How I Saw Paris This Week (Part One)

I think it’s high time A French Frye in Paris got a recurring weekly segment. You guys deserve a dependable dose of Paris, and I’m apparently sick of the 11 minutes of free time I get each day.

With all the social media platforms out there, some of the photos I spend so much time nurturing and coddling get lost in the shuffle. And lots of them never make it onto the blog. So starting now, each Wednesday I’ll be recapping the photos I’ve put on social media the past week. Sort of a photo journal, I suppose.

If you already follow me on Facebook, Instagram, etc, you may see some repeats. But in these weekly recaps I’ll be adding captions with info or random thoughts that will be exclusive to this series. So there’s that. Enjoy and as usual hit me up in the comments!

This shop, Caractère de Cochon (3rd arr), is actually quite recent. But the owners have done such a brilliant job of recreating an antique atmosphere. Any place that hangs cured meats like Christmas garland has me at hello.
The Picasso Museum (3rd arr). One of many examples of how French museums don’t even need artwork on the walls to get my attention. There was a nice warm-and-cool thing happening in this photo.
Picasso Museum again. Anything could happen in those dark and moody corners!
Picasso Museum. This guy could turn anything into art, and I think the museum does a great job of highlighting that. You’ll see paintings, sculpture, engravings, found object creations, etc. As a guitar player this shot was close to my heart.
Place Vendome (1st arr). My family knows that my travel motto is “Always look up”, and Paris is a candy store when it comes to such things. This square always makes me think of Chopin, who lived and died here. I know he spent most of his time bent over a piano keyboard, but I wonder if he ever looked up at the same Vendome details as me.
The Passage des Princes doesn’t get as much love as the other covered passages of the 9th arrondissement. But it’s the best example of how they perfected the skylight rooftop of the 19th century. This shopping arcade was the last one built in Paris, and was an instant flop due to the arrival of department stores like Galeries Lafayette. Funny how one era’s reject can become another’s gem.
I’ve been amping up to do a blog post about Saint-Eustache Church (1st arr). But I took so many shots, it’s almost a liability because choosing the right ones for the article is a chore. (First World problem, I know.) Eventually I’ll sort it out and give you guys an in-depth look at this intriguing building. This is the keyboard of the church organ and it’s so rare to get close to one, I had to take this shot.
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Probably my favorite shot from this week’s blog post about the bistro Poulette (1st arr). How can you not love this contrast? It’s a sign of the times that you have equal chance in these modern gastro-pubs of grabbing a fresh juice or a stiff cocktail. If you missed this latest French Frye post, go check out “A Vignette of the Victorian Era Hiding in Central Paris”.
Also from this week’s post on Poulette. I just love the quietude of this shot, and the muted antique colors of it all. It makes me want to take a deep breath. And I’m always in the market for one of those.

*Don’t forget if you want to catch these photos in real time as I post them, follow me on Facebook or Instagram by scrolling down further. Have a good one!

28 comments

    • Thank you David, I appreciate that. It’s not easy to get unique shots of Paris these days, and I revel in the challenge to do so. I’m glad you’re enjoying a look at the more “personal” side of the city. Take care!

  • Delighted to know that you will be posting regularly on Wednesday! I enjoy your photos and comments – my husband and I visit Paris yearly, and your work enriches each visit as we see in person what you have photographed and written about. Merci!

    • That’s wonderful to hear Wanda, thank you. I know what you mean, dreaming of something in a foreign city and then seeing it in person…there’s no better feeling. I also get that buzz when I see a famous painting in a museum. Thanks for your comment and for following along.

  • You’ve started off Wednesdays with a bang. Each photo invites a comment, but for the moment I’ll keep them in my head. I guess, distilled, it’s the subtle and not as subtle contrasts in each.

    • Thanks Lee. I look forward to giving you a fresh set of perspectives each week! And yes contrast is one thing that really interests me: light and dark, warm and cool, quiet and busy….

  • “This guy could turn anything into art.” Ditto for you and your photos, Corey. So thrilled to hear I’ll be seeing even more of them!

  • OK Corey, that does it: I’m booking a trip stat. I missed the Picasso Museum in 2014 (reopening was delayed) and your photos have cemented my resolve to see it.

    Also, I look forward to your weekly reviews. Great idea and one that I appreciated.

    • Yay Barbra, I’m glad I could send a bit of Paris inspiration your way! I’m excited about this new feature and I can’t wait to share future weeks’ worth of photos. When you do make it over here, drop me a line if you’re interested in touring part of the city with me. Take care!

  • Bonjour Corey, thanks for the ‘double dose’ :), never tire of seeing photos and introductions to new places in Paris. Have a nice day and discover more … Penny

  • Corey I depend on your beautiful photos to keep me connected to that well of emotion and excitement Paris inspires in me– until I can visit again!
    Merci beaucoup!!

  • Love your photographs. I too was told many years ago by an architect to ‘always look up’ and in the darkest corners or you’ll miss the best and the most interesting sights to be seen.

    • Yes that is great advice Maureen! I have to remind myself of it from time to time. Thanks for your kind words and especially for sharing this post. I appreciate the support!

  • Wonderful, Maestro! Sharing immédiatement with the French Girl in Seattle Facebook community. They already know you, and they will just love this! Merci, Corey. — Veronique (a.k.a. French Girl in Seattle)

  • Your photography captivates me. I love how you play with “light and dark, warm and cool, quiet and busy”. There is a mystifying quality to your photos that transports me right into the heart of each one. When I arrive in Paris, a city I have longed to visit all my life, I would relish taking a tour with “French Frey”! I know from your art and passion for Paris that it will be one of my most treasured experiences. Thank you.

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