Moto Reflet

I play a little game with myself in Paris. I'm always on the lookout for reflections in the rear view mirrors of motorcycles. This time the windshield stopped me in my tracks.

Today, after a long absence, I'm happily joining James' Weekend Reflections right HERE!

La laveuse de vitres

The exterior of the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle de Vincennes ( begun in 1379) is undergoing restoration on the exterior. I took a seat on a bench inside to just take in the beautiful architecture and spotted this.  

Paris Photo - Elliott Erwitt

While wandering the fabulous international photographic exhibit at Paris Photo last November, I watched as two photographers were snapping photos of this man. Realizing he must be someone of importance, I motioned one of the photographers over and asked who he was. I couldn't understand the name as he had an accent and it was very noisy. He must have seen this and added, "He is ia Magnum photographer." That I understood and so I asked him to repeat the name. "Elliott Erwitt." I all but screamed. I"m very familiar with his remarkable work and even attended a small Erwitt exhibit at La Hune a few years back. I literally chased this man down. I asked the woman who was with him if I could take a quick photo. She answered, "Yes, make it quick." I did! After, I put my hand on his shoulder and said, "Merci, I am so honored." This will always be a favorite Paris memory for me.

I saw the two photographers later and they were happy I got the photo. I told them I didn't think he was so glad to see me but I was thrilled nonetheless.

Erwitt was in Paris for the signing of his just released book of his images of Cuba taking many years ago.

Paris Rouge - Paris Photo

This petite fille looked so adorable with her umbrella leaving Paris Photo in the rain!

La sainte famille - Notre Dame de Paris

Joyeux Noël tout le monde

Galeries Lafayette. 2008

 I will never forget the first time I saw the amazing Christmas exterior lighting of Galeries Lafayette in 2008. I have never seen anything so magical. As the years have gone by, they have paired down the lights to save on the expense. I certainly understand,  but am so grateful I was able to photograph it in all its splendor!

Judy

Judy, Cantine Qualitarienne

18 rue de Fleurus

75006 Paris

Le Pont Neuf

After a few trips to Paris, you accept that there will be many gray, overcast skies. When a sunny, blue sky day appears, it's pretty fabulous. If you're a photographer, hard to beat the light and shadows. 

Paris à noir et blanc

These crisp black and white chairs were a show stopper for sure. 

Beacoup de baguettes!

The street market in Meudon, was an added treat after our morning at the Museée Rodin!

L'Opéra Garnier

Although I've never been inside, I will never tire of photographing the exterior of the Opera Garnier. 

Paris Rouge - Autumn at Luxembourg Gardens

I don't know about you, but the green chairs in Paris gardens are just about my favorite sight to behold!

Notre serveur amical

Le Grand Café Capucines, near the Opéra, is an Art Deco delight. We enjoyed oysters and a delicious dinner there. Our very friendly waiter was a bonus!

Le Grand Café Capucines

4 Boulevard Capucines

75009 Paris

Paris Photo

Every November Paris Photo celebrates photography with an enormous international exhibition under the glass and steel roof of the Grand Palais. This event has been on my Bucket List for YEARS and I finally was able to attend this last trip. Warning: It's sensory overload and a lot to see. Plan to spend several hours. I was torn between photographing the interesting attendees, some of the photography I just wanted to remember, and the amazing Grand Palais. 

Paris Rouge - Le cheval du carrousel

Galeries Lafayette

Le serveur

Paris waiters never stop. They are constantly in motion. I caught our very efficient and cordial waiter as we left this restaurant in Meudon.

Merci beaucoup mille fois to SPOTTED BY LOCALS for choosing PTML as one of their 8 Best Paris Blogs. Please click their site and have a look at the other Paris blogs!!!

C'est Noël

au Bon Marché Rive Gauche.

Les baguettes!

His face says it all. He's delighted to be bringing home those crusty, delicious baguettes. I agree.

Paris Church Series - La fonte

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont

Les grands magasins

The view from Galeries Lafayette looking towards  Printemps, two of the grands magasins. At Christmas, they are magical for children as well as the adults!

À travers les yeux d'un enfant

The Christmas windows at Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are truly magical.

Les Ballerlines

A lovely window at Pas de Deux, Les Néréides.

I Love Paris in November!

Paris in November. I love the bare trees, the fall color...tout!

La neige å Paris

Another archives photo from the snowfall during our January, 2010 trip to Paris. My friends Mary and Mary at the Palais Royal.

La neige

It snowed last week in Paris, just a week after I came home. I'll admit being a bit miffed with l'homme de la météo! I do still have a small collection of photos of la neige from January 2010 to remind me of  how even more beautiful Paris is after a snowfall.

Pétanque in the Parc

These guys. I find them almost every visit to Luxembourg Gardens. They are always at the same court. I love reconnecting with them.

City Daily Photo Theme Day - GIFT

Today my City Daily Photoblog friends around the world are posting this month's theme, GIFT. For me, the gift of friendship is the perfect choice. I met Peter Olson, Peter's Paris, through blog friends before my second trip to Paris in November, 2008. He graciously shared his knowledge of Paris and a few bottles of champagne that trip and has continued to offer an incredible amount of time for me and my friends every single trip since. I dubbed him the MOST PATIENT MAN IN PARIS, years ago and he's held the title ever since. He is always willing to do whatever is on my "program" as he calls it, no matter how many times he's visited that place. He kindly stops and waits while I take an endless number of photos or just need a little rest for my back.  We have shared many wonderful Paris memories, laughs and more glasses of champagne than we can remember. After every trip, I always remind him that he is indeed  my best friend in Paris. Merci Peter, pour le cadeau de ton amitié.

Please click HERE to see all of the CDP Theme Day posts from around the world!

Paris Rouge - J'aime, je déteste

As much as I love the signs and the fast and efficient Paris Métro, my knees detest the endless steps, the steps, the steps. This last trip, Mary and I pretty much figured out the Paris bus system and I was very grateful.

Paris Rouge - Scoot!

While I was madly photographing the couple in the background, this little guy zoomed by. I love Paris.

Incroyable!

Whatever they put on the geraniums in Paris, they share with the wisteria. Killer vine in the Marais.

Le Grand Palais des Champs-Elysées

This past trip, I was finally able to check the Grand Palais off my list. Since 2007, I've gazed longingly at it's beautiful façade and glorious steel and glass dome. Paris Photo made it possible this trip. This Art Deco structure made of iron and light steel opened in 1900 and regularly houses exhibits and events of all types. It was well worth a 10 year wait!

For a listing of upcoming events, check out the website HERE.

Paris Rouge - Exciting News!

Call me a cockeyed optimist, but I'm planning on bringing out Paris Rouge II just before Christmas. It will be self published on Blurb, and I'm really hoping to meet the deadline for gifts for my family. Maybe you might want to have a look as well. Of course, this Dior window at Assouline at 35 rue Bonaparte will be included. 

Jimmy Choo

Printemps'  Christmas windows are always glamorous. This window filled with beautiful shoes caught my eye!

Follow the Leader

Monsieur, on his way home with fleurs, proved to be a fine leader for the students to follow!

Enfin!

Well, it took 15 trips,  but I finally got inside the Grand Palais.  I also FINALLY was able to attend Paris Photo. It was just as Meredith Mullins warned, "Sensory overload". I was totally torn between soaking up every photograph and shooting the fabulous glass ceiling. If you are in Paris in November, be sure to attend this fabulous 3 day event.

I"m doing the BW Photo A Day Challenge on Facebook where I post a BW image a day for 7 days, no people, no words. I"m double dipping here. 

Les géraniums

Instead of buying scarves in Paris, I need to be loading up on whatever the fertilizer is they use. The middle of NOVEMBER and the geraniums at this window and all around town are still knockouts. This particular spot on Place Dauphine never disappoints, year after year.

I'm Home!

Another fabulous trip to Paris is in the books. It was a jam packed 8 days, and I'm so grateful to my dear Paris travel amie Mary Gilbert, and my Paris ami Peter Olson, for making it all happen. It was a wonderful week in the city I know consider my second home. I can't wait to share my photographs with all of you, my faithful followers.

Mary and I trekked to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette late one afternoon to capture the sunset.  I will never tire of this view!

Au revoir!

For the next week, Mary and I will be roaming the streets of Paris. I hope to bring home many tales and photos!

Amis à Paris

Remembering a delightful afternoon at the Palais Royal with our Birmingham friends the Wilsons. The kids played in the dirt and ran up and down the arcade. This must what it feels like to be a Parisian kiddo every day!

Square du Vert-Galant

Square du Vert-Galant, located on the western tip of Île de la Cité at the Pont Neuf. It's lovely any time of year but especially in the fall. 

Sunday Church Series - The American Cathedral in Paris

The residence of the Dean of the Cathedral is located above the enclosed courtyard. I always enjoy attending services there when I visit Paris. This trip, Mary and I will be attending a mass at Notre Dame de Paris as we will be meeting Vincent Dubois, one of the organists. I am hoping to be able to photograph him play during the mass. He will be playing a recital at Independent Presbyterian Church here in February. 

One of My Top Finds

I love being asked to help friends, and friends of friends plan their trips to Paris. I'm no travel agent by any means, but I do have a VERY LONG list of to dos. When asked about museums I always offer this one, Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine ( Architecture Museum, it's easier). Located near Palais de Chaillot, it's a must see. After,  have a coffee or glass of wine on the terrasse overlooking the Seine and Eiffel Tower! You'll thank me for this one.

My Happy Place

Next Friday, with any luck at all, I'll be right here photographing the Colonnes de Buren with Mary and Peter!

Michael

I"ve been photographing this guy dancing on rue Mouffetard since 2009. He's a flashy dresser and great dancer. We've never spoken, but I do believe I might have taken him a print. His favorite dance partner was a tall blonde who dressed to the nines. I hear she moved away a few years ago and now  he dances with several of the regular ladies. You can find them every Sunday around 11 -12. Don't miss it. 

CDP Theme Day - Rock and Roll

This band of young Parisians braved a messy, drizzly day in Paris to gather across from the Louvre and play for us. The song was, "I Love Rock n Roll", sung en anglais!

Today I join my fellow City Daily Photo blog friends around the world for our monthly theme. Click HERE to see all of their creative photographs!

La conversation

In this little park, I noticed that the gentlemen congregated on one side, and the ladies on others. Everyone seemed happy with that arrangement.

Huile d'olive

Olivier and Co. shops can be found across Paris. Good selections of oils etc. Photo ops are an added plus.

Sunday Church Series - Les bougies

Église Saint-Paul-Saint Louis, consecrated in 1641 is one of my favorite smaller churches in Paris. Located in the Marais on rue Saint Antoine, it's not as grand as some, but I love it. Take the side door on the left and you will find a charming little alley.

Window Shopping in Paris

Paris shop windows are always worth a look! This trip, Mary has suggested I start a new series of Paris shops. I like that idea!

Un Sourire!!!

As we waited to cross the street, a large bus containing soldiers or perhaps band members in dress uniform went by. I took a series of photos. He spotted me, gave me a smile then waved. Who says that the French never smile. I"m proud of this one.

Today I finally rejoin James' Weekend Reflections again! Click HERE to see all the other lovely reflection photographs from around the world!