Un landau?

A baby carriage?

This little antique was sitting outside a notions boutique 

in the passage du Grand Cerf.  

The short handles and small wheels 

made me think that it was a rather elegant doll carriage.  

The convertible shade was made of leather 

and I should have examined it more closely 

for the name of the manufacturer.

Passage du Grand Cerf

75002, Paris

Mini Jacinthe

Mini Hyacinth

In the midst of winter

a "forced" bulb such as these hyacinths

reveal the promise of spring 

The sweet smell of these flowers 

is as fragrant as the finest Paris parfum

Messages du Grand Cerf (fleuriste)

Passage du Grand Cerf

75002, Paris

Des sapins de Noël

Christmas trees

The first time I saw trees bundled like this on the streets of Paris, 

I first thought of mummies.  

These are quite tall and grand 

when you consider the size of many Paris apartments.  

Can you imagine toting one of these 

over your shoulder through the Paris Métro?

Passage du Grand Cerf

Rue Saint Denis

75002, Paris

Dear 4-eyes, gee!

Passage du Grand Cerf

"Dear 4-Eyes, Gee"

Opened in 1825 in the 2nd arrondissement,

 it is now restored and charming with many artists and several ateliers.

Please forgive the silliness, 

but it just called out to me.

Passage du Grand Cerf

75002, Paris

Passage du Grand Cerf

Passage du Grand Cerf

Polished wood, glass windows, patterned tile floor,

wrought iron framing, and glass skylights all make for a

historic setting.

The fine crafts, galleries, 

and custom made clothing add to the scene.

bon weekend

Passage du Grand Cerf

Rue Dussouds, Rue Saint Denis

75002, Paris

Passage du Grand Cerf

Passage du Grand Cerf

This covered passage has attracted boutiques and galleries with offerings of art, fine crafts, jewelry arts, antiques, and more.  The original tiles and the high ceilings attest to its authenticity.

Originating from the end of the 18th century, these covered shopping arcades provided shelter from the inclement weather and the muddy streets of Paris.  Even today it is a great option to explore on a rainy weather day in Paris.

Le Passage du Grand Cerf

145, rue Saint Denis

75002, Paris

Métro Etienne Marcel

Passage du Grand Cerf

Passage du Grand Cerf

This passage of 1825 is filled with interesting shops and boutiques, and there seems to be a theme of art, antiques, and fine craft.  The natural wood framing, tiled floor and high ceiling bring the architecture and history to life.

This lovely mademoiselle was enjoying 

window shopping with her papa.

Must be a French girl, oui?

Passage du Grand Cerf

Rue Dussoubs et Rue St. Denis

75002, Paris

 

Sapins de Noël - Passage du Grand Cerf

Christmas trees in Paris

Giggling on the first occasion of seeing 

Christmas trees dressed like sausages, 

I now find them totally charming.  

The stands made of split tree trunks are quite solid 

and they are ready to be carried off, 

through the Métro or by bus to a waiting Paris apartment.  

The scents of fresh evergreen are as omnipresent 

as those of the baguettes from the nearby boulangerie.

Messages du Grand Cerf

4, passage du Grand Cerf (Rue Saint Denis entrance)

75002, Paris

Le Passage du Grand Cerf

Le Passage du Grand Cerf (Big Deer Passage) is found just off Rue St. Denis in the neighborhood of Montorgueil. Designed in the 19th Century to protect pedestrians from mud and horse-drawn carriages, this elegant passage has been restored to its original grandeur. There are at least five of these passages clustered between Rue Etienne Marcel and Rue Réamur and others a short walk away.

Grand Cerf is distinctive in the height of the windows at 11.8m (almost 39 feet), the highest in Paris, and the unique offerings along the corridor. You will find handcrafted pearl jewelry, artists' workshops, interesting gifts, and recovered objects that have been restored. If you are left with a rainy, cold day in Paris these "shopping arcades" are a great option. Here is a link (en français) for all the passages, descriptions, and locations in Paris.

Note: You need to be attentive as many of the entrances are almost hidden from the main streets.

Le Passage du Grand Cerf

145, rue St Denis

Métro Etienne Marcel