Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Chartres - La restauration

The massive and painstaking restoration of this cathedral has created a storm of controversy. Many think that the cleaning has rendered the magnificent stained glass windows not nearly as effective when viewed against the centuries of grim and soot removed. Others celebrate seeing the incredible details uncovered. I will admit that seeing the restored portions against the darkened walls is startling. I will leave it up to each of you to decide which you prefer.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres V - L'autel

 I have been fortunate to visit many churches in Paris and a few outside of Paris. Most of these beautiful old churches now have interesting contemporary altars. Chartres is no exception.

Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres IV

As we made our way around the church, I was drawn to this scene. A class of students were there sketching using the flashlights of their cell phones! I was careful not to intrude but I had to get a little closer to see what they were doing, of course. I often marvel at how fortunate French students are to be able to take a short field trip to such historic places.

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Chartes III

One of the main reasons I have always wanted to visit this cathedral is to walk the labyrinth. For future visitors please note that on most days, the labyrinth is covered with chairs, but on Fridays they are moved aside. It's a large one so I walked it to the center, then quietly walked out of it. I"m sure the church members stationed in chairs on the perimeter gave me disapproving looks! The problem with a labyrinth obviously, is that it's almost impossible to photograph from ground level. This is the best I can offer. If you click HERE you can see an aerial view. 

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Chartres II

The extensive restoration of exterior reveals the intricate carvings, making them even more beautiful.

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Chartres I

For the next week, we will be spending time in Chartres France. This past trip in March, I made my first trip there and I couldn't imagine why I had not gone sooner. I hope you will enjoy images not only of the cathedral itself but the area around the church and the charming town itself.

Le Pétit Enfant

Jardin du Luxembourg aprés la pluie.

City Daily Photo Theme Day - My Neighborhood

Since I sadly do not live in Paris, I'm sharing a photo from our window this last trip in early March. We were on an upper floor so I had the pleasure of photographing the rooftops in all times of day and weather. Rue des Entrepreneurs.

Today, the first of the month, I'm joining my fellow city daily photo bloggers around the world. Click HERE to see their neighborhoods.

Les chaussures pour les enfants

Marché aux Puces de Vanves

Les Danseurs

Dimanche å rue Mouffetard. I hope the dancers on Mouffetard are back now that the lockdown has ended. 

In Full Bloom

Square Georges Cain is tucked away in the Marais, just across from l'Institut Suédois, on rue de Payenne. Another very lovely quiet corner of Paris. 

Chateau Vincennes

As we wandered the grounds at Chateau Vincennes, these outbuildings caught me eye. "Harnachement" translates to harness so I'm guessing something to do with stables? If any of you have a better translation, I'd welcome it.

Flower School Catherine Muller

Flower School Catherine Mueller - Paris

What a lovely morning we spent with Catherine and her gracious staff. I see from her website that she will resume her flower schools in July. Such good news.

Place Dauphine Reflet

This is one of my favorite quiet corners of Paris. 

Shakespeare and Company

 If you wander up the stairs to the second floor, you find the very  interesting places that this bookshop is known for.

Les bouquinistes

For hundreds of years, the booksellers have opened their green boxes in almost any weather, to sell their wares. It's a treasure trove of antique and used books, prints, magazines, and now assorted souvenirs for the eager tourists. I'll admit to purchasing some lovely vintage prints and posters myself. C'est Paris!

La dentelle antique

Late one afternoon, while Mary and I were poking around one of our favorite places, Village Saint-Paul, we discovered a small brocante. Note: On our last trip in early March, it was under renovation. 

Quiet Corner of Paris - Place Dauphine

Place Dauphine, located on Ile de la Cité, is a small, quiet square. Surrounded by a few cafés, I always make a point to stop by. Once or twice I've found some pétanque players but most of the time, it looks just like this. I almost hesitated to share this info so as to keep it on the down low, but wanted you to have the pleasure as well. 

Jardin des Plantes - L'artiste

This artist was sketching animals at la Ménagerie, one of the oldest zoos in the world, created in 1794.  

Jardin des Plantes V

 A cool, shady place to run free. We found that most tourists flock to Tuileries and it's a mad house in the summer. This was the perfect park to enjoy with the grandchildren. 

Jardin des Plantes IV

I assume this charming little building is for the gardeners to store their equipment. One of my favorite  places here!

Jardin des Plantes III

 Charmant!

Jardin des Plantes II - Ma Famille

Jardin des Plantes I

Today we move to another of Paris' beautiful gardens. We discovered the Jardin des Plantes in June, 2009, when my daughter and I were staying in the 5eme with her two children, ages 4 and 7. That summer we found many fun things to do in Paris with children.

The Jardin des Plantes is Paris' botanical gardens and includes a small zoo, carrousel , and the extraordinary National Museum of Natural History. 

Le Dodo Manege carrousel features a delightful collection of extinct and endangered animals. This is a must when you travel to Paris with children.

City Daily PHoto Theme Day - Parks

Today, the first of the month is our THEME DAY. Paris has an abundance of parks so I chose one that most visitors might never discover. Square Georges Cain is located on a quiet side street in the Marais. Put it on your list.

For all of the CDP bloggers' photos of their favorite parks, click HERE! 

Palais Royal IV

Selfie with friends. In November, 2015, I traveled with friends Mary and Phil. We stayed in an apartment near Place Victoire and spent a lot of time at the Palais Royal. Here we are!

Palais Royal III

I never tire of this view into the gardens.

Palais Royal II

Les vélos

Jardin du Palais Royal

Palais Royal I

 Today really thinking about how much I love the Palais Royal and spending time in the gardens. I'll share a few more photographs this week of past trips. Sadly, this last trip we didn't get a visit here de to rain and having to leave Paris early.

PS. I"m having keyboard glitches and unable to type a few letters so forgive me!

Flea Market Finds - Vêtements vintage

Robes pour filles.

Marché aux Puces de Vanves

Les Vendeurs IV

 After visiting the Marché aux Puces de Vanves, we walked through the lovely Parc Georges Bressens  to the pavilion which houses the weekly book market. Lots of antique and used books and lots of interesting vendeurs.