Palais Garnier

Palais Garnier

I daresay the first time (or two) that you explore Palais Garnier 

you are more focused on the enormity and grandeur of the whole, 

but do not forget about the ceilings.  

The artistry is stunning with an ample application of gilt and detail.

Certainly, I would keep an eye on the chandeliers 

as you recall the history of one which fell.  

The phantom may be gone 

but the chandelier in my photo has an eerie tilt.

Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra

75009, Paris

 

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris - des détails

Notre Dame

From this single spot, 

many of the treasures of this magnificent cathedral are revealed, 

from the rose window to the newly cleaned chandelier, 

and Gothic arches and columns.

Also, when you look up, 

you do not see any tourists.

bon dimanche

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

6 Parvis Notre Dame

Place Jean-Paul II

75004, Paris

La Tour Eiffel XXV

La Tour Eiffel

The rays of sunlight add a special quality to this iron creation.

Given the choice of seeing the sun rays or snow from this spot, I would have a difficult time choosing.  Having seen both, I would have to add that with the snow, there are certainly fewer people at this famous landmark.

La Tour Eiffel

75007, 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

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

Perhaps more recognizable from the other side, 

the majestic details of this view are my favorite.  

In the summer months you might even find it deserted 

very early in the day or very late at night.

It is worth losing an hour's sleep to have this scene to yourself.

bon dimanche

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

6 Parvis Notre Dame

Place Jean-Paul II

75004, Paris

Palais Garnier - The Grand Foyer

The Grand Foyer

When I see the Grand Foyer, 

my eyes mist over with a scene of ballgowns 

and the sounds of the orchestra.  

Perhaps tonight the phantom will appear.

Palais Garnier
Place de l'Opéra
75009, Paris

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris - un grand lustre

Notre Dame

This is only one of the grand chandeliers of Notre Dame 

seen up close and in detail as it was lowered last year for cleaning.  

The 850th birthday celebration of this renown cathedral 

called for some major housekeeping and renovations (the bells).  

I would say that this grand dame has held her age well.

bon dimanche

 

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

6 Parvis Notre Dame

Place Jean-Paul II

75004, Paris

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame

This 850 year old icon on the Paris landscape has greeted worshipers and tourists for centuries.  For all of 2013 there will be special concerts and celebrations for this auspicious and grand cathedral.

bon dimanche

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

6, Place du Parvis Notre-Dame,

Place Jean-Paul II

75004, Paris

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

Le Douze et monsieur

Le Douze

Vreni and I stopped by this illuminated window at the end of a whirlwind day in Paris. 

The shop was just closed but we had our next event!

bon weekend

Le Douze
Rue Jacob
75006, Paris

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris - illumination

This well-known example of French gothic architecture is getting a makeover for its 850th anniversary.  Yes, 850 years old - It was consecrated in 1163!

New bells, the restoration of the organ and more environmentally-friendly lighting... She is making preparations to celebrate her birthday in great style and you can see the evidence of the freshness in this photo.  If you will be in Paris between December 12, 2012 to December 9, 2013, be sure to visit (or re-visit) this icon of the Paris landscape.  There will be a full schedule of events during the year's celebration.

If you want to have a more personal experience in a visit to Notre Dame, be there as it opens daily at 8:00am, and you will have it almost to yourself.

bon dimanche

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris

6, Place du Parvis Notre-Dame,

Place Jean-Paul II

75004, Paris



L'éclairage

If I could not have the 7-ton brass and crystal grand chandelier of the Palais Garnier, I would gladly take this lovely lamp with its Venetian-style adornment.

Paris is a pocket of sweet memories now, and it may have been my best trip ever.  

I look forward to sharing stories and many photos.



Église Saint-Aignan de Chartres - Illumination

Just outside of Paris is Église Saint-Aignan de Chartres, not nearly as well known as the Chartres Cathedral, but exquisite in detail and color.  Established in 400 AD, most of the building today dates from the Sixteenth Century. 

Bon Dimanche