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!

Angelina's

225 rue de Rivoli

75001 Paris

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.

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.

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!

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.

Montmartre

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

Joyeux Noël

Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois

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

Le Carrousel

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

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.

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 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.

HIgh Tech at Galeries Lafayette

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

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!

L' homme et les livres

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

Paris Bleu - Vines and Shutters

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

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.

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 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.

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.

If You Feed Them...

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

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.

Le Grip

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

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

Paris Bleu

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

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.

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.

La lumière

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

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.

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.

Regardez Poppa!

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

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.

Sunday Church Series - Notre Dame de Paris

This trip I was fortunate to spen more time around this beautiful cathedral . On our way to dinner one evening, we stopped for some night shots. At night, the incredible details are more visible. A true work of art.

Les Feuilles Rouges

 One perk of visiting Paris in November is the spectacular color.  Forgive me if I overdo the foliage photos for a while.

Reading in Paris - Palais Royal

One reads, the other connects by phone.

Down To The Quai

Last Wednesday, as I made my way towards Tuileries, I decided to take a few minutes and walk down to the quai. The yellow leaves on the cobblestones made for a lovely stroll.

Les Bulles

While by the Hôtel de Ville last Wednesday, I walked up on a young man making these incredible bubbles using two sticks and some string. Talk about a photo op!

Le Baiser

Our last day in Paris, Martha, Sara and Joe and Anna Mae Chapman joined me as we made one last stroll through the glorious Jardin du Luxembourg which by all accounts was the PERFECT Paris day. The weather was mild and sunny and everyone in Paris was out taking full advantage.  This young couple says it all.

Thank you all who stopped by and left messages for Meeps while I was gone. It was a wonderful 10 days jam packed with food, photos, and dear friends.  I have thousands of images that I am just now downloading and viewing. I hope you will come back often share my latest Paris adventure!

Meeps Guest Blogger - Bienvenue!

 

 With any luck at all, Mom will be home tonight. I have my party scarf on for her!!! When she comes home I will act like I don't know her but after about an hour, we'll be cuddled up in bed together again. La vie est belle!

Meeps Guest Blogger - Cat Tales

Last night I curled up with my favorite book, The French Cat.  Actually I could have starred in this book, if someone would ever take me to Paris!

Meeps Guest Blogger - Last Night...

I dreamed of Paris and my Mom.  I'm a little lonesome but my friends Harry and Lulu come up to check on me. Pugs are a little like cats.

Meeps Guest Blogger - Oh Please

Portrait de famille

Moi et le faux chat

Meeps Guest Blogger - Today, I Slept In

When Mom's away....

Ma Petite Meeps - L'opéra

L'autre Meeps is having a ball in Paris while I'm home awaiting Mom's return...le sigh.

Meeps Guest Blogger - Où est mon maman?

I'm looking for my Mom. I think she and her friends Martha, Sara, Mary and Peter might be on the tippy top of la Tour Eiffel today. I'll check.

Meeps Guest Blogger - While Mom's Away

This kitty is sleeping all over this pile of scarves that wouldn't fit in her carryon! Purrrfect.

Meeps Guest Blogger - L'autre Meeps, la faux chatte

As if leaving me at home alone for 10 days weren't bad enough, she took this imposter with her to Paris. She calls her ma Petite Meeps. She even has fake scarves. Heartbroken doesn't even begin to describe it. I think I'll go curl up on her white pillows now.

Guest Blogger - Meeps, ma chatte noire

She's gone again. Even though I curled up in her suitcase looking trop mignon, she flew off to Paris today. Check back this week, I'm in charge now!