Having a chat

These two guys had a relaxed chat in Rue des Francs Bourgeois on a hot evening in July 2010.

Soldes

During my stay in Paris last July I saw in nearly every shop window signs that called the attention of the passers-by to "les soldes". In a shop at the Palais Royal I discovered the most decent sale sign I´ve ever seen.

Night and Day

The eye-catching métro entrance on Place Colette was designed by French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel on the occasion of the line 1´s centenary in 2000. The "Kiosque des noctambules" (Kiosk of the night-walkers) consists of two cupolas - one representing the day, the other the night - made of coloured glass beads, threaded on a structure of aluminium.

Sunday Morning on Pont Saint-Louis

They didn´t play my kind of music, but it was still fun watching them.

Greened up

A beautifully greened up facade on Rue Royale.

Breakfast in Paris

This was my breakfast table in April 2009, when I stayed at a Bed & Breakfast in Rue de Rivoli.

Henri Maupiou

"Henri Maupiou", located right next to Place Vendôme, offers fabrics for haute couture - it goes without saying that it´s a very upscale shop. Being the daughter of a tailoress, I was gravitated by the way the fabrics were draped to beautiful dresses in the shop window. Moreover green is my favourite colour.

Sweet Paris #14

Mouth-watering raspberry tartlets presented under bell jars in the beautifully designed "Pâtisserie des Rêves" (Rue du Bac).

Just a window

Just a window, but a Parisian window and moreover one that overlooks Place des Vosges. I love the curtains and the flowers...

Wanna Juice?

I love these kind of tables and chairs! At "Wanna Juice" you get smoothies, fruit juices, soups, salads and sandwiches - a perfect place for a bite to eat and watch the people in Rue Montorgueil.

Confiserie

In Paris you can find bakeries/pastry shops on almost every second corner... It´s hard to resist stepping inside for someone who has a sweet tooth like me...

View from the Institut du Monde Arabe

From the terrace on the top floor of the Institut du Monde Arabe you can enjoy a beautiful view of the town. Here you can see the view towards Notre Dame.

La Grande Mosquée de Paris #4

Here you can see the minaret (spire) of the Mosque.

La Grande Mosquée de Paris #3

Here´s another view of the courtyard of the Mosque. Aren´t these files and ornaments beautiful?

La Grande Mosquée de Paris #2

In June 2008 it was possible to visit the Mosque and so I did. Once entered, I completely forgot that I was in Paris... I loved especially the beautiful courtyard. There should also be a café, but it was closed when I was there.

La Grande Mosquée de Paris #1

The Great Mosque of Paris is the largest in France and the third largest in Europe. It was founded after World War I as a sign of France´s gratefulness to the colonies´ Muslim tirailleurs, 100.000 of whom died fighting against Germany and inaugurated in July 1926. The Mosque was built following the "mudéjar" style with a minaret of 33m height. Click here for the official website of the Mosque (it´s only in French).

Institut du Monde Arabe #3

The south facade of the Institut du Monde Arabe is very interesting: It consists of high-tech photosensitive mechanical devices which control the light level and transparency. It interpretes traditional wooden Arab latticework screens into a glass and steel construction with 30.000 light-sensitive diaphragms on 1.600 elements, which operate like a lens of a camera. I took this photo from inside the building. Click here for a video of the production of the diaphragms.

Institut du Monde Arabe #2

In 1980, 18 Arab countries concluded an agreement with France to establish the Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute) to spread knowledge and research the Arab World´s language, and its cultural and spiritual values. It also aims at promoting cooperation and cultural exchanges between France and the Arab World. The institute´s building was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and constructed from 1981 to 1987.

Glasses are served!

An inventive arrangement in the window of an optician at the Galerie Vivienne.

La Fontaine Gaillon

The restaurant "La Fontaine Gaillon" is located in a "hôtel particulier" constructed in 1672 between the Opera and the Palais Royal AND it belongs to French actor Gérard Depardieu.

Parking

You can´t start early enough to learn how to park and secure your bicycle...