Vieux et nouveau

Église Saint-Merri, built in 1550, is adjacent to the Stravinsky Fountain and the Centre Pompidou and in great need of restoration.

Sunday Church Series - Église Saint-Merri

Several years ago when we visited this church, just steps from the Centre Pompidou and Stravinsky Fountain, they were doing some work on the façade. This unusual, and oh so Parisian, piece was installed just outside the doors. Built between 1500-1500, I think we all agree it can always use some restoration from time to time.

Église Saint-Merri

76 rue de la Verrerie

75004 Paris

Football à la fontaine Stravinsky

The plaza around the Stravinsky Fountain at Centre Pompidou is usually full of Parisian school kids just having fun in the afternoons.  I love the backdrop of the beautiful old Saint Merri Church.

Scooting Off To Church?

 Perhaps this belongs to the priest of the Église Saint-Merri???

Sunday Church Series - La Chorale

Late one afternoon, we wandered into the Église Saint-Merri and found this group practicing for an upcoming concert.

L'Oisneau de Feu

L'Oisneau de Feu

I have a love /hate feeling about the Stravinsky Fountain.  Although I deep down really love the vibrant colored sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle and her husband Jean Tinguely, the black pieces don't seem to fit there. In addition, I don't think I've ever seen the fountain when all of the sculptures were working and moving as it was designed.  That said, this evening when the Église Saint-Merri was warmly lit, it makes a striking image against this 14th century church.

Sunday Church Series - Église Saint-Merri

Sitting at a café near the Stravinsky Fountain late one afternoon, the lights caught my eye...the street lights as well as the ones in the apartment windows, illuminating this old church.

Église Saint- Merri

76 Rue de Verrrerie

75004 Paris 

Metro: Hôtel de Ville

La lumière dans la fenêtre

I was sitting at a café overlooking the Stravinsky Plaza and Fountain early one evening and while some kids kicked a soccer ball around I looked up and saw the light in those windows.  Oh my.  I always love to imagine what's going on inside!

Peter has done a nice job posting more about the church there on the left,  l'Église Saint -Merri right here.

Sunday Paris Church Series - Le Crucifix

Église Saint-Merri

Joyeuse Pâques to all of my dear readers that celebrate this holiday.

Sunday Church Series - The Choir Practices

The afternoon we visited the Église Saint-Merri, we were treated to a choral rehearsal.  As you can see, it was a bit chilly inside.

Sunday Church Series - Église Saint-Merri

The Église Saint-Merri adjacent to the Stravinsky Fountain at Centre Pompidou, houses the oldest bell in Paris (1331).  As you can see, the facade is getting some restorative work,  but this unusual art was added.  The bike clenched the deal for me.  Only in Paris!!