Onto the 4th and 5th (Arrondissements)

I told you I took a lot of photographs from my trip to Paris. If you've been following my previous posts, you know I wasn't lying. So much to share (and so little time to get around to posting them all); I hope you're enjoying the photographic journey as much as I am. The adventure continues today with a stroll. We're leaving the grandeur of Notre Dame behind, and walking deeper into the areas known as the 4th and 5th Arrondissements (two of the twenty municipal districts of the city). The 4th is roughly the center of the city, and features two small islands (Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité) situated in the middle of La Rive Seine (the Seine River). The 5th is often referred to as the Latin Quarter, due to the prevalence of Latin language spoken around the many universities, colleges, and high schools in this area. It dates back to Ancient times, and is one of the oldest parts of the city.

The Metro station in the center of Paris, Île de la Cité 

Self portrait, standing outside 5 Rue Poulletier, Île Saint-Louis

Decorative housing of a drinking fountain, with the looming Notre Dame de Paris in the background

Facing the left bank (La Rive Gauche) of the Seine, the second of two Shakespeare and Company bookstores opened in 1951 and was named as a tribute to the original store, which was a gathering place for many famous writers, including Hemingway

Much of the Medieval architecture seen in the buildings and streets of the 5th Arrondissement still remains. Streets are narrow, buildings are tall and lean in different directions, and it is quite easily to feel transported to an centuries-old era

Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, one of the oldest churches in Paris

North face of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, and a locust tree, supported by concrete crutches. This tree was planted in 1602, and is the oldest tree in Paris.

Bouquinistes, second hand booksellers, line both sides of the River Seine, just as they have done for over 500 years

Parisian squeezebox on the pont Saint-Louis

Newlyweds follow their photographer down to the banks of the River Seine on a very chilly January afternoon

Pont Marie, one of 38 bridges that cross La Rive Seine. Camera position was on Île Saint-Louis,
looking across to the right bank

Pont de Sully, constructed in 1876; 100 years before my birth. Camera position again faces across the water to the right bank

I ate plenty of French-made cheese during my travels...and it really was as good as you've heard

Splendid little details are everywhere you look

As much as I enjoyed capturing these photographs, there's nothing that compares to visiting a new place in person and on foot. If these images speak to you, I certainly hope you'll take the next step and make plans to go there yourself! Now, don't forget to use the social media buttons right below this post to SHARE with your friends : ) See you next time!

Notre Dame's Grand Exterior

From the interior of Notre Dame de Paris, I continued my tour around the outside perimeter to observe the detailed stonework up close, and I grabbed a whole bunch of photographs along the way! As I mentioned in my last post, I just could not get over how much time went into building this cathedral! But, the detail really shows.

Rain spouts? Or gargoyles? How about both.

The Spire, as seen from the south foot of Notre Dame, is situated at the transept crossing. A few of the copper statues representing the Twelve Apostles can be seen at the spire's base. The man at the top is a self-depiction of the spire's architect, Viollet-le-Duc (substituting himself for Saint Thomas), admiring his 305 foot high piece of work.

The view from the base of Notre Dame, looking south, across the Seine to La Rive Gauche (the Left Bank).

Here's a good view of the flying buttresses - the architectural support system that was employed to push against the weight of the enormous walls.

Another view of the flying buttresses - shown here supporting the area of the chorus.

'Love Locks,' can be seen along the bridge at Pont des Arts.

Another Love Lock view, with the magnificent Notre Dame de Paris looming in the background.

Point Zero - steps from the entrance to Notre Dame - marks the center of Paris, and the origin point from which all distances in the city are measured.

Notre Dame's most famous grotesque, 'Le Stryge' can be seen from this view, perched on his elbows and looking toward the camera position.

Rich architectural detail, and religious storytelling, both find home here.

Close-up of the left portal, featuring Saint Denis holding his own head.

One of my favorites from the trip, and certainly my favorite view of Notre Dame de Paris in the winter.

Are you enjoying this winter view of central Paris? Please do me a favor and help spread the word. Use the social media button of your choice below, and SHARE this post with your friends! Thanks! See you next time as we head across the river to the quaint Île Saint-Louis.

When in Rome...Go to Church, Ya Hippie!

One of the first things I wanted to see when I arrived in Paris was the magnificent cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris. I really didn't know much about it at all, but I was very curious to stand before it and learn more. I was astonished to learn some of its facts, such as the site location in the very center of the city, how it was erected, the architectural style and functional design elements(such as flying buttresses), and its age (celebrating 850 years here in 2013). Seriously? 850 years old!? It was truly amazing to me to contemplate not only the overall age, but also the fact that Notre Dame was built over a period of 182 years. What an incredible commitment to begin a task that you know will never be completed in your, your children's, or even your grandchildren's lifetime!

This post takes you inside the great cathedral during Sunday Mass. As always, I hope you enjoy the images, and I encourage you to use the Facebook and Twitter buttons at the end of this post to share with your friends.

Espresso court and a few macarons - fuel for the busy day ahead, touring the wonderful Notre Dame de Paris.

New "technology" of flying buttresses supporting along the outside allowed for heavy stone and delicate glass to live in harmony on the inside.

This miniature illustrates the time consuming process that went into lifting the giant Paris stone blocks into place - one painstaking detail at a time.

The high altar, featuring Decent from the Cross, and statues of King Louis XIII (right) and King Louis XIV (left).

Statue of Joan of Arc.

King Louis XIV.

The North Rose Window still features original glass and terrific detail.

King Louis XIII.

Symetry is found everywhere.

Another view of the North Rose Window, during Sunday Mass

  Please don't forget - use the buttons below to "share" this post with your friends before you move on. Thanks! And join me next time for a tour around the exterior of this enormous and beautiful cathedral!