Medici Fountain #2: Green-eyed monster

 

The one-eyed hulk Polyphemus, who's been stalking the nymph Galatea, sneaks up to find her in the arms of Acis, her lover, and flies into a rage.

 

 

Medici Fountain

The Fontaine Médicis a magical oasis in the Jardin du Luxembourg is crowned by an enormous sculpture that's often mistaken for Poseidon but in fact is Poseidon's son Polyphemus, the Cyclops.

Crayon art

Almost every surface inside this rue des Beaux-Arts gallery including the front door is covered in scribblings.

 

At the reception: helium balloons, home-made lemonade, cookies - for adults

Pain Poilâne

The wood-fired brick ovens at Poilâne's small original Left Bank boulangerie work round the clock turning out thousands of signature rustic loaves daily.

Giant bubbles

Giant bubbles float across the expansive square in front of l'Hôtel-de-Ville.

Pastries to perfumes

Ladurée has teamed up with Nina Ricci to create fragrances to go with its macarons.

Making a splash

An effervescent fountain in a courtyard of the Louvre is contrasted against the darkness of the building behind.

Place Dauphine

Place Dauphine reflected in the windows of a restaurant where photographs of Simone Signoret and Yves Montand, who lived next door, decorate a wall.

Pursed lips

The beguiling bag that's been taking Left Bank fashionistas by storm is signed Sonia Rykiel.

Room with a view

The sitting room of this top floor flat opens onto a balcony with majestic views, a perfect spot for an evening apéritif.

Victor is watching

A bust of Victor Hugo keeps an eye on this unusual family run bookshop.

Orange alert

Striking in bright orange garb they depart in single file.

A terrace lunch

Clockwise: sweet green peppers grilled in bacon; heirloom tomatoes in olive oil w/garlic toasts; roasted duck breast on bed of caramelized onions tartines; pickled vegetables

(Not shown: smoked salmon grain mustard cream tartines; chilled green pea soup w/fresh mint; red wines from Bergerac)

Barrel tables were pushed together so we could all sit together and share.

 

Dessert: pain perdu, forerunner of French Toast, served w/home-made vanilla (bean) ice cream; espressos

Night rain

 

Early this morning I was struck by the peacefulness of this square, still wet after a night shower.

The end of the street

The final curtain for "Graffiti Street," an ever-evolving Belleville legend that became a creative heartbeat of Paris, has fallen. It was a rare free-for-all where anyone armed with a spray can could unleash - no stress, no looking over their shoulder - just pure unfiltered art that was forever shifting with fresh colors and bold tags. Today, Paris bids farewell to a living canvas that captured the city's rebellious spirit. - BPJ 

 

Good news update 2025:

Thanks to neighborhood initiatives that have kept it going, the paint's still wet.

 

Rue Dénoyez 75020

Un café serré SVP

This tiny bit of coffee packs a punch and, in its tiny way, has come to symbolize the Parisian lifestyle.

More Fornasetti

With the Fornasetti retrospective winding up in less than a week I couldn't resist posting two more of my favorite photographs from this don't-miss exhibition.

A summer wine

Back in season, French rosés are showing up everywhere, even on supermarket shelves.

Old-fashioned lace

 

Delicate French lace fills this Right Bank shop, conjuring visions of parlor gatherings and summer garden parties à la Renoir and Manet.

Rose door

The interplay of tree shadows on a polished wooden door.

French macarons

I am unable to pass Gérard Mulot's rue Bonaparte shop without being lured inside and picking something up.
 

Real French macarons aren't nearly as sweet as expected.

Square Édouard-VII

In Paris, turning a corner can stop you in your tracks.

Above: a theater and just beyond, Square Édouard-VII