Église St. Urbain

This Sunday we go to Troyes, France and visit Église St. Urbain. Construction on this beautiful example of Gothic architecture was begun in 1262 and it wasn't completed until 1389. Unfortunately the church was closed when we visited so I have only exterior shots.

Deux Conversations

An Afternoon at the Bois de Boulogne

The title today is thanks to my dear friend Jilly ( Monte Carlo/Menton DP). Yesterday I shared this photo with her, and she commented that actually it was two conversations, between lady and gentleman, and also the birds! I completely missed that. Merci Jilly!

Chez Julian

I was strolling through my artist friend Shellsherree's great blog and stumbled on this delightful painting. I recognized the car and went straight to my photo stash to find my photo taken in front of Chez Julian. Located in the 4th ème, it is a lovely, if a bit pricey little restaurant. I fell in love with the car thinking I was just exceptionally fortunate to find it parked there. Apparently it's a part of the charm of Chez Julian. Either that, or Cali (whose photo sparked Shell's great artwork) and I both got very lucky!

Hotel de Vauluisant - Bleu in France

The Hotel de Vauluisant, built in 1564, caught my eye with its lovely blue details. Today it serves as a hosiery museum featuring stockings worn my the kings of France. ( Non, I did not visit). It also houses a museum of the history of the province. Worth a look if you get the chance to visit Troyes, France.

A Showstopping Metro Station

Only in Paris would you find a Metro stop that's this colorful and fun! This is the Palais-Royal/Musée du Louvre station at Place Colette. Redesigned in 2000 by Jean-Michel Othoniel, he named it Kiosque des Noctambules ( kiosk of the night walkers). Consisting of brightly colored glass balls threaded on aluminum, it features two cupolas that represent day (red/yellow) and night (blues and purple). In the sunlight it is quite something to see!

Many thanks to Sharon at Bookish Blonde for sharing the LOVE YOUR BLOG Award with me.

Café le Nemours

Located by the beautiful Palais Royal and Comédie Française, Café le Nemours is the perfect spot for a glass of bubbly on a warm summer afternoon, or anytime for that matter! Sit outside and admire the lovely view of Place Colette and the colorful Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro station. Come back tomorrow to see that!!

Reflection of our waiter

Couleurs Primaires

Jardins des Plantes

You can't please all of your readers all the time but today, I'm sure I'm pleasing at least one! Starman has suggested that I do a Primary Color post. As luck would have it, I found one photo that fits the rouge, bleu, jaune theme. Pour toi, Starman!

Église St. Julien le Pauvre

This week I featured Square René Viviani on the Left Bank. I mentioned that it was adjacent to Église Saint Julien le Pauvre. This Sunday we visit this Melkite Greek Catholic parish church and one of Paris' oldest. Built in the 13th century, it's not as grand as most of the churches in Paris, but one that you should see. I have some dear Greek Orthodox friends here in Birmingham so I especially enjoyed visiting this church.

The Stage Crew - 100 French Strangers Challenge

French Stranger #44

At the end of my stay in Paris last August, I reluctantly took my last stroll through the Palais Royal. I was a bit disappointed that the beautiful Fountains of Pol Bury had been covered with a stage and bleachers. I stopped and had a really nice chat with this gentleman. He explained that that they were preparing for an upcoming dance performance. When I asked for his photograph, I got this nice "toast"! Another member of the stage crew gave me a big smile for the camera as well. As much as I love Paris and want it to remain the same as I remember it, I know that each time I visit, the city will be brimming over with the most fabulous and creative events for me to enjoy. Paris je t'aime!

I have previously posted photos of the Pol Bury Fountains here.

French Stranger #45

Stohrer - Sinfully Délicieux Since 1730

Recently our blog friend Katie (Katiefornia) has been frolicking around Paris and posting some yummy treats she's been buying on a regular basis at Stohrer's. Established in 1730 by the former pastry chef at Versailles, it has been one of Paris' most revered patisseries ever since. It is located on rue Montorgueil in the 2 ème. Katie's photographs resulted in yet another delightful Shellsherree original. Today I follow along in Katie and Shell's fine footsteps ( am I a copy chat?) and show you my photos of this beautiful shop as well. Now, it's time to get back to my book..... French Women Don't Get Fat!

Life is Just a Crate of Cerises!

Beaucoup !

rue Mouffetard Street Market

ou peut-être trois!

Fontaine-Fourches, FR

Shuttered

My friend Shellsherree has taken one of my Paris photographs and created a most delightful piece of art. Please visit her blog. Merci mon amie!!!

Paris Rouge VII

Un peu

Arc de Triomphe

March, 2007

Today it is Rouge in Paris and Birmingham!

A very special MERCI goes to my friend and talented as all get out artist, Shellsherree! She has taken one of my photographs and turned it into something quite delightful. See for yourself right here!

et beaucoup!

Place des Vosges

November 2008

Square René Viviani

If you want to enjoy a rather spectacular view of Notre Dame, free from the maddening crowds, then stroll across the Seine to Square René Viviani. Located in the 5eme on Quai de Montebello, it sits directly in front of Église St. Julian de Pauvre, possibly the oldest church in Paris. In the center is this tall triangular bronze fountain by Georges Jeanclos. The oldest tree in Paris is said to be here. May I just add that "the oldest" anything in Paris seems to always be open for discussion! I'm only reporting what I found on this site. I welcome differing opinions, so have your say!

When I visited in July, everyone was sitting and enjoying the view, reading, eating lunch, poring over their maps of Paris, and some were even lying in the grass for a little siesta. I took the photo below to illustrate the lovely flower beds and then realized that the couple in the background proves that Paris is indeed the City of Love!

Église Etienne du Mont

Ceiling detail

Wednesday I posted a photograph from the necropolis of the Panthéon, so this Sunday I thought you might enjoy seeing Église Etienne du Mont. Adjacent to the Panthéon , it contains the shrine of St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris . As I visited the many churches in France, I began to notice the gorgeous ceiling details of each and every one. I thought this one was especially beautiful.

Shrine of St. Genevieve

La Parfumerie

Back to le Marais for another visit. I do believe I get more great photos per square foot in this area of Paris than anywhere else. Today, a pretty little parfumerie. I found the violette parfum I had been searching for but alas, that Euro thing again! La sigh.........

Les Avirons Rouges

Yesterday on my Birmingham blog I featured French photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand as part of Blog Action Day 2009. His recent film Home is available online and has been distributed all over the world. Taken from a helicopter as for his photographs for Earth From Above, his film sends a powerful message about the fragility of our planet.

While in Paris last summer Peter and I toured the Musée Marmottan Monet. A wonderful museum in its own right, but we found an added bonus, a special exhibit of Bertrand's Paris From Above photographs and a short film. One of my favorite photographs was of the rowboats all tethered in the center of the lake at Bois de Boulogne. Fortunately we were very close, so off we went as soon as we left the museum! I've featured these boats here, but I especially liked this shot of the red oars. Worth another look I think.

Le Photographe - 100 French Strangers Challenge

French Stranger #43

In July when I spent the day in le Marais, I met this charming young Polish photographer on the streets, selling his photographs. Most of his work was shot in India and Tibet. It was one of those times when you wish you had a pocketful of Euros. If I had, I would have bought them all! I did purchase 5 of his small postcard size images. They are remarkable. I love this portrait and I'm not sure why I've held onto it so long and not shared it with all of you. Pardon!

La Nécropole du Panthéon

Orginally the Panthéon was built as a church dedicated to the patron saint of Paris, St. Genevieve. Today it is used for some liturgical functions, but it is mainly known as a famous burial place. The inscription above the entrance states, "Aux Grands Hommes La Patrie Reconnaissante" ( To the great men, the grateful homeland). Indeed, this is the final resting place for France's most revered heroes and one heroine, Madame Marie Curie. ( Of note, there are several other women that were buried alongside their husbands) This photograph was taken when Peter and I visited the necropolis. The Panthéon is in the 5th and is a site not to be missed. Be sure and visit the *Église Saint Etienne du Mont nearby while you are there.

* Sunday, I will post photos of Église Saint Etienne du Mont.

Cute French Strangers!

French Strangers #41 and #42

Last July I had a nice lunch with photographer Meredith Mullins in Paris. Afterwards as we were saying goodbye, we met this delightful family from California ( I think!) on the street. Well their daughters were just about the cutest things ever, so of course I asked ( after a nudge from Meredith!) for some photos. OK, don't get all technical on me here. They WERE strangers and they WERE in France, so they're French Strangers!!! :) I regret I didn't get their names, but as Marley says, "Let the photo do the talking!".

Le Clos Montmartre

November 2008

Recently my Daily Photo in Paris friend Laurent, posted some very nice photos from Fête des Vendanges in Paris. This celebration held in Montmartre, reminded me that last November I had taken some photographs of this, the only remaining vineyard in Paris, le Clos Montmartre. Although Peter and Laurent have given the wine produced here mixed reviews, I'm sure I've had worse right here at home! Since the profits benefit local charities, let's hope that they do a brisk business. Thanks Laurent for sharing the photos and information about this festival and the vineyard!

Église Bray sur Seine

This Sunday we are going back inside the simple but lovely Église Bray sur Seine. We visited before here.

Bray sur Seine, France

Paris Jaune II

Yesterday I began yet another "series" here......Paris Juane! Not a color I am usually drawn to, I had serious doubts that I would be able to find much in my archives. What a nice surprise to find quite a few. Today, one I had overlooked. I love it when that happens. I posted this lovely old Hotel Chatillon previously, but I like the trés chic lady in this photograph! I think she gives the viewer a sense of the enormity of those fabulous doors!

Paris Jaune I

I've had this adorable jeune fille since my November, 2008 trip. I'm thrilled to be able to post it now!

It really does pay to comment you know. Starman requested a series in all the primary colors, and since I've done rouge et bleu, I decided to dig around in what remains of my Paris photo stash, and voilá a little jaune. Actually, I may be able to squeeze another post or two out of my findings. Merci beaucoup mon ami!

Paris Rouge VI

Hmmm, I'm thinking these two would have made a nice entry for

City Daily Photo's Theme Day ........CONTRAST!

Just Curious

I chuckled when I caught this young man sneaking a peek at Shakespeare and Company.

la Fenêtre Ouverte

Museés de Sens

Sens, France

Say Yes to the Dress

This exquisite bridal gown in Sens, France was too beautiful to pass up. The church caught in the reflection was an added bonus!

Return to the Val de Grâce

This Sunday we are going back to the church that I've probably photographed more than any other in Paris, the beautiful Val de Grâce. You might remember that we could see the dome from our apartment window, and I photographed it at every time of day and night. I also walked over and attended Sunday services there twice. This week Peter did a lovely post on this church, and it brought back some nice memories of time spent there. It also reminded me that I have a lot more photos to share with you!

Of note: If you would like to visit Val de Grâce, check the times when it is open. I am not certain it's open during the week. I took my photographs immediately after the Sunday services and was only allowed to do so for a short time.

The View

Last summer my friends Peter and Mary joined me for our first look at the rather newly reopened (2007) la Cite de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris. I've posted some previous photos here. Please click on the link to learn more about this amazing museum. Housed in the east wing of Palais de Chaillot, at the Place du Trocadéro, visitors are treated to this jaw dropping view from each of the soaring windows that face the Seine. Decidedly one of the best in town. After we had covered every inch of the museum , we had some refreshment from the small café and sat out on the terrace. There we found we had the same fabulous view as the much pricier restaurant across the way. You'll thank me for this tip one day! :)

Eye Candy

These pretty little homes were on the same lane in Paris. Like something out of a fairy tale I think!