 This church with first construction in 1642 is an active parish with many events.  Although much of the church was dark, the nativity scene had been well-attended and flooded in light.


This is the same church where Peter, David and I saw the donkey on Palm Sunday in April.


bon dimanche

 

 

 

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île

Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île

Saint-Louis en l'Île

75004, Paris

 

Une forêt de sapins de Noël

 

  A small forest of Christmas trees

As you cross Pont Marie from l'Île Saint Louis 

this stand of trees greets you with its silver and blue bows.  

Little pockets of decoration and celebration 

such as this can be enjoyed all over Paris.

Quai de l'Hôtel de Ville at Pont Marie

75004, Paris

Métro Pont Marie

Rue Cler - les sapins de Noël

 

Les sapins de Noël 

Most of the trees in Paris are quite petite compared to what one might see in the US.

If I lived there, I would want a small tree no taller than me, 

perhaps one like the little one on the right.  The log stands are beyond charming.

Rue Cler

(a pedestrian street)

75007, Paris

Métro École Militaire

 

 

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

Tapisseries de la Bûcherie - la crèche

Tapisseries de la Bûcherie

This needlepoint shop on Rue du Haut-Pavé has more than 1,700 French designs and more than 400 exclusive colors of wool.  It was founded in 1990 by Dominique Siegler-Lathrop who has written a book on the technique of needlepoint.  The French art of stitching on canvas is many centuries old and Mrs. Siegler-Lathrop is an advocate of passing this tradition to future generations.

Holly carries her needlepoint work, always with a project in process.  We popped in to look at the yarns and kits featuring hand-dyed wool from Aubusson, France.  I snapped this nativity scene in the window.

Tapisseries de la Bûcherie

2, rue du Haut-Pavé

(just around the corner from Le Réminet)

75005, Paris

 

Le Réminet - la cave

Le Réminet

The cave (or basement) setting for larger parties (or perhaps for a group of rowdy Americans) is actually quite intimate.  I have dined both upstairs and down.  

I think that we took about 100 photos of the black Cafés Richard cup, another 50 of the candlelight and wine glasses, many covert photos of the other diners, and then we took photos of their table when they left.  We took photos of each other, of reflections, of the blackboard menu...

Can you figure out why they put us in the basement?

(We took photos of the kitchen and the bathroom, too - shhhhh!)

Le Reminet

3, rue des Grands Degrés

75005, Paris

Métro Maubert Mutualité

Marché Cadet - les lumières de Noël

Marché Cadet

This pedestrian street always has a festive evening presence, but during the Christmas season the lights provide a canopy for the length of the street.

If you are in Paris during the holiday season, 

take an evening bus or if you are brave, ride a Vélib, 

to see the variety of Christmas decorations all around Paris.

Marché Cadet

Rue Cadet

75009, Paris

Métros Le Peletier et Cadet

Église Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-de-Passy - la crèche

Église Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-de-Passy

Although the works of art, the chapels, the marble altar, a great organ, and architecture of four centuries are well-documented, it is this quiet corner at the rear of the church which caught my attention.

Candles and camels, angels and cherubs, 

all surround the manger, completed by a "star in the east."

bon dimanche

Église Notre-Dame-de-Grâce-de-Passy

10, rue de l'Annonciation

75016, Paris

Métro La Muette

Must be a French girl - XXV

As the children lined up to catch a view of the spectacular 

Galeries Lafayette Christmas windows, 

I spotted this petite miss with her cascade of boucles (curls), 

white beret, and stylish pink coat.

Yes, definitely a French girl.

Galeries Lafayette

40, boulevard Haussmann

75009, Paris

Metro Chaussee d'Antin Lafayette

Palais Garnier - les danseuses de Noël

These graceful ballerinas dance under the Christmas tree of Palais Garnier's gift shop.  

What a view of the icy street below.

These handcrafted papier-mâché dolls are illuminated with the flick of a switch.

Palais Garnier is one of my favorite places in Paris,

 for the architecture, the music, the ballets and operas, the history, and...

the Phantom.

Palais Garnier

8, rue Scribe

Place de l'Opéra

75009, Paris

Marché Maubert - une couronne

Une couronne

If only I could reach through the photo to pluck this beautiful wreath ...

I do not think that US Customs would permit it to be carried home on a plane. 

 I got in trouble once for having an orange in my bag upon my return to the US.

For now, the photo will just have to suffice...

Marché Maubert

Place Maubert

75005, Paris

Un chat, un cocker, et des salamandres

A cat, a dog, and many salamanders

A sense of humor by the architect (Bastier) is seen as the two pets perch above the door, keeping watch on all those who walk beneath.  The bottom tiles on either side of the door are signed by "Bigot" on the left and by "A and M Turin" on the right.  The permit for the building was dated 1903.  

Now, I found this entrance delightfully whimsical, worthy of observation and photographing.  It was interesting that a man walked up to me and said that he had lived in the neighborhood on this quiet street for over 30 years and had never noticed this doorway or the one just like it next door.  He watched me looking up and snapping with my camera.  Otherwise, he might still have not noticed.  We exchanged pleasantries and remarked that often we do not notice what treasures surround us.

He thanked me for the discovery, and we went our separate ways.

76-78, rue Mademoiselle

75015, Paris

Métros Vaugirard et Volontaires

(we were on Vélibs)

 

Un régal pour les yeux

Un régal pour les yeux

A feast for the eyes

The intensity of color combined with the richness 

of crystal, silver, pearls, and porcelain

just about makes my eyes water.

Printemps

64, boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris 

Le Parisien - la vie quotidienne

The Parisian

la vie quotidienne

The moment is frozen in my memory.

A quick glimpse across the rooftops on Rue Saint-Honoré,

Monsieur on the telephone, cigarette in hand,

framed in a window, 

 the architecture of centuries past,

oblivious of my delight in capturing this scene.

What stories we could write  

205 Rue St-Honoré

75001, Paris

Métro Tuileries

Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges

Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges

Built in 1863 by the Marist Fathers, 

this Gothic Revival architecture is largely hidden from the street view.  

One gets a glimpse here of a few of the nearly forty storied windows 

created by Joseph Vigne and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  

bon dimanche

Chapelle Notre Dame des Anges

104, rue de Vaugirard

75006, Paris

Le manteau rouge

Le manteau rouge

(The red coat)

As I stood in the rain, 

there was something familiar about this young French girl 

with her long dark locks and bright red coat...

She looked like a miniature of one I know well...

Joyeux anniversaire, Holly!

Rue Littré

75006, Paris

Métro Saint-Placide

Dansant dans la rue

Dancing in the street

Rue Mouffetard

Every Sunday a small crowd gathers on Rue Mouffetard 

in front of Église Saint-Médard to sing and dance 

to the music of Christian Bassoul.  

It is easy to spot the regulars, 

whose easy steps and spins are evidence of the Sunday routine.  

All are welcome to participate 

so if you find yourself in Paris on a Sunday morning, 

find your way to this charming experience and.... 

dance.

Rue Mouffetard at Rue Censier

75005, Paris

Métro Censier-Daubenton

(joyeux anniversaire, Cherie)

Rue Soufflot - les trois amies

Rue Soufflot

The grand rue between the Panthéon and Jardin du Luxembourg

has many interesting windows, architectural elements,

and a few signs.

I do not think that photographers say, "Watch the birdie!" any longer.

Rue Soufflot

75005, Paris

Rue Paul Bert - la porte verte

Rue Paul Bert

Just a few steps from Bistrot Paul Bert 

is this striking green doorway of great height.  

It is complemented by the architectural details, 

the bright red flowers in the window box, 

and a reflection of the building just opposite.

It was a beautiful spot to meet a friend for déjeuner.

24, rue Paul Bert

75011, Paris

Métro Faidherbe Chaligny

Galeries Lafayette - les vitrines de Noël

Galeries Lafayette

(Noël 2011)

One cold day last November, I met my blog friend Vreni (Vreni's Vienna Daily Photo and Verena's Paris Blog) to see a photo exhibit on Quai Branly.  We spent the afternoon walking in the 6ème and 7ème and then rushed to see all the windows of Printemps and Galeries Lafayette.  We worked as a team to get to the front of each window, a challenge with all the little children on risers built to give them a close up view.  

Vreni and I were successful in capturing each window, 

and she will be there soon to brave it without me.

Galeries Lafayette

Boulevard Haussmann

75009, Paris

Deux parapluies

Two umbrellas

Quai Malaquais

(near Institut de France)

Looking down from Pont des Arts to the quai below, 

it seems that the rain was just nothing more than an annoyance

for these two tourists.

Travel tip for Paris:

Raincoat (imperméable) with a hood

Umbrella (parapluie)

An extra pair of shoes (chaussures)

Oh, and a waterproof camera (appareil photo)

Quai Malaquais

La Seine -  la rive gauche

75006, Paris

Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de Paris III

Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de Paris

One could spend many hours observing the beauty of this church: 

The imagery, the architecture, the repeating patterns, 

the organs, the artwork...

I wonder just how many angels and cherubs there might be. 

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul de Paris

Place Franz-Liszt

75010, Paris

Métro Poissonnière

Rue Saint Roch - ma rue à Paris

Rue Saint Roch

my street in Paris

This is undoubtedly one of the smallest of café terraces with seating for six.

Rue Saint Roch runs between Rue de Rivoli 

and Avenue de l'Opéra, a single-lane, one-way street.

From my residence of choice in Paris, I can look (hang) out of the large windows 

and watch the school children marching their way to Jardin des Tuileries, 

gaze on the large stained glass windows of Église Saint-Roch, 

or, in warm weather, observe the wonderful food selections on the terrace below.  

Often we can hear the music from one or more of the church's three organs.

Just thinking about my street in Paris lightens my mood 

and brings a smile to my face.

Restaurant de la Cordonnerie

20, rue Saint Roch

75001, Paris

City Daily Photo Theme Day: My Street

See all the contributions here

 

Sainte-Geneviève des Bois - le cimetière

The Russian Orthodox Cemetery

at Sainte-Geneviève des Bois

Although I have only seen this cemetery in the fall, 

in any month one imagines that the setting would still appear as an artist's palette 

but in the shades of the proper season.

Whether carpeted with Ginko leaves, 

a rare blanket of snow, 

or the petals of the spring blooms,

 it would surely be an artist's canvas.

Russian Orthodox Cemetery

Sainte-Geneviève des Bois

(Joyeux anniversaire, Renée)

Pain et Chocolat - sous la table

Pain et Chocolat

salon de thé

This authentic salon de thé has captured my taste buds.

The menu is varied and excellent...

The desserts will transport you to heaven in a spoon 

Pain et Chocolat

16, avenue la Motte Picquet

75007, Paris

Métro École Militaire

Le Relais Odéon - une grande brasserie

Le Relais Odéon

Rue du Jardinet

This famous Paris brasserie has an address on Boulevard Saint-Germain

but there is back entrance on Rue du Jardinet as seen here.

The weather worsened as the day progressed, 

but the rain made for moody photos on the rain-soaked, cobbled streets.

Le Relais Odéon

Boulevard Saint-Germain et

Rue du Jardinet

75006, Paris

Métro Odéon

Printemps - Noël

Printemps

 Noël, Rêves d'Evasion

Last year Vreni (of Vienna Daily Photo) and I spent an evening early in the Christmas season

snapping every window on Boulevard Haussmann.

This is one of my favorites.

She will be there soon,

 and I will miss being there with her to see

 and photograph the beautiful windows.

Printemps
64, boulevard Haussmann
75009 Paris

Marché d'Aligre - XIV

Marché d'Aligre

Early Sunday morning at Marché d'Aligre

is my favorite for taking photographs and watching the day come alive.

As with all the street markets of Paris, there is a collegial neighborhood atmosphere as shoppers greet their favorite vendors.  You see children playing and families shopping together on the weekend mornings.  Quite often they finish the morning in the nearby Square Trousseau with the children playing.

Marché d'Aligre

Place d'Aligre

75012, Paris

  

I am linking to Paulita's 

Dreaming of France

 

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île - les cierges

 

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île

Far from the bustling crowd on this well-traversed island in the Seine

is Église Saint-Louis en l'Île, full of art and soft light.

Construction started in 1642 at the direction of Louis XIV 

using the plans of François Le Vau who was also designing Versailles.

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Louis en l'Île

Rue Saint-Louis en l'Île

Saint-Louis en l'Île

75004, Paris