Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Ma Journée à Paris V - Miam Miam!



After a nice lunch at the very down to earth Le Rubis,  I decided to have my dessert at a place I should have visited YEARS ago, Angelina's.  I can hear you asking, "What on earth took you so long?"  My only excuse is that usually there is a line out on the sidewalk to get in,  so I always waited for a better time. Well this was my time.  I sat at a tiny little table next to a lovely woman from the U.S. on her first trip to Paris, and we both all but clapped our hands when the waitress put this steaming pitcher of chocolat chaud in front of us. Why I ordered ice cream as well will remain unanswered.  They graciously allowed me to make photographs and I snapped the first photos with my phone, but decided I liked the dripping chocolat shot the best, so you could experience the decadence. Bon appétit indeed!

225 rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Ma Journée à Paris IV - La jolie petite fille



When I decided to start this mini-series of my day in Paris, I thought it would be easy to choose the photos to share.  Now in looking at them all, I'm finding it difficult to make the choices.  Before we leave Tuileries, I must share this precious girl with you.  As I was walked up, she looked through the gate and I snapped her picture. The first one I took shows her puzzled look.  I stopped after that and smiled to her and waved.  Her sweet smile told me it was okay. Shortly after, she scampered off down the path behind her nanny. ( P.S. I adore her coat!)

I ended my stroll all around Tuilierines at the Jeu de Paume for the Garry Winogrand photography exhibit.  November is Photo Paris, and always full of  excellent exhibits. I enjoy street photography, and this was one I had on my list.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Ma journée à Paris III- Tuileries


As I left the sidewalk chalk artist, I took a quick stroll down to the quai for photos, came back, and walked over the bridge to the Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries.  This biker seemed too good to pass up as I made my way down to the gardens. I have always loved Tuileries.  This day, it was rather dreary but I was almost alone here. Given the masses of tourists in the spring and summer, I think I prefer a gray day with room to explore!


 "This last trip I found myself alone in Paris due to a last minute change of plans.  I embraced the chance to do whatever I wanted,  at my own pace."
This is the third in a mini-series that started earlier this week.  I hope you will come back often as I share my special day in Paris with my readers.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Ma Journée à Paris - Part II


When monsieur spotted me with my camera, he stood up and in better English than my French, explained that he was preparing to do a Picasso chalk portrait. He fetched a copy of the original and told me,"You come back in three hours and it will be finished."  I said, "Au revoir", went across the bridge and returned later that afternoon, to ooh and ahh over this lovely masterpiece!

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Ma Journée à Paris - Part I




This last trip I found myself alone in Paris due to a last minute change of plans.  I embraced the chance to do whatever I wanted,  at my own pace.  I left our flat on rue Bonaparte and headed up the street to the Seine, crossed over and first thing, spotted Monsieur on his hands and knees.  Intrigued I headed straight towards him, snapping photos the whole way.  This begins a mini-series of sorts.  I will share my day with you in photos. Tomorrow, you will see more of Monsieur and find out just what he was about.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Montmartre

I return each and every trip to Paris.  Montmartre never disappoints this photographer.

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Joyeux Noël

When the Louvre was the Palais Louvre, this was the church for the palace.  Located directly across the street from the museum, it's well worth a stop. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to hear the chimes.

2 Place du Louvre
75001 Paris

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Le Carrousel


The carrousel in front of the Hôtel de Ville always signals Christmas in Paris. This jolie petite fille was hanging on tightly!

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Place Vendôme


Amazing what the French can do with PVC pipe and lights!

Obviously taken in January, 2011, as Place Vendôme is currently under renovation everywhere you turn. I was so looking forward to seeing their Christmas decorations while there in November. I walked into the plaza, took one look around at all the construction, and left with no photos. I'm so happy to have photos from their displays in years past to share.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Festooned



Not all of the decorations are over the top in Paris. I always love the simple but festive decorations as well.  Here at the Panthéon, the cluster of trees sparkle with just ribbon bows blowing in the breeze.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Sunday Church Series - La Crèche



I'm always interested to see that some of the most magnificent cathedrals in Paris, often have the most humble and unusual crèches on display.  The glorious Basilica de Saint Denis, featured this one on the stairs leading up to the altar.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

HIgh Tech at Galeries Lafayette

Alas, it was bound to happen.  Now the Parisian peeps are recording the Christmas windows with their devices.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Paris Rouge - Café Bonaparte


Just up the street from our apartment, we stopped in for a few sips now and then. Merci to the voiture rouge for adding another splash of my favorite color!

Thursday, December 18, 2014

L' homme et les livres



I couldn't decide if he was buying or selling. It didn't matter really.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Paris Bleu - Vines and Shutters


I was so enamored with Paris in autumn, I could hardly pull my eye away and search for Christmas.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Le Louvre

from Tuileries.  The sun is such a tease in Paris. Just about the time you get your lens cap off.....
il a disparu.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Field Trip, Paris Style


As I was wandering around in front of the Hôtel de Ville, there were several kindergarten classes filing in and out. I wonder what was inside that would appeal to five year olds?

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Sunday Church Series - Saint Severin


 My advice to friends touring Paris is to look beyond Notre Dame de Paris. There are sooo many beautiful sacred spaces in Paris. Saint Severin, one of the oldest on the Left Bank, is one I love for it's beautiful twisted columns and abstract stained glass, but this visit, I found this lovely space.

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Window Shopping at Alexis'


I have photographed Alexis' wonderful window and his designer gowns at Place des Vosges since 2008. I usually find Parisian men admiring his beautiful gowns.  I love that.

Friday, December 12, 2014

If You Feed Them...

they will come. It appears les pigeons are going to take over Paris one day.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Ta Daaaaaaaaaaaa........



When Noël comes to Paris, the first place to check is Galeries Lafayette. Some years are more spectacular than others and I think this year's upside down fabulous tree is one of the best I've seen.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Le Grip

I am often hesitant to shoot in the Métro, but this time I got more than I thought.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Le pain et le boulanger

 This lovely boulangerie appeared to have just opened. There was no signage but the address is
28 rue François Miron, Paris 75004

Monday, December 8, 2014

Paris Bleu


I never, ever tire of Paris windows, balconies...tout!

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Sunday Church Series - Le Pape



Last October  the Polish Catholic Mission in Paris placed this beautiful bronze sculpture, by Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli,  of Pope John Paul II at Notre Dame.  A fitting tribute.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Pablo

 The Saint Paul Métro was decked out in Picasso this last trip.  I'm assuming in honor of the newly reopened Musée Picasso that opened in November after a long restoration.  It's always a treat to see new décor in the Métro.

Friday, December 5, 2014

La lumière


The chairs were nice enough, but the light..........oh the light stopped me in my tracks.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Les Portes


I've probably walked up this street in Montmartre many times but don't think I'd ever stopped and admired these doors.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Le tutu


At last, I finally found the beautiful gift shop at the Palais Garnier open!!! I couldn't believe my good luck. It is filled with tutus, costumes and all things ballet. There was also a section of gifts for adults!  Located around the right side of the Opèra, near the restaurant, it's worth a trip inside.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Regardez Poppa!



They start at an early age to window shop,  or as the French would say, lèche-vitrine...lick the window!

Monday, December 1, 2014

CDP Theme Day - Worker


Laveur de vitres

This is the first of the month and as always, for over 6 years, I've participated in our City Daily Photo Theme Day. Click HERE to see how my fellow CDP bloggers interpreted the theme for this month, WORKER.