Sunday Paris Church Series - Une Autre Vue

Oh we've been here so many times. Today, just one more view of Paris from the dome of the Basilique du Sacré - Coeur . My blog reader Anne in Oxfordshire  says that there are a mere 284 steps ( I could have sworn there were 500!) and that there are 80 columns surrounding the dome and each and every capital is different.  I've been to the dome twice, and I can assure you that I NEVER noticed that!  Oxygen deprivation.... Well apparently this photo confirms it.  For my dear friends Peter, Janet and Maya.... this brings back some wonderful memories of our climb and the grand celebration at the "summit" where this was taken last July '09!

Dites Fromage

Well yesterday we had wine, today some nice cheese from the fromagerie on rue Mouffetard. Parfait!

So Much Wine.........

so little time in Paris.  Anyone have a tire-bouchon* handy? Genie??
( Some nice antique ones coming up next week)

Paris Rouge XXXV - The Awnings

July, 2009 I stayed in a lovely hotel in the 16 eme. ( Sorry I can't recall the name!)  I passed this lovely apartment building at least 3 or 4 times a day on my way to the Métro or RER.  Those red awnings always caught my eye.

Mémoires

Today let's take a stroll down Memory Lane or as the French might say, Mémoire Chemin ( or Chemin de Mémoire?)*.  This is the view of the beautiful Église Saint Paul-Saint Louis on rue Saint Antoine in the Marais.  When I stayed in the neighborhood last June, I enjoyed this view many times as I wandered up and down the streets of the charming Marais area. I never tired of it.  In fact,  a similar photograph in sepia is one of three photographs framed over my bed.

* Google Translator and I along with my dictionary made this translation. I'm open to corrections here!

ET, ET, ET......

Well as my chère amie, Eiffel Tower Suzy says, "You just can't have enough."  My Eva and Davis felt the same way when we stayed near the rue Mouffetard market.   Melissa and I, in a few weak moments late in the afternoon, gave them a euro each and while we had a glass of wine at a nearby café, they shopped at the candy shop.  The owner helped them scoop up their choices and then carefully weighed their sacks.  What a grand way to spend a euro!

La Poignée

Sunday Church Series - The Storm Gathers

Val de Grâce Church, built in 1645.  This was the view from our apartment last summer, 2009.
I never tired of it.  I photographed it in every light, night and day.  I was privileged to attend services here two Sundays as well.

Thé Pour Deux?

This colorful window display I photographed several times at Place des Vosges.  

Les Manifestants Heureux

I thought today might be the just the perfect time to show some Frenchmen HAPPILY marching!  (Trust me,  I do not presume to wade into the current political storm!)  This is but one of many delightful murals adorning the walls of one of Paris' deepest Métro stops, Abbesses, Line 12.  I couldn't find how many steps it takes but trust me, it's a quite a few!  Perhaps these murals are an effort to distract you as you huff and puff your way to the top.  Oh, let me add there's a perfectly MARVELOUS elevator that will zip you to ground level in no time flat.  If it's your first time here, try and make the climb, the murals are not to be missed.  There is also a march up to the beautiful Sacre Coeur, and then, if you're really feeling energetic, a climb to the dome,  where you will see the most spectacular view of Paris you can imagine!

Another Look

It's no secret whatsover how much I enjoyed Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine.  I took you here last summer,  but I think we need to revisit.  Mary, Peter and I had just the best afternoon exploring this wonderful museum . The view of la tour Eiffel was the icing on the cake. See for yourself.

If you visit la tour, don't miss this fabulous museum !

Nostalgie Vendrus Ici

Today's photograph makes me wish that I'd had more time at the Paris Flea Market to just pull up a stool and have the hours to pour through this vintage suitcase overflowing with old photographs and the stack of old sheet music as well.  I have endless dreams for altered books and collage projects that I've have on hold. Is there EVER enough time in Paris for this?  It's something I long for.  Maybe one day.....

Ladies and Gentlemen we have a winner......winners!  Pardon the late posting but the independent judging firm of Gilbert and Gilbert was delayed......in Las Vegas.  Don't ask.

They have awarded the prize for "Go Ahead and Write Your Own Title" to........

Altadena Hiker for, " I'm too sexy for my shirt..." AND Jean Spitzer for, " My other car is a Jaguar".

Check back daily for a new contest!

Paris Rouge XXXV - The Awnings

Paris Rouge today is for my Paris ami Laurent,  over at Daily Photo in Paris.  Laurent often dedicates his Paris rouge photos to me and I'm always so honored.  I'd like to return the favor today.  Today we take yet another trip to the Marais.  I like these red awnings , that perhaps have seen better days, and the vines that were turning colors that November afternoon.  It was my first visit to the Marais and I've loved it ever since.  At one time I had a photo with the name but I think it's gone to the trash bin during a major photo housecleaning.  Perhaps one of my dear readers remembers the name??

MERCI Laurent for supplying the name: Chez Mariane in the Marais. It was on the tip of my tongue!

It is my pleasure to introduce yet another Paris blog that has won my heart.  Our friend Julie at Sydney Eye, has just returned from another trip to Paris and thankfully has started a new blog  à pied dans les rues de Paris so that we can all enjoy her magical photographs. I told her last night that seeing  hers makes me want to fold up my tent and go home, but of course I cannot.  I love it too much. Please run right over and see her lovely blog and follow it daily!!

Lettres

What a delightful way to receive your mail.  I'm willing to bet that these charming tiles were purchased in the hardware wonderland at BHV ( Bazaar Hôtel de Ville). How do I know? I have some myself!

Merci to my Paris ami Laurent at Daily Photo Paris, who has kindly linked to my blog again today with a terrific Paris rouge shot.  Next trip, I'm meeting Laurent right there!

Sunday Paris Church Series - Notre Dame Illuminée

She is even more beautiful at night.

If you haven't already put in your favortite title for yesterday's photo, scroll down and have a look.
Winners will be announced on Monday.

I'm pleased to offer my newest calendar:  Blanc et Noir en Paris 2011 through Red Bubble! Of course if you want a color Paris calendar, just look on the sidebar at la Boutique!

Go Ahead, Write Your Own Title!

My good friend, photographer extroidinaire David McMahon started this little contest on his Red Bubble site, and I have had such fun each week that I unashamedly copied him.  Last week on my Birmingham blog, David was declared the winner by the judging firm of Gilbert & Blough.  This week the contest moves to Paris.  The winner will be announced right here on Monday.  Enter as many times as you like.  In David's words, "I'm throwing down the gauntlet, NOW!"

David has returned to blogging after a year away.  Go over and say , "Gday!"

Mignon!

In June, I spotted this petite fille, with her maman ( papa?) near the Stravinsky Fountain.  Très mignon!

Well she's done it again.  Ma chère amie, Shell Sherree has honored me by selecting yet another of my photographs as the inspriration for one of her delightful watercolors.  Merci chère Shelle.

Les Arcs - Place des Vosges

You know by now that I've had a little affair of the heart with Places des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris.  The lighting on the arches was always too much to pass up.  Humor me, but this won't be the last of the photographs, I'm afraid.

I'm pleased to offer my newest calendar:  Blanc et Noir en Paris 2011 through Red Bubble! Of course if you want a color Paris calendar, just look on the sidebar at la Boutique!

The Latch

Chateau de Malmaison

To Oscar With Love

Fans of Oscar Wilde have an odd way of showing their affection.  His gravestone is covered with lipstick kisses at Paris' Père Lachaise Cemetery.  Apparently the lipstick is causing deterioration of the marker and despite signage asking visitors to refrain, they can't seem to help themselves.  I just don't understand it at all.

I'm pleased to offer my newest calendar:  Blanc et Noir en Paris 2011 through Red Bubble! Of course if you want a color Paris calendar, just look on the sidebar, la Boutique!

Clos Montmartre

Tucked away on the hillside in Montmartre,  you might be lucky enough to find Clos Montmartre, Paris' only working vineyard.  Production is limited and proceeds benefit charity.  The Fête des Vendanges, in early October might be a fun festival to put on your list if you happen to be in Paris in October.  I've photographed this lovely little vineyard several times but only by pushing my lens through the fence. I am not sure if it's ever open to the public.

I'm pleased to offer my newest calendar:  Blanc et Noir en Paris 2011 through Red Bubble! Of course if you want a color Paris calendar, just look on the sidebar at la Boutique!

Our Lady

On a freezing winter day last January, we found Notre Dame quiet and serene.  There are many times that I have to pinch myself when I realize that I am actually experiencing such a treasure as this. I never dreamed in my life that I would be so blessed.

I'm pleased to offer my newest calendar:  Blanc et Noir en Paris 2011 through Red Bubble! Of course if you want a Paris calendar in color,  just look on the sidebar and click on la Boutique!

Champagne Pour Tout le Monde

A late summer afternoon, friends gather at the Palais Royal and share some bubbly.  C'est Paris!!

( Je voudrais un verre de champagne aussi!)*

* For those who know me well, you will cackle at this.  I put that sentence together without ANY help! 

It's all about priorities when you're learning a language, n'est-ce pas?

Ina Garten Shops Here

Many of you know that I'm a Food Network junkie.  In my defense,  I'm selective I think.  One of my favorites is Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa.   Ina and husband Jeffrey have an apartement à Paris. Her shows from there are my favorites. Quelle surprise. Of course I had to visit  E. Dehellerin, the purveryor of all things a serious or even a ho hum cook might need ( or just WANT!),  and more importantly, the place Ina goes for her copper cookware etc.  I have featured their friendly salesmen here.  Today, a window display.  Some of you are drooling, others........not so much.

Place Dauphine

Located on Île de la Cité, Place Dauphine is an historical and lovely spot.


And we have a winner from yesterday's What Is It? Where Is It?
Kim from Seattle Daily Photo, and L'eoprnn were the first to correctly name the dome of the Sacre Coèur and what it was.  Thank you all for entering and now when you're in Paris, you MUST climb the endless stepsn to the dome. If I can do it twice, you can too. 

What Is It? Where Is It??

We haven't played this in quite a while.  I'm doing a little contest on my Birmingham blog today so I thought we'd have some fun here as well.  For this, all you have to do is leave a comment and tell me WHERE I took this photo and WHAT it is.... Let the games begin!

An Afternoon at the Mouffetard Café

Café  Mouffetard

Actually this might be considered an archive shot.  I took this one last summer on one of our ( twice+) daily trips up rue Arbaleté from rue Mouffetard.  The street art you see in the background, was being painted over this past June when we were there.

I think our blog friend Julie, from Sydney Eye, might just be sitting right here as she and friends are staying in the neighborhood this visit!

Sketching

French Stranger #69

The Musée d'Orsay is a grand place for artists and students alike to have some quiet time to sit and sketch.  Last summer, I chatted with this American student, taking a fe minutes to capture a memory on paper.

Sunday Church Series, Église Saint-Eustache

Saint Eustache

Today's Sunday Church Series takes us to Saint Eustache in the 1eme,  built between 1532-1632. It is considered an excellent example of late Gothic architecture.  See for yourself.

For all my faithful readers and commentors, I have been very busy with training for a new job. I hope to get back to comments and blog visits shortly.

Hotel de Ville, Troyes, FR

I have been fascinated with the beautiful and often elaborate city halls in France.  This one in Troyes was so over the top with its fabulous blue doors and flowers.  You might even enjoy going here to pay your parking ticket ??
( Do they have parking tickets in France???)

Talk To The Snail*

I'll admit that I trekked off to Paris a few times before escargot ever passed my lips.  Merci to mon ami Peter,  who did a little smooth talking and generously shared one or two of his last summer.  Why did I wait so long?? Beurre à l'ail on ANYTHING is divine.  I snapped L'Escargo Montorgueil because of its delightful signage.  I've not been there to dine, but I'd like to one day.

* Stephen Clarke's books are hilarious!