Paris Rouge - Arnaud Delmontel

If you have ever walked into a French boulangerie-pâtisserie, you will NEVER forget the aroma.

Arnaud Delmontel

37 rue des Martyrs

75009 Paris

Amical parisien

This photo was taken in November, 20008, my second trip to Paris.  I had not even started my 100 Strangers Project on my Birmingham blog. Later, I would add this blog and searched for 100 French Strangers over the years since. The "rules" are that the person must be a stranger and you must have some verbal interaction with them. For most Parisians, it was VERY minimal, but I loved meeting so many friendly French strangers.

 Boulangerie et PatisseriePaul

The P Is For Poilâne

Being granted permission to photograph the baking of the trademark Poilâne sourdough loaves was a very special occasion. We were allowed down in the cav where the first round loaves were baked in 1932. This is their flagship store on rue Cherche-Midi. I"ve been lucky enough to stay just a few doors down on two trips to Paris. All the round loaves bear the signature P for Poilâne!

J'adore!

Be still my heart.

Soon, very soon.....

This time next week, I will be staying just a few doors from Poilâne's flagship boulangerie on rue duCherche-Midi! I could get into some serious trouble!

After Hours

It pays to nose around with your camera after hours.

Lèche-vitrine

 If this basket of warm baguettes doesn't make you want to "lick the window", nothing will. Vive la boulangerie!

Lèche - vitrine

In 2009, we stayed in a wonderful apartment on rue Berthollet in the 5eme. Just a few doors up was a delicious boulangerie. Eva loved to have a look in the window as we passed each day.

100 French Strangers #84-85

As I've said many times, "You know those Parisians, so aloof and never smile!" Another example of the many delightful Parisians I meet every visit. This morning these two at Paul had a grand time posing for me. They were  hilarious.

It's been quite a while since I posted photos of my quest for 100 French Strangers. If you're not familiar, it originate on a FLICKR group and the idea is to challenge yourself to take 100 strangers' photos. The catch is that you must have some interaction with the person/persons before your take their picture. I started it on my Birmingham blog years ago and then in June, 2009 when I spent a good bit of time there, I decided to start the 100 French Strangers. It's a good way to help overcome the fear of street photography and asking strangers for their pictures. I am certain since last posting #83, I"ve already hit 100 but we'll just take up from there and move forward. I encourage you to try it!

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

CDP Theme Day - Take Away

In Paris, the ultimate take away has to be from a boulangerie.  There is nothing more fabulous than getting the delightful baguette or pastry wrapped just so, for you to hurry home to enjoy!

All of my City Daily Photo friends around the globe are sharing their Take Away photos today. Go have a look right HERE!

Boulangerie Reflet

This little boulangerie just down the street from my little studio apartment, was reflected in the mirror of the laundromat across the street.

Today I join James' Weekend Reflections right here!

Faire la Queue...Pourquoi?

Parisians are willing to stand quietly in long lines outside of boulangeries at any time of day. Pourquoi you ask? For the best baguettes etc. on the planet.  I've done it myself and was happy to spend the time in order to be handed a buttery pain au chocolat or a warm baguette. C'est magnifique!!

Après les Heures - Boulangerie Paul

I just love to find unexpected photos like this one.  The baker cleans up after hours at one of Paris' most famous boulangeries, Paul .