Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

Une couronne pour le Roi

A crown for the King

joyeuses Pâques

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

6 Parvis Notre Dame

Place Jean-Paul II

75004, Paris

Le Baron Rouge - Poisson d'Avril

Le Baron Rouge

There is a long line on the sidewalk for the freshly shucked oysters on Sundays at Le Baron Rouge.  Last year on April 1st, my husband, Peter (Peter's Paris), and I were there for the salty delicacies.

The French tradition for "April Fools Day" is 

put a paper fish on the back of some unsuspecting person.

Do you see it?

You have two days to cut out your fish... Don't wait.

Le Baron Rouge, wine bar

1, rue Théophile Roussel

75012, Paris

Place André Malraux - la fontaine de jouvence?

The fountain of youth?

There are at least three cherubs in this fountain of changing colors, but alas...

I do not believe that the water will make you young.

Surely there is a reason that the French women are so beautiful and youthful.

bon weekend

Place André Malraux

et Rue St-Honoré

75001, Paris

Jardin du Palais Royal - Dépêchez-vous!

Jardin du Palais Royal

Moving rapidly through the enclave of Palais Royal's garden, 

her feet were a blur.

Was she off to meet un petit ami 

or just rushing back to work?

Must be a French girl

Jardin du Palais Royal

75001, Paris

 

Le Charolais - les huitres

Le Charolais

Monsieur is selecting oysters

 as the patrons eagerly await these delicacies on the café terrace.

I will be back in Paris soon and will enjoy some oysters here 

and also around the corner at Le Baron Rouge.  

They are deliciously salted by the sea 

and need nothing more than a splash of lemon juice.

Le Charolais, café

15, rue de Cotte

75012, Paris

Café rouge

This café terrace on Rue de Sèvres was not attracting many customers 

despite the rouge blankets draped across the chairs.  

The rain had moved the crowd indoors.

Rue de Sèvres

75006, Paris

La Petite Baleine - papeterie

La Petite Baleine

(The Little Whale)

If you are planning a wedding, celebrating the birth of a child, 

or for any special occasion, 

this charming shop on Rue Littré 

has both the traditional engraved announcements/invitations 

and a creative artistry for a more eclectic look.

I was taken with the petite sign sporting a little whale!

La Petite Baleine

5, rue Littré

75006, Paris

Église Saint-Louis des Invalides III

Église Saint-Louis des Invalides


This dome which sits prominently on the Paris horizon is atop
 what is commonly called Les Invalides.  
The church is known as "The Soldiers' Church" 
and was constructed in 1677.  


Although many have visited Napoleon's tomb 
and toured the Musée de l'Armée, 
most of those have missed the interior 
of this bright and beautiful church.  


bon dimanche

Église Saint-Louis des Invalides

Les Invalides

75007, Paris

La Palette - pluie battante

La Palette

This café/bistro was filled with people seen here on the terrace 

huddled under the umbrellas and heaters.  

We were fortunate to find a spot inside with a view, 

dry and free from the blowing rain.

As we say, "a rainy day in Paris beats a great day at home."

La Palette

43, rue de Seine

75006, Paris

Métro Mabillon

Ultramod Mercerie II

Mercerie

Ultramod

Even the name "Ultramod" is enchanting and is a reminder of times past.  There is nothing dull about this mercerie, a place not only to buy buttons, threads, and ribbons, but a joyful gathering of people who enjoy the needle arts and haberdashery.  The colors almost tumble off the shelves in an array of tassles and silks.

The ambiance here is palatable

Ultramod

3-4, rue de Choiseul

75002 Paris

Pétanque X - Jardin du Luxembourg

Jardin du Luxembourg

On my next trip to Paris I would like to play a game of Pétanque

but the regulars of Jardin du Luxembourg (and Tuileries)

would not likely embrace this American beginner.

Perhaps a trip to Bassin de la Villette in the 19ème 

would be a better place to start.

Jardin du Luxembourg

75006, Paris

Jour du Macaron - 20 mars 2013

Jour du Macaron

Oh, how I wish that I was in Paris today to enjoy the celebration of macarons.  Started by Pierre Hermé several years ago, one could run to each of the stores for up to three free macarons at each.  For those who made it to every Pierre Hermé in Paris there was a beautiful box of macarons, a treasure chest.  Pierre Hermé made a charity donation in honor of the day.

The success of the day quickly put a halt to the free macaron hunt and end-of-day bonus.  Still, it would be fun to follow the map for a macaron-saturated day.

Pierre Hermé

all over Paris (and Beyond)

Marché aux Oiseaux - Place Louis Lépine

Marché aux Fleurs

(Marché aux Oiseaux)

On Sundays the Marché aux Fleurs becomes the Marché aux Oiseaux (Bird Market) 

with a chatty selection of birds, from the ordinary to the rare.   You may find hens, chickens, roosters, rabbits, fish, Guinea pigs.  

If you are looking for color, the birds will oblige your request.

 

Marché aux Fleurs
Place Louis Lépine
Île de la Cité
75004, Paris

Jardin du Luxembourg - une tortue verte

A green turtle in

Jardin du Luxembourg

This young fellow with a jacket and mittens

 to match his green turtle seems in a daze.

Is he wishing that he had jumped on the cart led by a stallion 

which would surely be faster than une tortue?

Jardin du Luxembourg

75006, Paris

 

Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois

Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois

Back when the Louvre was still a royal palace (Palais du Louvre), Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois was its church.  The impressive and unique bell tower dates from the 12th century and was the only Romanesque survival.  It was later transformed to the Gothic style in the 19th century.

It does enjoy a lofty view of the Louvre

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois

2, place du Louvre

75001, Paris

Métro Louvre-Rivoli ou Pont Neuf

Marché aux Puces - Saint-Ouen VII

Les puces de Saint-Ouen

Marché Vernaison

The winding aisles of Marché Vernaison contain an abundance 

of silver, furniture, old toys, keys, ceramics, linens, and much more.

It is reminiscent of flea markets of the past and is one of the

fifteen markets at Saint-Ouen:

Antica, Biron, Cambo, Dauphine, Jules Vallès, Le Passage, Le Plateau, 

L'Entrepôt, Malassis, Malik, Paul Bert, Serpette, Vernaison, l'Usine and Lécuyer

Check the link before you go and choose wisely 

as you will not be able to see it all in one trip.

Marché aux Puces, Saint-Ouen

Porte de Clignancourt

75018, Paris

 

 

 

Pont des Arts - sous la neige

Pont des Arts

Taken a few years ago during a dusting of snow,

the bridge is seen after a pruning of locks

bon weekend

Pont des Arts

75001, Paris

Baguette Monge et saucisson sec

Eric Kayser's 

Baguette Monge

Certainly there are many fine boulangeries in Paris but for me, the perfect baguette can be found at Eric Kayser (on Rue Monge).  You must ask for the Baguette Monge, and if you have good timing, it will be still warm from the oven.  

They are a little over 1€ - what a bargain.

For a little piece of heaven, step outside, pinch off the top, 

and take a bite while the steam fogs your face.

miam-miam

Baguette Monge, Eric Kayser

8, rue Monge (and other locations in Paris)

75005, Paris

Jardin du Palais Royal - sous la neige

Palais Royal in the snow

In the first week of December 2010, the snow started to fall gingerly as seen here, 

and by the 8th of December, it was a traffic-stopping blanket of soft whiteness.

The green leaves still on the sculpted trees 

are a pleasing contrast to the white carpet.

Jardin du Palais Royal

75001, Paris

Marché d'Aligre - XVIII

Marché d'Aligre

The street markets of Paris are many, each with its own flavor.

You never know when you will find a porte-bonheur (lucky charm), 

a  cherished memory that will long remind you of Paris.

Marché d'Aligre

Place d'Aligre

Rue d'Aligre et Rue Beccaria

75012, Paris

Votre lessive?

Laundry day?


No!  This is 59 Rivoli, which is billed as the "cultural alternative in the heart of Paris."  There are 30 artists in studios throughout all 6 floors of 59 Rivoli plus the Galerie 59 on the rez-de-chaussée (ground floor).

  Originally, it was a squat started by artists looking for a place to work, live and show.  Now it is legalized and open to the public every day except Mondays.  Not only can you see the artists' work but visit the ateliers where the creations are made.  Galerie 59 has exhibitions running for approximately two weeks at a time with a vernissage open to everyone, usually on the first day of the show. 

  

59 Rivoli

59, rue de Rivoli

75001 Paris

 

Église Notre Dame de Lorette

Église Notre Dame de Lorette

The construction of this grand church was started in 1823 under the reign of Louis XVIII and was completed in 1836 under Louis-Philippe.  The elaborate murals were painted directly on the walls and one can see sections which are being restored.  Considered too modern, too bright with gas lighting, the walls are entirely covered with designs and painting.

bon dimanche

Église Notre Dame de Lorette

18, bis rue de Chateaudun

75009, Paris

Métro Réaumur-Sébastopol - Entrée d'Hector Guimard

Art Nouveau design

These famed entrances designed by Hector Guimard were surrounded in talk and not a little controversy in 1900.  The most elaborate were those with glass canopies, of which three still exist.  

Guimard's design above can be seen all over Paris, and there are 80 of this style with cast-iron balustrades decorated in plant-like motifs still remaining today.  The orange light globes sit atop ornate cast-iron supports in the form of plant stems.  Typical of the Art Nouveau style, the entire design is quite "organic."

Métro Réaumur-Sébastopol - Entrée d'Hector Guimard

Lines 3 et 4

75002, 75003, 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

 

Père Lachaise - la chouette et son ombre

A majestic tomb

Rising above most of the tombs in this area of the famed Père Lachaise, three mighty owls stand watch perched between stone garlands.  The crown supports a shield that surely identifies the family.  How could I have failed to note the name and the story.  Alas, a momentary lapse, but I will return for another look.  

The skies may never be this blue again

Cimetière du Père Lachaise

75020, Paris

 

Le petit musicien

The little musician

Dressed warmly for the cold winter day, he played his red accordion.

Another generation passes down the music and traditions, 

the dancing, the culture.

Sing a little, make some music, laugh until your sides hurt

Rue Mouffetard

75005, Paris

Métro Censier-Daubenton

 

Yah! Yah! Plus vite, cheval!

Playing in Jardin du Luxembourg

There is a large rectangular area in the garden where children can race pedal cars.

This joyful child is enjoying what would be my choice for a ride, a well-kept horse with a blue saddle and a red cart.  Most of the rides are cars, tractors, and other mundane vehicles.  She found the only one with a horse, and commanded the field.

Jardin du Luxembourg

75006, Paris

Rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève - le travailleur

Le travailleur

Color-matched for the job at hand, 

this worker made a nice contrast to the stark winter scene.

May you not work too hard this week 

and take time to enjoy your surroundings, 

wherever they may be.

Rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève

(just across from the steps of Saint-Étienne du Mont)

75005, Paris

Église Sainte-Marguerite

Église Sainte-Marguerite

The layout of the church of Sainte-Marguerite is a Latin cross, 

according to the classical style of the 17th Century.   

It's adjacent cemetery was opened in 1637 and during the French Revolution, 

the bodies of three hundred people who were guillontined in 

Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation were buried there.  Most of the cemetery was closed in 1804, but there are a few interesting stories to share on another day.

bon dimanche

Église Sainte-Marguerite

36, rue Saint-Bernard

75011, Paris

Rue Mouffetard - café-bistrot

Café-Bistrot

Rue Mouffetard

On this chilly day there were no customers outside.  

You can tell from the windows, that they were doing a great business inside.

Do you just love the writing on the blackboard?

It is beautifully French.

Rue Moufetard

75005, Paris

Montmartre - être un observateur

Two café chairs...

one for sitting, and the other for...

Just outside the café on the warm terrace, 

this young man watched the pedestrians taking a Sunday stroll.

Was he waiting for a friend, for a sweetheart?  We will never know.

Le Relais de la Butte

Rue Ravignan et Rue des 3 Frères

Montmartre

75018 Paris

 

 

This is my entry for City Daily Photo Bloggers March theme day, "café chairs" 

and what better place to find them than in Paris!  

Click HERE to see café chairs featured by bloggers from around the world.