FYI

Starting tomorrow,  I'll be flying to Paris to meet old and new friends, and of course taking many photos for all of us.  While I'm gone, I am putting Meeps, ma chatte noire, in charge of the blog. You might want to check from time to time to see what she's been up to!

Chaussure Stilletto

 Chaussures et chocolat... two of my favorite things.

BHV

BHV, Bazarre Hôtel de Ville, is one department store that you can take your husband, boyfriend etc. to in Paris and they will be happy shoppers. The basement is like dying and going to Hardware Heaven. If they don't have it done there, you don't need it. I like the other part of the store and across the street is a GREAT pet store.

Sunday Church Series - L'église Saint-Germain-de-Prés

I found this friendly looking statue at the Saint-Germain-de-Prés church last November. I plan to stop in a time or two this trip as well. I'll be staying just down the street.

Chestnuts roasting....

on an beat up bucket in a rusty grocery buggy......at the entrance to the Musée du Louvre.  There goes the French Chic theory.

Très Chic

This exquisite display of burning candles and antique mirrors hanging from this glass case, welcomes visitors to the historic Hôtel Meurice on rue de la Rivoli.

I Love Paris...

when it drizzles.  If you love Paris, and travel there often, you know rain is going to be in the forecast. Embrace it and the fabulous reflections.

Vieux

J'adore vieux à Paris.

Lanternes et feuilles

Coming up from the Cité Métro, a welcome sight in November.  I'm looking forward to it once again!

Bleu, blanc et rouge

Le Bonaparte, soon to be my neighborhood! I took this last November while waiting for the bus just across the street.  Seems that this trip this will be my Paris "hood"!

Sunday Church Series - Les Colonnes

There are so many beautiful churches in Paris to choose from. Although the larger, more well known ones are so well cared for and attract thousands of tourists, I'm drawn back again and again to the smaller churches, like one of Paris' oldest, Saint-Germain-des-Prés.  Last trip it was within walking distance from our flat so we stepped inside a time or two.  Whenever I revisit special places in Paris, I try and find new details that I might have missed before. This trip, the painted columns caught my eye. The wear and tear is quite visible, but I couldn't help but think how those knicks and cracks were caused over all those years.  Saint Germain de Pres should most definitely be on your list.

CDP Theme Day - Landmark

I have no one to blame but myself for this month's theme, yet questioned myself last night as I was perusing my zillion Paris photos, trying to choose A landmark for a  city of landmarks, I chose..... the 3,300 year old Luxor Obelisk at Place de la Concorde.  Although in this photograph, it appears to be made of gold, it is actually yellow granite.

Today I join all of my fellow CDP bloggers around the world who are sharing their city's landmark. Please have a look HERE!

Le Dragon

 Seemingly unaware of the ferocious dragon hovering over her head.

Table pour deux

Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole, in the shadow of Notre Dame. Like walking into an old painting.

Automne à Paris

Rue Bonaparte. This trip, I'll be very close.  Hope they don't sweep up those beautiful brown leaves before I get there.

Bleu à Paris

I'm never bleu in Paris as I think every day there, no matter the weather, is a delight for me.  I loved this beautiful pale bleu door near the Palais Royal! I love all the wonderful details of course.

Qui est le touriste?

I'll let you be the judge! It really does pay to blend in when visiting other countries for many reasons.

(Disclaimer: This is posted in jest, lest I rile up one of my readers again!)

L'ange

Cimetière de Passy

Paris Rouge - Outdoor Installation

I am always fascinated by the way the city of Paris camouflages construction around the city. Sometimes it's trompe l'oeil surrounding a building under repair,  but in this case in Montmartre, art hung from Paris ROUGE girders.

Dusk

Resting at a café, waiting for Mary, was a good time to enjoy nightfall at the bustling Stravinsky Fountain and the Centre Pompidou

Bienvenue à Parc Monceau

Only in Paris do the gates to a park make your feel like you've just entered Versailles!  Parc Monceau, located in the chic 8th arrondissement, is lovely, quiet park. I have only visited once, but would love to spend time there again.  Another little Paris jewel.

The Boys in the Band

One of the things I love most about Paris is the music. No I'm not talking about operas or symphonies, it's the music that surprises you while you walk in the Métro or walk down the street. This band greeted us after an exhausting haul up the zillion steps of Abbesses Métro in Montmartre.  A welcome sight and sound.

Looking Down

Most visitors think that the only views of Paris from high above must be from the Eiffel Tower or the Sacre Coeur. Luckily for me, I have some pretty savvy friends,  and I've learned to love the rooftop decks of Galleries Lafayette and Printemps . This view of the beautiful Madeleine Church was taken from Printemps' rooftop deck.  Merci Peter Olson!

Le Musée Carnavalet

Located in the heart of the Marais, the Musée Carnavalet tells the history of Paris.  Not only that but you can stroll its beautiful gardens.  One of the few free museums (except for special exhibits), it should find a place on your Paris To Do List.

Musée Carnavalet

16 rue Francs-Bourgeois

75003 Paris

Sunday Chuch Series - Le vitrail reflet

The afternoon light streaming into Basilique Saint Denis, took my breath. The final resting place of almost every king of France from the 10th-18th centuries, this is believed to be the first Gothic church ever built.  Located in the northern suburb of St. Denis, it's about a half hour Métro ride, but the stop is very near the church.  This is a must see for return visitors to Paris or those lucky to have an extended stay.

Today I join James' Weekend Reflections right HERE!

One Of Paris' Best Kept Secrets

The commanding views of la Tour Eiffel from la Cité de l'Architecture et du Partrimoine stopped us in our tracks.  Well worth the price of admission (8 euros). This is, in my opinion, one of Paris' best museums and might just need to go back on my list again.

Super Geraniums

Even in November!!! these café chairs are looking fresh with the lovely geraniums in the background. I have a theory that Paris geraniums are on steroids!

Un Petit Bouquet Pour Vous

L'artisan Fleuriste

Yesterday I had the pleasure of presenting my photo talk, Les Fleurs à Paris, to the Rockbrook Garden Club. I thought I'd share one of the images with you as well.

L'artisan Fleuriste

95 rue Vieille du Temple

75003 Paris

Pâtisserie Stohrer

Since 1730.  A long history of providing Parisians with delicious pastries.  This shop on rue Montorgeuil, is so beautiful, you almost forget them..... well just for a moment.

51 Montorgeuil

75002 Paris

Novembre à Paris

 Dripping in glorious vines.

Tête à tête

Marché Saint- Eustache- Les-Halles