24.11.11

Nothing special...

Leaving the street art inauguration (see previous post), I took a little walk in the area, looking for what I like a lot, the small hidden alleys and courtyards, sometimes behind more or less closed gates.

This area is to a great extent occupied by small workshops and shops dealing with wholesale of textiles, clothes…, as we can see on the top picture. Some old “boulangeries” have fortunately kept their design and decoration, but don’t sell any baguettes or croissants any more. But people also live here; many seem to use bikes for their local transport. (I don’t give any exact addresses here, as visits by strangers are sometimes more or less appreciated.)
There is also a small park, Square Maurice Gardette. Until about 1865 there was a slaughter-house here. You can see one of the few metal statues that survived WWII, when most of them were smelted down to make weapons, bullets…
In one of the streets a modest entrance gate indicates “Missionnaires de la Charité” (Missionaries of Charity), where you find a Paris branch of what was created by Mother Teresa.

33 comments:

Olivier said...

Paris est un vrai village vu par tes yeux, c'est superbe

Paris Paul said...

In Paris, even "nothing special" becomes something very special, especially when approached by you, dear Peter.

Nikon said...

It looks like a fabulous spot - very appealing.
Your photos make me want to be there (how many times have you heard that?).

Studio at the Farm said...

Love this posting, Peter. I so enjoy the out-of-the-way alleys and side streets. And you really have a good eye for photography.

Pierre BOYER said...

Très sympathique cette promenade,

Pierre

Cergie said...

Rien de spécial, disons que ce sont des miscellanées ; il me semble que tu es devenu invisible. Tu ne traverses pas encore les murs cependant, dis moi ?

Bettina said...

These hidden places are what makes Paris the greatest walking city in the world.
Once more; thanks for sharing your wonderful photos, Peter.

Lady Mondegreen's Secret Garden said...

Hoping I get to glimpse even a little of this aspect of Paris in a couple of weeks time. Strange though how my eye is drawn to the oh-so-familiar NZ cabbage tree (what are they called in French?) that tufted grass-like tree in the photo of the table tennis game.

Valerie said...

A delightful and charming collection of images - refreshing detours from the norm. Thank you for sharing these glimpses of a Paris few would even think to search out.

Adam said...

A friend of mine lives opposite that park. He says that there are quite often fights - between two rival groups of pétanque players!

Thérèse said...

Beaucoup de charme et de details sur ton blog aujourd'hui. C'est le charme infini de Paris pour ceux qui veulent bien faire l'effort de le parcourir comme tu sais si bien le faire.

Ruth said...

What you share is always special. Paris is special. And alleys are especially special, for the reasons you show here in your photos. Attention to detail is the way to live, and photograph.

Have a beautiful day. Thank you for being a grandparent role model, as I've enjoyed when you share about your grandkids over the years. They must be growing tall now!

sonia a. mascaro said...

Paris is always so beautiful Peter!
Principally through your eyes.
Thanks for sharing those wonderful pictures.

Ruby said...

Beautiful alleys and interesting pictures..

Shammickite said...

Oh, how I would love to be strolling those back alleys of Paris, trying very hard NOT to look like a tourist.

ladilettante said...

The little photo of the boulangerie with the turquoise curtains, sign and handbag is scrumptious.

I don´t know what´s in your photos that makes me feel "tan a gusto conmigo misma"

hpy said...

Ca fait "ancien".

Ash said...

Beautiful photos, that boulangerie looks lovely. I totally love the photo beneath it - the one with the Virginia creepers. Gorgeous!

Catherine said...

These little corners are fascinating to explore

Starman said...

Happy Holiday! (Even if it's not)

Jennifer Pearce said...

Always enjoy your posts - my favourite cities - Rome and Paris!

Shionge said...

specially quiet...very special for sure :D

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Interesting, as always.

claude said...

Moi aussi j'aime bien les petites rues et cours fleuries et verdoyantes. Ce sont les petits bijoux de la ville.
Le petit square a l'air sympa.

Alain said...

C'était le quartier des filatures (Oberkampf et sa toile de Jouy), il ne reste plus que les tricots Loriot.

Magda Machnicka said...

Thank you. Than you so much, Peter...

daijoji said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8cMShobshA&feature=related

Magda Machnicka said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8cMShobshA&feature=related

Cezar and Léia said...

Dear Peter!
Thanks for sharing your pictures.You always have something different to show us.I like a lot those narrow streets, but the sweet kitties are my favorite image of the day! :)
Have a great week ahead,
hugs
Léia

orvokki said...

Olet tosi taitava muodostamaan ihania kuvakollaaseja mielenkiintoisista asioista. :D

This is so lovely poster.
Have a nice next new week.
orvokki

Nathalie said...

Peter, toutes tes premières images montrent un Paris dont on a peine à croire qu'il existe encore. Quel charme incroyable !

Jeanie said...

Although the neighborhood is different, this reminds me a bit nostalgically of my friend Jerry's neighborhood on Rue du Temple. This may be a little more charming -- but still, it is a place where people live and work, have their pets. It's the thing I love seeing most in Paris.

Trotter said...

Everything special... ;)