Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Cour Carrée - le Louvre



This photograph was taken from an upstairs window at le Louvre. It started to lightly snow soon after but those photos weren't what I had hoped! I like this view of the renovated Cour Carrée. I don't think most tourists use this entrance, instead they enter on the other side near la Pyramide. I think the people scattered about adds a little something to this typical tourist shot. Well I hope it does anyway!

Joyeux Anniversaire to my dear reader Harriet !!

14 comments:

Blind Fly Theater said...

Love the photograph... actually thought it was from the late 19th century at first glance, but upon closer inspection realized the truth. Love your B&W's.
And the link enlightened me... very interesting that archeologists unearthed the remains of a dungeon and a castle during renovations.
David *

Shell Sherree said...

I especially love the top photo, Virginia ~ as David said, it has an older vibe about it. I also love your new banner ~ not that you're surprised!

Daryl said...

Super shot .. I forgot all about the 'courtyard' .. not sure how I could forget something like this

PeterParis said...

This is actually the traditional way you should enter the Louvre, via the Cour Carré, the oldest part, where the official main entrance was (and still is), although of course today you would rather use the entrance under the pyramide.

Starman said...

I usually enter from rue de Rivoli by way of the carrousel.

Anonymous said...

I'm all about that top photo. Moody, romantic, historic.

Virginia said...

I understand there is a lovely small enclosed courtyard somewhere in here. We'll have to pester Peter about the whereabouts! :) What would we do without his expertise???

PJ said...

http://elizabethavedon.blogspot.com/2009/11/adam-magyar-squares.html

Great minds think alike. Yours is the better of the two.

Harriet said...

Merci, Virginia!

On my first trip to the Louvre, my girlfriend and I were wandering around in the shops and came out perhaps in this location. We had no idea where we were, and I remember walking, walking, trying to find a street to orient ourselves. You are lucky to have Peter around so that you don't get lost -- at least when you're with him!

Petrea Burchard said...

I never found this last time I was there, though we did find the castle remains on the lower floor. Spruced up a little too much, maybe. What did you think, V? The courtyard is gorgeous.

Virginia said...

Harriet,
I am lucky indeed!!

Petrea,
I have not been down there. Will have to remember that.

MadAboutParis said...

Salut Virg...sorry that I have been an absentee commentator lately, but I do manage see your site every day.
Today's photos are quite spectacular - I can't wait to help scope out new vistas for you in January...allons y!
xx,
M

PeterParis said...

Yes, there are other smaller courtyards, but I don't think you can visit them, just see them from some windows!

So, next time underground!

Petrea Burchard said...

Peter, small courtyards that one can't visit make the place even more thrilling. As an art museum the Louvre cannot be surpassed, but to me it's even more intriguing as a work of architecture and historical intrigue.