Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires -- illumination

I have been in this church many times. 

How could I have missed this detail in previous visits? 

The lamps and light are beautiful, but the juxtaposition of the art gives them life.

bon dimanche

Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires

6, rue Notre-Dame des Victoires

(Rue de Banque et Rue des Petits Pères)

75002 Paris

(Don't forget to comment for the book giveaway)

Paris vines - rouge

When the rouge turns to marron, can spring be far behind?

Counting the days until spring arrives in Paris, and then...

 moi aussi!

Paris in January

(Don't forget to comment for the book giveaway)

Une girafe de ruban

The Parisians certainly know how to dress up a window.  This ribbon shop (SHINDO) has an exquisite display of lifesized animals made of silk ribbons. 

Giraffe's are a favorite of mine and this fellow did not disappoint.

bon weekend



SHINDO
Paris Showroom
2, rue d'Aboukir
Place des Victoires
75002 Paris

(Don't forget to comment for the book giveaway)

Dancing in the street

Every Sunday at the foot of Rue Mouffetard, there is a joyous singing and dancing in the street.  In January, the not-quite-French girl with the red coat had a full dance card while I snapped away.

I will be back there shortly to clap and sing to the sounds of the accordion.  Join me!

Rue Mouffetard

Next to Église Saint-Médard

Métro Censier-Daubenton

75005 Paris 

(Don't forget to leave a comment for the giveaway book)

Pâtisserie Algerienne - Amira

On a busy market Sunday, the open window above the pâtisserie shop gives the observant an opportunity to see the bakers at work.  The perfect little pastries are a delight to the taste buds with flavors of honey, almonds, and pistachios.  It is, as you would imagine, a family operated business, friendly and welcoming. 

When you go to Marché d'Aligre, go there hungry as there is much to tempt.

Amira

17, rue d'Aligre

75012 Paris

(Don't forget to leave a comment for the book giveaway)

Dog Trots Globe -- Chula

Image copyright © Erick Paraiso. All Rights Reserved

Meet my friend, Chula, Paris dog about town and "globe trotter" extraordinaire.  This sweet Sheltie has enjoyed adventures in Paris and beyond (in Provence) with her owners Sheron and Bob.  She tells the story in a book titled Dog Trots Globe, which I have enjoyed reading and reviewing.  The text and beautiful photographs are blended into this tale for any age, one that will have a special place for those who love dogs and/or France.  In addition to Chula's story, there are many tips about bringing a dog to France and the book has more than 150 lovely photos of  familiar scenes of Paris and Provence and Chula, bien sûr!   

When I am in Paris, I love seeing the dogs in cafés and restaurants which is almost never allowed in the US, but there is another side to visiting in Paris from a dog's point of view.  While over 200,000 people in Paris have dogs which are permitted in most hotels and restaurants, they actually cannot go in the Métro, the parks, the museums, and many other public plces.  Sheron said, "We had to leave Chula home a lot, and this picture where she is curled up in the big chair captures her sad face."

    

Image copyright © Sheron Long. All Rights Reserved.

This charming book comes in three formats:

• Print book, from OIC Books and Amazon
• Standard eBook, from Amazon and Apple iBookstore
• Enhanced  eBook with embedded audio and video from Apple iBookstore

Sheron and OIC Books have made a copy available to my readers and so I will have a giveaway (my first) for a print copy of this book, signed by Sheron and Chula!  To enter, just make a comment here on my blog today.  Each day you make a comment on my daily blog will add another chance to win, and the random drawing will be the evening of Monday, March 19th, announced on Tuesday's post of March 20th.  I will have a post that day of Chula with her happy face in the lavender fields of Provence as she travels "beyond."

I might also mention that Chula has her own Facebook page where readers can keep up with her comings and goings. 

Square du Vert-Galant

Square du Vert-Galant

If you look at my banner photo you will see this square taken from Pont des Arts in summer.  This narrow piece of land on the western tip of Île de la Cité 

looks much like the bow of a ship in the middle of the Seine

and is a beautiful, quiet retreat on this January day. 

It was named for the dashing 16th century king of France, 

Henry IV, known as the lusty gallant!

Square du Vert-Galant

75001 Paris

Basilique Saint-Denis

This enthralling basilica just on the outskirts of Paris had been on my list for many trips to Paris.  In January, Peter (Peter's Paris), Virginia (Paris Through My Lens), my daughter Holly and I met up with Owen (Magic Lantern Show) and his delightful wife for a tour, guided by Owen's local expertise and knowledge. 

I have many shots to share with you in the months ahead on my Sunday posts, and this statuary piqued my interest today.  The royalty depicted here will have an exquisitely embroidered gown trimmed in the finest silk threads and represented here by the craftsmanship of the sculptor.  She will have some very fine slippers to wear as you can see.

bon dimanche

Basilique Saint-Denis

93200 Saint-Denis

Jeff de Bruges -- Tintin

The chocolatier Jeff de Bruges with its color scheme of almost-Tiffany-aqua and chocolate-brown (of course), featured a window in collaboration with Tintin.  The boxes seen here hold combinations of their famous chocolates, 60 petite caraques, each wrapped in foil with a Tintin characature on the front:

• noir (70%)
• lait
• lait sucre pétillant (je crois)
• noir nougatine

I was given a delightful box (3 layers!) of Jeff de Bruges chocolates during my November visit to Paris and made them last, languishing over each one individually, marveling how something could be so singularly delicious.  No, I did not eat them all myself and I did make them last until after Christmas.

I will be back in Paris in two weeks and will look for the windows to be decorated for Easter and spring.  I just may need to indulge in a "small" box...

miam-miam!

Jeff de Bruges at

Stéphane Valentin

112-114, rue Mouffetard

75005 Paris



Artisan en réflexion

The covered galleries of Paris provide a window

into the ateliers and studios of artists.

Galerie Vivienne

bon weekend!

Galerie Vivienne
75002 Paris

La patineuse artistique

In the bright midday sun of January,

the ice skaters moved around the temporary ice rink in front of Hôtel de Ville. 

This young woman was in a world of her own

as she gracefully made her turns, jumps and spins.

Hôtel de Ville
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
75004 Paris

Galerie Véro-Dodat -- un passage couvert

In 1826, two friends, Messieurs Véro and Dodat, opened a covered galerie between Rue du Bouloi and Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau.  Built in Neoclassical style with a decor that included details of copper and cast iron, along with mirrors and the black and white marble floor, it quickly became the darling of Paris.  At the very end of this covered passage, is the Louboutin boutique I featured a few days ago.

A recent renovation and sprucing holds promise for its future. 

The mirrors, the rich woods, the marble... all were sparkling.

Galerie Véro-Dodat
Rue Jean-Jacques et Rue du Bouloi
Métro Palais Royal
75001 Paris

Le carrousel de la Tour Eiffel - renewable energy

Renewable energy

Who would think that a "carousel in Paris" and "renewable energy" would be in the same sentence?  On July 6, 2011, this interesting carousel was introduced, a carousel in which at least a portion of the power is generated through "pedaling" the horses and other vehicles.  Marcel Campion along with the assistance of Pascal Pouzet created this carousel of "renewable energy" from an existing merry-go-round.  For those who do not ride the carousel, there are several positions with recumbent bikes off to the side to help generate the power.  Additionally, there are photosensors, solar cells, a small windmill... and a more traditional motor to assist when little legs do not pedal quite fast enough to turn the gigantic carrousel.

 Oh, and the bonus is that structure looming in the background... 

La Tour Eiffel

Le carrousel de la Tour Eiffel

75007 Paris

Palais Royal - Galerie de Beaujolais

The late afternoon sun made for long shadows and soft colors in the Galerie de Beaujolais at Palais Royal.  I imagined that I could almost see the gold fence spires in the shadows.  You can see one actual spire in the open gate on the left.

I could spend hours here just watching the light change.

Galerie de Beaujolais

Palais Royal

75001 Paris



Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois

The tall columns topped with garlands

give way to the brilliantly-colored windows.

bon dimanche 

Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois
2, place du Louvre
75001 Paris

Galerie Véro-Dodat -- Louboutin!

The large windows of Louboutin in Galerie Véro-Dodat provided ample opportunity to check out many new styles of this exclusive brand.  The French luxury shoemaker Christian Louboutin opened at this location his first ever men's boutique in the fall of 2011.

I will bring you another view of this 19th century passage which has been gorgeously restored next week. 

Interestingly, I did not check out either the size or the price of these pumps!

Louboutin Boutique

Galerie Véro-Dodat

19, rue Jean-Jacques

75001 Paris

Des fleurs du printemps?

The bright selection of flowers in this upscale fleuriste (Marie pour 360 Degrés) could not even be contained in the large windows of the shop.  The colors spilled out across the street onto the columns of the Louvre. 

Although spring is still almost three weeks away, these blooms give us a taste of warmer days filled with sunshine.

bon weekend

For more reflections go to James' Weekend Reflections

Marie pour 360 Degrés

6, rue de l'Amiral de Coligny

Métro Louvre-Rivoli

75001 Paris



Le Saint Médard Café - Paris friend

After a delightful Sunday lunch in January, I encountered this friendly gentleman as he prepared deux express with the enviable Cafés Richard machine, gleaming of chrome.  After a brief exchange about visitors and Paris, he agreed to a photo, and I will be taking a print to him when I return, bien sûr!

So, now I long for a Cafés Richard expresso/cappuccino machine along with the CR cups. 

I can taste that coffee still!

Le Saint Médard Café
53, rue Censier
75005 Paris

Zoom-zoom - Jardin du Luxembourg

Unless you have seen Jardin du Luxembourg on a weekend afternoon you cannot imagine the number of activities, families, children, singles...

Yes, you can even have a pony ride, a real one.

You can ride a carrousel with brass rings.

You can play a game of Pétanque.

You can sail a boat.

You can read a book while seated in a green chair with your feet propped on a fountain.

You can frolic on a playground that would never be allowed in our litigious country.

You can even get pulled around in a little green roadster... zoom-zoom!

Jardin du Luxembourg

75006 Paris

Jardin du Palais Royal - l'amour

Spring is not even in the air, but the lovers in Jardin du Palais Royal are unaware of the season and the weather. 

These two brought a bit of sunshine to the dreary January afternoon.

(pssst, I do not think they are French but not sure why)

Jardin du Palais Royal

75001 Paris



  

Nathalie Garçon - Galeries Vivienne

I am sure that you do not have to wonder how I selected this boutique for a photo...

Yes, it was initially the red walls...

and then the amazing hand-blown glass chandelier...

It was not until I got home that I discovered this delightful grand couturier, Nathalie Garçon, who created her own line in 1989 after making a name for herself with Cacharel.  Follow the link to see her website, to read more about her collaborations in many areas, and I think that you will love the music on her home page.... "Autrefois"

Nathalie Garçon

15-17 Galerie Vivienne

75002 Paris



Église Saint-Louis-en-l'Île

The seventeenth century church on the island of Saint Louis was dedicated to Saint-Louis, Louis IX, King of France.  The ornate Baroque style interior is in stark contrast to the somber exterior.

Although one may imagine this organ as a centuries-old masterpiece, it has a more recent history.  It was made by Aubertin in 2004 (51 stops, 69 ranks) and blends seamlessly with the surrounding periods.  As with many Paris churches there are multiple organs, and I will show you the chancel organ on another Sunday post.

So, before you stop in Berthillon for an ice cream, wander east on Rue St. Louis to see this magnificent church.  You will notice the high, large clock which stands out as you look down the street.

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Louis-en-l'Île

19 bis, rue St Louis en l'Île

75004 Paris

 

From CDG to Paris

When you arrive at CDG airport in Paris, how do you get into the city?

Oskar prefers to take the RER which is easy for him as he travels light... one small bag and he is ready to go.  The price is good at 9,10€ allé simple (one way) and there are multiple options for stations and transfers after you get into the city.  Be sure to hold onto your ticket as you will need it to exit any of the arrival stations.  On my last trip into Paris with Oskar and Holly, we departed the RER B at Châtelet les Halles to walk several blocks to our apartment.  Now, let me say that Châtelet les Halles is an enormous arrival station with many levels.  We were simply headed for the exit at street level and did not have to take the stairs even once.  We rode at least 5 escalators but no stairs either up or down. 

Note: This does not work going the other direction!

Another option from CDG is the RoissyBus which leaves every 15 minutes from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and arrives at Opéra (Rue Scribe and Rue Auber) for 10€ one way.  You do get a more scenic view for your arrival in Paris and you do not have to be worried about the dreaded stairs.  The return is just as simple with the departure from Opéra every 15 minutes.

If you are not concerned about the cost, you can simply take a taxi, but I can envision all the other ways to spend my Euros and with only carry-on luggage it is not that difficult to avoid a taxi.  If you go to the links above you can plan for your arrival and transportation, deciding on the best option for your preferences and final destination in Paris.

Oskar says, "Bienvenue à Paris!"

 

Deux vélos

In the elegant halls of Galerie Vivienne, this pair of bikes parked just around the corner of the old librarie (bookstore) founded in 1826.  The large flat baskets on the front of each of these bikes appear to be the perfect transport for stacks of books.

I would love to think that I could sport around Paris on one of these, but the challenge of taking photos and riding would likely be a bad combination.  

Would you ride a bike in Paris?

bon weekend!

Galerie Vivienne

Rue des Petits-Champs

75002 Paris

 

Surely there is a story about this restaurant in Paris named... "Jet-Lag"

All that I have read is that it is an American style (?) restaurant with about two and a half stars (out of five) on several rating sites.  Three additional questions:

Why would you put an American style restaurant on this wonderful street for foodies in Paris?

and.... why would you give it such a repulsive name? 

Do you really want to eat in a place called "jet-lag"?

On a positive note, I do like the red and white café chairs and tables.

Jet-Lag

3, rue de Montorgueil

75001 Paris



Rue Mouffetard, timeless...

Rue Mouffetard is a familiar sight, but the absence of diners and des flaneurs is a bit unusual.  The gentleman's trenchcoat and hat is reminiscent of a past era.  Certaintly, the scenery has not changed much along this street in the past fifty years.  I think that the blackboards with the handwritten menus are the same although the food offerings have been updated to keep up with current tastes? 

What do you think?  In this area of Paris I am not so sure.

Today feels like a Monday to many. 

If you are one who, like me, enjoyed the festivities of Mardi Gras...

Happy Monday and welcome to a short week!

Rue Mouffetard

75005 Paris



Mardi Gras!

Today is Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Carnivale....

It is last day to eat galette des rois, the last day of festivities before Ash Wednesday and Lent.

For us, far beyond Paris, we will be enjoying the last days of merriment, parades, and parties with hats.

 

Must be a French girl

After posting the French-girl-wanna-be dressed in a red coat,

I thought that I would show you the genuine article.

Jardin du Luxembourg on a Sunday afternoon is a guaranteed treat for people-watchers and photographers.  Virginia, Holly, and Isabelle joined me for an action-clicking afternoon.  This little girl was running toward the large octagonal pool to watch the action of sailboats or perhaps the toy motor boats shown by Virginia here.

There was no shortage of action in all of Jardin du Luxembourg,

and I will have many more photos to show you in future posts.

Jardin du Luxembourg

75006 Paris



Église St. Gervais et St. Protais II

This 17th century church, situated just to the east of Hôtel de Ville in the Marais, holds many interesting details.  The church origins trace back to the 6th century and this current structure was built in Flamboyant Gothic style.  On this bright January morning, the rows and rows of pew benches made long shadows in the patterned rug.

The church today is affiliated with the Monastic and Lay Communities of Jerusalem, which is committed to bring prayer to the city, at times that suit the schedules of working people with services beore the work day begins; during the lunch hours; and when the work day is finished.

bon dimanche

Église St. Gervais et St. Protais

Place Saint Gervais

75004 Paris

Must be a French girl...

She has the style, the self-assured attitude, the certain je ne sais quoi...

Wait... Is that a LLBean backpack?

It is not a French girl, but close!

Rue d'Arcole

Ile de la Cité

75004 Paris