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July 25 2010
L'étoile !
OK, I won't even think of pretending I took this shot! Besides, it is highly prohibited to fly over Paris unless you have a good reason... No, I stole it from the television on the occasion of the arrival of the Tour de France on the Champs Elysées (that is actually what I like about this event each year: they show breathtaking views of Paris). Now, look more closely (click in the photo to enlarge it). Do you see the little "arms" around the Arc de Triomphe, embedded in the pavement? Very few people know they are there, because you can only see them from above. Well, they are star arms and that is why before being called the Place Charles de Gaulle, it used to be called "L'Etoile" (the Star).
July 18 2010
Classic view
I spent Sunday afternoon at Le Vésinet, a nice suburb of Paris, in the sun surrounded with friends. On the way back I passed by Porte Maillot, at the bottom of l'Avenue de la Grande Armée, from where you have the best view of L'Arc de Triomphe (in my opinion). The French French flag between its "legs" is usually not there. They hang on special occasions, like the recent 14 juillet / Bastille Day. That's all. Have a nice week everyone!
May 28 2010
A meeting with a view
This morning I had a meeting in a communication agency in the center of Paris. It was the first time I visited them. A nice lady opened the door showed me into the main office and told me to wait in the meeting room upstairs... What she did not know is that I would take advantage of it to... takes photos! No matter where I looked, the scenery was absolutely stunning. So I took several photos, of course. I chose to publish this very Parisian one, where you have one the main landmarks of Paris together with the rooftops in the foreground.
May 26 2010
Notice something different?
Look at this photo carefully. I know you know this arch (called L'arc de Triomphe), but did you notice anything different? Look closer... Click in the photo to enlarge it... Bingo! The sculptures on each side have been replaced with photos. Why? Because they are currently being renovated - until June 15. The one on the right is the most famous one; it was sculpted by François Rude in 1792 and it bears the name "La Marseillaise".
March 20 2010
Wagner returns to Paris...
It won't tell you much if you're not an opera fan, but The Ring of the Nibelung 'L'Anneau du Nibelung in French) has returned to Paris after... 53 years! Quite logically it's also the first time it is being shown at the Bastille opera (one of the two major opera houses in Paris), since it was inaugurated in 1989. The Ring is actually composed of fours different dramas inspired by the Scandinavian mythology (I won't bore you with the details, if you're interested, check with Ms Wikipedia!) and it's a real masterpiece. Well, that is if you like Richard Wagner of course, otherwise you might borrow this famous quote by Woody Allen in Manhattan: "Everytime I hear Wagner I feel like invading Poland"!
February 02 2010
La République
This is "La République", the statue that symbolizes the French republic which is, quite logically, located at Place de la République! It was built between 1880 et 1883 after the work of two brothers: Léopold and Charles Morice. The red "scarf" does not belong to the original work! It's made of plastic and was probably put there by a bunch of demonstrators (this location is very often used by protesters) just before I took this photo (on Sunday). I found it funny (the blue sky is real, but it's long time gone now!).
January 29 2010
Invalides Dome
I'm just back from a dinner at dear friend's who live in the 7th arrondissement. On the way to their home, I passed by the back of the Invalides and I noted these green statues just to the right of the dome. It's probably a monument dedicated to the WWI soldiers, but I'm not sure. Anyway, I could not help but taking a photo. I love this place at night.
January 15 2010
Air France office
Like I said previously it really was hard for me to readjust to the Paris time. Right now I could do with a quiet do nothing weekend in Paris, but I have to go down to Nice for a couple of days. I should not complain, as Nice will probably be warmer and sunnier than Paris and because I'm going there to attend the christening of a little niece I'm going to be the Godfather of! By the way, this is the Air France office at les Invalides. It's located in the magnificent ex Gare de des Invalides, built for the 1867 world exhibition.
January 14 2010
Sunny morning
The past days (since my return from vacation) have been pretty hard. I have been extremely tired, it was dark and cold, and I really felt like hibernating! And this morning, when I woke up, the sun was shining. I then went through the Carrousel du Louvre (two 'r's in French to Carrousel!) like every morning and saw this. And "this" put a smile on my face that remained all day... "This" is the arch of the Carrousel, it was built in 1806 to commemorate Napoleon's military victories (more on Wikipedia). It's a beautiful monument and with this light it's even more beautiful. did you notice the Ferris wheel in the back?
January 09 2010
Classic Sunday pic!
I had to get up at 6 am on a Saturday morning just to take this photo for you! No I did not... I'm kidding. In fact I took it much later, but it was still grayish/blueish and covered, so they left the street lamps on. There is not much to say about it: it's Paris, it's La Pyramide du Louvre and yes, it's beautiful (and for once empty!). Have agreat Sunday everyone, I still find it hard to recover from the Jet-lag on my end (but I know I mustn't complain!).
January 05 2010
Patheon
It's always a pleasure to come back to Paris after some time, even when it's freezing! I passed by the Patheon this morning and the Christmas trees were still standing in front of it. The weather was so gray, I decided to turn the scene into a typical black and white photo. For the records this monument shelters the tombs of the French National Heroes but was originally built to be a church (read the whole history here). It's a fascinating place to visit if you come to Paris.
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