La vie quotidienne - Rue Cler

Les marchés de Paris

It is impossible to read a novel (or non-fiction) 

about life in Paris without observing the daily shopping.  

I think about the time I spend driving to 

the seafood market, 

the family-owned vegetable market, 

and the grocery for the other items.  

How wonderful would it be to walk down this pedestrian street, 

greeting your neighbors, while selecting all the items you need.

Rue Cler

75007, Paris

Jardin de l'Intendant II

Jardin de l'Intendant

On the secluded southwest corner of the grounds of Hôtel des Invalides 

is this quiet topiary garden walled off from the Avenue de Tourville.  

It is far away from the entrances to les Invalides and the tourists.  

In my many visits here I have seen 

families, lovers, readers, walkers, 

and not infrequently a single person 

enjoying the benches and solitude.

Jardin de l'Intendant

Les Invalides

Ave de Tourville

75007, Paris

Le Carrousel et la Tour Eiffel

le carrousel de la Tour Eiffel

On a sunny day in Paris you can ride (pedal) a painted pony 

and catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower with every rotation.

La Tour Eiffel et Le Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel

Quai Branley

75007, 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

Village Bercy - la bouteille rouge

Bercy Village

Cour Saint-Émilion

The customer snuffed out a cigarette and left.

I snapped a photo before the table was cleared

and the red bottle disappeared!

(I am not the only photographer of Paris 

who snaps dirty café tables)

Paris Café

Bercy Village 

Cour St-Émilion

75012, Paris

Au bord de la Seine - les amis II

la Seine,

the water's edge

When the weather cooperates 

one can find groups of friends gathering on a Friday evening 

to share stories of the week and 

simply to enjoy la vie quotidienne on the banks of the Seine.

May you "exhale" 

and enjoy the company of friends this weekend.

La Seine

Right bank - just off Pont des Arts

75001, Paris

 

Palais Garnier - Illumination

Palais Garnier

The Grand Staircase

Would you like to turn back the clock 100 years 

to attend an elegant ball, just for the evening?

Yeah, me too

The Grand Staircase

Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra 75009, Paris

L'heure bleue - Jardins du Trocadéro

Fountain of Warsaw

fontaine de Varsovie

Not as many fountains as seen in the gardens of Versailles, 

but still a perfect seat to enjoy the water show 

during l'heure bleue (the blue hour).

As the sky darkens one simply turns to the southeast 

to watch the lights of la Tour Eiffel just across the Seine.  

What a festival!

every day of the week!

Fountain of Warsaw

Jardins du Trocadéro

75016, Paris

Métro Trocadéro

Escalier du Ministre - Louvre

Escalier du Ministre 

in the Richelieu wing of the Louvre

The Louvre is filled with architectural designs and details, 

and this staircase, Escalier du Ministre, 

led up to the private apartments of the Minister of State.  

If you visit this area of the museum, you can walk up these steps 

just as the royal visitors once did, 

and amble through the apartments of Napoleon III.

It is interesting to discover the many elegant designs 

of the Louvre staircases.

Musée du Louvre

75001, Paris

La Petite Rose - salon de thé

La Petite Rose

This is one of my favorite lunch spots, 

just a short walk from Parc de Monceau.  

Gorgeous salads and delicious quiches

Well, selecting a dessert is a challenge!

La Petite Rose 11, boulevard de Courcelles Métro Villiers 75008 Paris

Église Saint-Étienne du Mont - l'orgue

Église Saint-Étienne du Mont

The organ of Saint-Étienne du Mont 

is a marvel of architectural design and carving, 

dating back to the early 17th Century.

 From this angle it appears 

that the angels and cherubs might jump or fly

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Étienne du Mont
1, place Ste-Geneviève

75005, Paris

Horloge et candélabres

Clock and candelabra

The antique stores scattered throughout Paris are full of treasures.  

Many of the items may be out of the reach of the traveler, 

or perhaps to large to carry home.  

However, one never knows when a "find" will be discovered.

This window was seen in one of the narrow streets of the Marais.

Antique boutique

Marais

75004, Paris

Hôtel de Sens - Bibiothèque Forney

Hôtel de Sens

and the Forney Art Library

Built originally for the archbishops of Sens in the thirteenth century, 

this hôtel was rebuilt completely 

by Archbishop Tristan de Salazar between 1498 and 1518.

Although there have been many modifications 

over the past five hundred years, 

"it remains a rare survivor of late medieval-civil architecture, 

an example of a semi-fortified manoir dressed up in the Flamboyant style."

(Andrew Ayers - The Architecture of Paris: An Architectural Guide)

Hôtel de Sens - Bibliothèque Forney

Rue du Figuier at Rue du Fauconnier

75004, Paris

Port de l'Arsenal

Port de l'Arsenal

From the above ground platform on Line 1 of the Bastille station, 

you have this view of Port de l'Arsenal.  

For many years I imagined this view was a narrow stretch of the Seine.  

When you look at a map it is simple to identify.  

This basin connects Canal St. Martin to the Seine 

and is a  part of France's national Voies navigables de France 

(VNF, Navigable Waterways of France) system.

Did you know that from Line 5 the remains of the Bastille can be seen?

Port de l'Arsenal

from Bastille station, Line 1

75004, Paris (the border between 4ième and 12ième)

Métro Bastille (bien sûr!)

Fenêtre dans le Marais

Window in the Marais

Just a simple window with geraniums askew, 

but the iron railing and alluring curtains 

contribute to the mystery that is Paris.

le Marais

75004, Paris

Séduction - Dalloyau

Seduction?

Indeed!

miam-miam

Dalloyau

5, boulevard Beaumarchais

75004, Paris

Métro Bastille

Le défilé du 14-Juillet

Quatorze Juillet

2008

The many regiments line up an hour or two 

before the march down Avenue des Champs Elysées.

2013

In all, 4,800 troops marched in front of the presidential stage Sunday, 

along with 241 horses, 265 vehicles and 58 planes.

Bringing up the rear was an array of 35 helicopters, 

used in wartime and for civilian missions. 

Precision parachutists landed 

in front of the presidential stand to close the parade.

The military parade of 14-Juillet

Avenue des Champs Elysées

75008, Paris

 

Quatorze Juillet - La Fête Nationale!

The Gates of Invalides

All of Paris is dressed in the bleu, blanc, et rouge of the French flag.  

The crowds and the traffic are impossible, 

but the pleasure of being there in the streets 

for the great national celebration is worth it.

Vive la France!

Invalides

75007, Paris

Paris and Beyond - 3 years, 1109 posts

Thank you for following, for your feedback,

and for sharing in my love for Paris (and beyond)

Champs de Mars - les chevaux

Ponies in the Park

Festivities surround Champs de Mars in July

Pony rides and picnics

Tomorrow is quatorze juillet, La Fête Nationale, 

and the third anniversary of Paris and Beyond.  

I'll take a pony ride and a picnic, svp.

Champs de Mars

75007, Paris

Palais Royal - un reflet

Palais Royal

In the arcade of Palais Royal, 

these reflective green lenses caught my attention...

and, my reflection.

bon weekend

Palais Royal

75001, Paris

L'oiseau et le chapeau

The bird and the hat?

This flashy window of H&M 

is nestled between the grand windows of Le Printemps 

and Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann.

The windows of Paris fascinate me and 

I only wish I could be there to see them each time they change.  

I try, believe me.

H&M

54, blvd Haussmann

75009, Paris

La Palette - le bar

La Palette

The rainy day refuge was a photographer's delight 

as we enjoyed the classic French fare and a glass of bubbly.  

The weather provided the drama.

Il pleuvait des cordes!

(It was raining cats and dogs - loosely translating here, 

but I am sure that you know some other French expressions 

for an abundance of rain)

La Palette

43, rue de Seine

75006, Paris

Métro Mabillon

Château de Chenonceau - le labyrinthe

Château de Chenonceau

The Maze

Seen from ground level the grand labyrinth shows only a tight hedge of yews.  If you are able to navigate the maze to the center you will be rewarded with the view from a heightened gazebo of the entire layout.   The design for this formal garden was created by Catherine de Médicis in the 16th century.

Chenonceau is also known as the Château de Femmes for the succession of six powerful French knoblewomen, each of whom had an impact on the chateau over the period of four centuries.  The four caryatids seen in the background were added to the chateau by Catherine de Médicis and more recently added to "her" maze.

 

Château de Chenonceau has nearly one million visitors every year, and with the exception of the Palace of Versailles, is the most visited castle in France. 

Château de Chenonceau

45000, Chenonceaux

(one hour by train from Paris - day trip)

 

La Coupe d'Or

La Coupe d'Or

Sitting on Rue Saint-Honoré 

at the corner of Rue du Marché Saint-Honoré 

would be a nice spot for people-watching.  

The reviews indicate that this may not be the best place for a meal, 

but a quick café and a moment to rest one's feet 

might be reason enough to stop.

La Coupe d'Or

330, rue St Honoré

75001, Paris

Connecting to Dreaming of France and Paris in July with Thyme for Tea and  Bookbath

Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul III

Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul

In one of the ornate chapels of this church, 

so unassuming by its exterior, 

is seen this serene statue adorned with a crown of gold.  

Under the left foot is a serpent which has been crushed.  

The backdrop has been styled to appear as a fine silk fabric.  

The details of this alcove are memorable.

bon dimanche

Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul

95, rue de Sèvres

75006, Paris

Métro Sèvres-Babylone

 

Previously posted here and here

Les chaussures et les requins oranges?

The Sharks and the Shoes

The creativity of a Paris window appeals to my artistic side.

The shoes appeal to my inner Imelda Marcos.

bon weekend!

Le Printemps

Rue de Caumartin

75009, Paris

This is my contribution to James' Weekend Reflections. 

Click here to see the other postings from around the world.

Le Champ de Mars - brasserie

Le Champ de Mars

I wondered how many movies have been shot here in front of Le Champ de Mars, 

a brasserie sitting in view of La Tour Eiffel.  

The dining reviews are mixed 

but the people-watching quotient should be quite high.

The rouge awnings are perfect.

Le Champ de Mars-Brasserie 

124, rue St Dominique  

75007, Paris

Métro École Militaire

Flamme de la Liberté à Paris

Flame of Liberty in Paris

"The Flame of Liberty.  An exact replica of the Statue of Liberty's flame offered to the people of France by donors throughout the world as a symbol of the Franco-American friendship.  On the occasion of the centennial of the International Herald Tribune.  Paris 1887-1987."

The site of this monument is Pont de l'Alma on the right bank of the Seine.  How appropriate that La Tour Eiffel is peering in from the other side of the river.

joyeaux anniversaire, USA!

Flamme de la Liberté

Place de l'Alma

75016, Paris

Dominique Bart - artiste-peintre

Dominique Bart

Artist

Si vous passez Place des Vosges à Paris, 

vous rencontrerez certainement sous les arcades au n° 13  

Dominique Bart. Artiste-peintre, 

il vous montrera ses aquarelles et ses huiles représentant cette superbe place.

I have had this photo for a few years of M. Bart, but did not know his name.  Mon amie Marie found him and bought one of his beautiful watercolors.  He allowed me to take his photo, and Marie shared his name.  I have not seen him on recent visits to Place des Vosges, but would love to give him a copy of this portrait.  Perhaps I will find him on my next trip.

Dominique Bart

13, Place des Vosges

75004, Paris

Boulevard Saint-Germain - le marché

Booths along Bd Saint-Germain

The colors in this booth caught my eye, 

but it was only just now that I noticed two souvenirs 

I should have purchased that day.  

I see the vélos in many bright shades and just below... 

are those miniature 2CVs*?!

* 2CV = deux chevaux-vapeur

Weekend street (sidewalk) market

Bd Saint-Germain at Rue Bonaparte

75006, Paris

 

Château de Chambord - une grande façade!

Chambord

a very grand façade

Constructed for King François I in the early years of the Sixteenth Century, this chateau features 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases.  In the center hall is a grand double-helix open staircase spanning three floors.  The château also features 128 meters of façade, more than 800 sculpted columns and an elaborately decorated roof. When François I commissioned the construction of Chambord, he wanted it to look like the skyline of Constantinople. 

In 1939, shortly before the outbreak of World War II, the art collections of the Louvre and Compiègne museums were stored at the Château de Chambord.
 

This is my contribution to the City Daily Photo Theme Day - façade

Click here to see all the others from around the world.

Château de Chambord

Chambord, France

(an easy day trip out of Paris to the Loire Valley)