Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Sacred and the Secular

Here's my teaser.  Stay with me to the end of the post for a further explanation.
 
We began the day on the  Ile de la Cite with a visit to St. Chapelle.  When my mother and I were last here (1979) I think we were the only two people in the chapel.  It used to be a hidden gem of Paris, and off the radar of most tourists.  That is certainly not the case any longer.

I love St. Chapelle (1239-1248) as it is one of the few churches where the original artwork decorating the walls and ceiling is still evident. Louis VX commissioned it to hold the relics he'd brought back from the Crusades including the Crown of Thorns. 

The stained glass windows each tell a different story - Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Kings, etc., as well as the story of the life of King Louis VX.  The chapel was built by him for him and his family (he sat in a separate alcove removed from his mother and wife).  St. Chapelle is an exceptional work of art in so many ways. 

Notre Dame is just a short walk from St. Chapelle, so we headed there next.
 
It is probably most famous for its gargoyles and it's Rose Windows.
 
Here's a detail of one.
 
The cathedral is celebrating it's 850th birthday.  The organ is getting a tune-up, as are the steeple bells (Quasimodo would be so pleased!).
 
This little sparrow was perched on a statue near the door as we left.
 
Near the Cite metro stop there is a flower market.
It was not busy today, so it was pleasant to stroll around and look at all the plants.  The Parisians love to garden and there are garden shops everywhere.  I've noticed lots of rooftop gardens and most folks have a window box at the vary least.
 
Our last stop of the day.  The haberdashery department of Le Bon Marche department store. What a joy! Buttons, and beads, and yarn, and fabric, and ribbons, and zippers, and notions, and DMC, and Sajou silks.  As you can see from the first picture in the post, I treated myself - because really, who could not?
 
Le Bon Marche is amazing!  A department store that is still truly a department store.  The book department puts our Barnes and Noble to shame with literature from around the world.  You're inclined to read the latest book from Norway or Germany - no problem.  There was an amazing stationary store, restaurants on every level, and the men's department included a barber!  It was staffed to the gills - everyone wearing black of course.

20 comments:

Jodi S said...

Wow you must have been in heaven! I wouldn't have been able to resist either. How could you. I have a pair of Sajou scissors on my wish list. I am enjoying seeing all of your beautiful pics!

The Inspired Stitcher said...

Swoon! Now I really, really wish I was with you. Who knew Bon Marche had such wonderful things?! I'm putting this on the list for the next trip to Paris. Wonderful! Simply wonderful!

Margaret said...

Oh so wonderful! Thanks for all the pics and explanations! That haberdashery department is to die for! I love that little Sajou box!

pam said...

What a wonderful day! Now I want to go to Bon Marche at the least.

backporchcarver said...

Beautiful stained glass and oh my what beautiful art. I am so happy you are willing to share with us as I am not a traveler at all.If I could blink and be there the first palce I would go would be the Bon Marche!Lovely.

Annette-California said...

OMG!!! I just now have tuned in - YOUR IN EUROPE!!! Okay I am going to spend most of this day with you on your blog and R E A D everyword about your trip..Where have I been??? I am going back now to find the beggining (and I will don't worry). LOVE LOVE the photos!!! My jaw dropped when I saw your box and threads:)))) GOOD GIRL!
love Annette

Ann at Beadlework. said...

Sajou accessories are so "French" - I love them. My favourite stitching scissors are Sajou. You've excelled yourself today with your photos Beth.

cucki said...

Wow what a fun day..thank you so much for such sweet pictures..
Hugs x

Maggee said...

So, I was behind a few posts again...Somedays I just don't get on the computer when I get home... But I am all caught up now, and you are in an entirely different country! Ha! How neat that you have any apartment, tho that might just be how they do extended stays. Love all the pictures of the sights (churches, statues, gardens, birds...) and appreciate you spending the time to share with us! Have more fun! Hugs!

Melody said...

the shop sounds divine. what fun it must have been to browse through everything!!

Pam in IL said...

Another fun day! I would have treated myself too. I love that you still found a cute little bird to include in your pics too.

Barb said...

This has been such an amazing trip!! The Churches take you breath away.Then to end at that wonderful Bon Marche. Plus the flowers, you really make me wont to go see England and France!

MartyG said...

I am really enjoying reading all about your trip. I would love to hear about how you booked your apartments and are planning out your days. You are doing really fun things. MartyG

Annette-California said...

I have now finished reading all your remarkable posts. I'm in awe of your photography and all the beautiful places your visiting. The churches truly take my breath away. I can't begin to Thank you for sharing while on your trip - W O W!!! And your pretty stitching will be great remembrances of where you were when you stitched them. love Annette

Carol said...

Oh, such gorgeous images, Beth!! And that department store--oh, I would have felt like I was in heaven!! I'm glad you treated yourself to some goodies. I'll bet it was hard to tear yourself away :)

Kellie from Indiana said...

Thank you for sharing your trip abroad so those of us that cannot can enjoy vicariously!

Vickie said...

ooOoo! Such beauty in those churches.
I may have squealed in that store!!

Athena at Minervas Garden said...

What a perfect day, Beth! That amazing stained glass, the gargoyles, the beautiful little bird, and what a totally cool Bon Marche--wow! Just loving your travel adventure posts!

Susan said...

What a wonderful day! I would still be standing looking at the stained glass - it is all so beautiful. Beautiful silks! You showed admirable restraint in buying only those!

Melanie said...

So so so cool. I was just reading about St. Chapelle last week (no fooling - I've been reading art history textbooks lately for fun LOL) and its so awesome to see your photos of it. The book doesn't have nearly enough of it in there. It is amazing to me how intricate the architecture is for something that dates back to the 1,200's and that it is still here for us to enjoy.
I really miss department stores like that. 'Five and Dime' style.