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 Everything comes to an end and even if I had a wonderful time in the US, it's now time to go back to my hometown. If everything goes well, I'll be in the plane to Paris when you see this photo! It shows the horse of the main Hermès shop at rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré. I just like the angle of this photo and the shadows it makes on the gray sky. Of all the French brands, I think Hermès is my favorite one: it's expensive but the quality is really there and the good taste too (now I talk like my mother!!!)
 Not far from where I took yesterday's photo, there is a little passage called la Galerie Royale - off la rue Royale - that I never knew of and that I discovered while wandering in the neighborhood. It's a place I recommend if you're near rue Royale (where the famous macaron maker Ladurée is located!) and should you want to have a drink on a quiet terrace. The buildings are really beautiful (as you can see in the photo) and the passage has kept its original flavour (the rue Royale was built in 1758). PS: if you are in New York and want to meet me next week, please check this forum entry.
 More towers, yes, but no more like this! As a matter of fact, the next tower that is going to be built in Paris will have very little to do with that kind of quick and dirty 70ish cheap skyscraper - nor with the Montparnasse style tower! - but with a stunning, ambitious architectural project. It will be called "Le triangle", will be located in the 15th arrondissement and will be more like a "vertical city" (in which you'll find apartments, offices, cafés, gardens...) than anything else. It's just a project for the time being, but I really hope it will be built. Have a look at this little video, I'm sure you will agree ;)
 I've been passing by this beautiful industrial building for several weeks now and I have been willing to photograph it for a long time. Last night, I did! It's called Le Losserand (because it's located rue Losserand) and it's an old sub power station built in the 20's, that has been turned into offices this year. The interesting story is that its architect, Emmanuel Saadi, embedded no less than 45 000 solar cells in it, in order to produce some electricity (about 70 80kW/h, which is not much, but better than nothing!). The other interesting part is that they kept its old original structure, its stones in particular, called Meulières and very typical of Paris.
 I came across this unexpected photo shoot yesterday (Friday) on my way back from a meeting in the 8th arrondissement. I could have you guess where these two guys were standing but I won't play games with you ;) As you can see in this broader view, they were on top of... the Opera. I'll probably never know why they were there (probably a photo for a fashion designer or something) but I could not help but stopping my scooter and take the photo. That is all for today. I've had a tough week, I deserve a little rest! Have a good weekend too.
 Every year since 1984, on the 3rd weekend of September the Journées du Patrimoine (heritage days) take place. During 2 days, a lot of buildings that are usually closed to the public open their doors to the average citizen. About 15,000 architectural masterpieces (public and private) can then be visited throughout France. Needless to say that some (like L'Elysée, the home of the President of the Republic) are more visited than others... I had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of one of the largest French bank: La Société Générale (yes, the one where famous trader Jérôme Kerviel used to work!), located on Boulevard Haussmann. What you see here is the entrance to the safes. The door that protects them can be seen on the making of together with other details. PS: since 1991 other countries in Europe take part in the Heritage days; more info here.
 On the eastern side of Paris there is a massive fortress with an impressive donjon called Le Château de Vincennes. It may not be as big and prestigious as the one of Versailles, but it's definitely worth a visit (it's easy to get there by metro). At the origin - in 1150! - it was just a simple hunting lodge (built for Louis the VIIth) and then it was turned into a castle over the centuries - including a large moat in which several people (such as spy Mata Hari, Duke of Enghien and Nazi hostages) were executed. The photo I took last night shows the main entrance door (you can have a global look of the Château lay out on the official site).
 Remember last week's photo in La Défense with the human butterfly? Well, I told you I would show you a few other shots that I took there at the same time. Here is one that I love. The guy is actually on the rooftop (click here for a broader view) of one of the oldest buildings in the area (inaugurated in 1958) : le Cnit (for Centre des nouvelles industries et technologies). It was a very modern building at that time, but now, even after a complete renewal in the late 80s, it still needs some work...
BTW, I finally managed to upload the full length version of the picnic video. If you're interested, it's here.
 It's been a while since I posted a touristy photo, so here you go! I took it Saturday evening, on my way back from the 7th arrondissement where I had dinner. This beautiful building is called Les Invalides, and it was built in 1674 to shelter wounded and old soldiers. In 1676, it was decided to add a church to the building (you can see its dome in the middle). Today the Invalides is still a hospital (it's been renewed since it was built!) and a museum where you can see Napoleon's tomb.
 Not much to learn today, just a nice effect of table and chairs in the courtyard of l' Hôtel de Poulpry, a house that was built in 1640 then acquired by le marquis de Poulpry in 1766. It now belongs to... la Maison des Polytechniciens, a company that rents the place for seminars, cocktails, weddings... It's also the place where alumni from L'Ecole Polytechnique (one of the most prestigious schools in France) can gather on special occasions.
 I don't know if you remember this photo that I took about a year ago. I went back to the same street today and found out that this amazing building, built in 1891, is falling apart. Mind you, looking at the old photo I could have seen it coming, for there were several cracks on the wall already! Anyway, nice and sunny day in Paris, I had a nice time walking around the Bastille area.I hope you have nice Sunday everyone, wherever you are in the world!
 I don't know if it happens to you, but sometimes, when I drive by a street scene and I think to myself: "this has a good chance of making a nice photo". That is exactly what I thought to myself when I passed by this school (I guess it's a school, I am not 100% sure) near the river banks in the lower 16th arrondissement (Quai Saint Exupéry, more precisely). I love the color, the geometry and the disposition of the various objects and people. It's cold in Paris, but I'm glad it's Le Weekend!
 Anyone who's been to Paris also knows the facade of the old opera house, also known as Le Palais Garnier (after the architect who built it). Well, I chose to show you a particular angle of it; its entrance floor... Less spectacular, but more original! This stunning building was completed in 1874 and has been renewed several times since then (starting with electricity in 1969!!). I love it because it's the symbol of the magnificence of Paris during the 19th century. Since we're talking opera, here is a little extract of La Juive by Halevy, sung by my favorite Tenor: Roberto Alagna. La Juive was the opera that was given the day they inaugurated this opera house.
 I could have shown you the beautiful house that stands at this number, but on a second thought, I found that this was more beautiful and intriguing. It actually looks like this photo was taken in Provence, in the South of France whereas I took it in the 11th arrondissement, boulevard Richard Lenoir. Apparently it shelters the office of and architect and an interior designer; lucky them. Have a nice weekend everyone, and don't forget, on October 1st a new theme day is coming up!
 My loyal readers, I thought it was about time I showed you a photo of my house... Pretty cool, no? I know, it might look a little ostentatious to you, but I like it and, in fact, it's much cosier than what it looks! OK, OK, yes, it's not my house, it is the main building of the Augustus Rodin museum (yes, Rodin, again!). It was formerly the Hôtel Biron, built between 1728 and 1730 by Jean Aubert, the same architect who built the Chateau at Chantilly. Rodin agreed to leave all of his works to the French state in exchange for a building of its own. After finally agreeing through an act in Parliament, this building became the resting place for Rodin's work and was opened in 1919. And that will be my last photo on Rodin for while, I promise!
 Today's post is dedicated to all Samanthas, Samuels, Samsons... Did you know your name was displayed on top of a building in the middle of Paris? OK, I'm kidding, maybe it's only the first 3 letters of the sign on top of this building ;) - I'm off to Oslo until Tuesday but I'll check PDP regularly, of course!
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