Le dernier train

The last train

Garches, France

It sounds so distant to say we went to Garches, France, 

but it is only outside the Peripherique by two stops,

and you can use a Paris Visit, Zones 1-3

However, if you miss the last train back into Paris,

it would seem distant indeed.

Garches, France

Two stops beyond La Défense

Le carrousel - XXVI

As the blue skies of this April evening turned the multi-hued shades known only in Paris, we waited for the first "twinkling" of La Tour Eiffel. 

The lights on that iron beauty twinkle for about 5 minutes every hour until 1am. 

They start on the first hour after the Paris street lights come on.

Little did we know that we would enjoy a show before the main event...

soft streetlights, sculptures, a reflecting pool, fountains. 

It was all set off by a delightful carousel (rotating counter-clockwise) 

with its calliope music playing. 

The police vans? 

Manpower to catch the people selling Eiffel Tower keychains - not so magical

Carrousel de Trocadero

Place du Trocadéro

75016, Paris

Pont des Arts - l'amour

Pont des Arts, a moonlit night, padlocks on the bridge, and ...

Paris in love

It is just not the same anywhere else

Pont des Arts

75001, Paris

 

Le Métro et BHV

The Métro sign at Hotel de Ville and the Christmas lights of BHV (Bay Aash Vay)

are as colorful as the double-decker carrousel.

The full moon had some serious competition this night

BHV (Bazar de l'Hotel de Ville)

Métro Hotel de Ville

Rue de Rivoli et Rue de Lobau

75004 Paris

 

Louvre Pyramid and full moon

Through the glass and steel of I. M. Pei's Pyramid, is seen a full moon and Pavillon de l'Horloge, architecture from different centuries gracing the Napoleon Courtyard of the Louvre.

Bon weekend

Louvre Pyramid
Cour Napoleon
75001, Paris

See more reflections here at James' Weekend Reflections

Moon over Église Saint Roch

On the last night in Paris, I saw this view from the bed and jumped up to snap it before the moment escaped. I will be in Paris again and this scene plays out regularly each month, year after year. Why the urgency for this particular shot, quickly assembled and not a singular best? It totally captured the emotions of this April trip as I returned to familiar places that I count as mine and branched out for new discoveries.

This was the scene of the familiar, the rooftop of Église Saint Roch, with the new excitement of the full moon ascending through wispy clouds. It was the dénouement of moments which quickened my heart, took my breath away, and brought a veil of water to my eyes. How can one have such feelings about a single city, its people, its quotidienne? How cliché to say that one "loves Paris," and yet I do.

Église Saint Roch

Café Marly

Out on a night shoot with Marie and Janeen at the Louvre, we stopped by Café Marly for a peek and were able to wander through the various empty dining rooms for some photos. The few diners remaining had enjoyed the open air terrace on a warm April night.

The trio of paparazzi moved quietly through the rooms with only the clicking of shutters and an occasional giggle.


Café Marly
93, rue de Rivoli

Tuileries at Twilight

After the sun retires from the bright summer day, the long shadows of sunset relinquish the park to the soft palette of blues and greens. The park takes on a new persona for the brief time before total darkness, the magical twilight of Paris.

I can close my eyes and see it still

Bistro Pré aux Clercs

As we near the summer solstice I am reminded of this wonderful spot, Bistro Pré aux Clercs, where friends met last June before a night shoot at la Tour Eiffel. Marie and I returned on the evening of la Fête de la Musique to enjoy salads on the terrace and listen to the delightful sounds of a jazz quartet.


I wish I was there right now... Care to join me?


Bistro Pré aux Clercs
30, rue Bonaparte

Very interesting history here and something about the name, in French.

Night cafe scene

On our last night in Paris, Janeen, Marie and I headed for dinner at Grand Colbert. As we walked along Rue St Honore from our apartment at Rue St Roch, I was taken by the quintessential Paris scenes playing out before my eyes. Already a bit nostalgic and feeling the tug of home and the lure of all that I love in Paris, each vignette played out in slow motion. The camera clicks are merely reflections of my memories, permanently etched.

Full Moon over Paris

There is not much that could take my breath away like this full moon rising in Paris on Monday. In all the times that I have been to Paris I have never been there for a full moon... just look at those clear skies and wispy clouds framing the moon.

Marie, Janeen and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner together on our last night in Paris and walked to the Louvre and on to the Seine for a night shoot. The weather was perfect for just a sweater or light jacket. We perched on the edge of the pool, chatted, told stories and took photos.

I am so glad that I was there as I do not expect to ever have the stars lined up so perfectly for me again.


For more weekend reflections check out James' Newtown Daily Photo.

Reflections on the Seine

Walking along Quai de Bourbon with an eye on the Seine, the clear sapphire sky made a nice contrast to the moss on Pont Marie. The water and lights provided a green-tinged reflection in the cold, dark river.

For more reflections look here at James' Newtown Area Photo.