Window Wednesday

A parasol fades into soft pastels.

 

Table Tuesday

 

Paris doesn't wait for spring.

Above: a table and chairs brought out at the appearance of sunshine

 

Miam Monday

 

Today is the Feast of La Chandeleur - The Day of the Crêpe

Above: caramel heaven on a plate

***

 While enjoying crêpes at a local crêperie is tempting (and better than not having crêpes at all), the proper way to celebrate La Chandeleur is to make them yourself at home. Tradition holds that the crêpes should be flipped skillfully, ideally holding a gold coin (or any coin for luck and wealth) in your left hand while tossing the crêpe with your right. If you don’t get that first flip right - it breaks, folds, drops on the floor, sticks to the ceiling, lands in the dog's bowl - it's seen as an omen for the year ahead, while a clean flip is said to bring prosperity for the coming year. Subsequent crêpes are flipped just for fun, without the same high-stakes superstition attached. Often the pan is then passed around for everyone to try their hand at dramatic flips (and laugh when they inevitably go wrong). If, knowing all this, you're still game, grab a pan, a coin, and give it a try. Whether they land like pros or end up as "creative shapes," it's all part of the magic. - BPJ 

 - Bon Appétit and Bonne Chandeleur -

Sovereign Saturday

Today is officially the last day to claim your throne.

Le Pain Retrouvé

18 rue des Martyrs. 75009 

 

[Also at many other bakeries throughout the city]

Flashback Friday

Come on spring. We know you're just around the corner.

💐 

Throwback Thursday

 

 

Twilight mingling in the Renoir Gardens.

 

From Opening

 École de Paris (Marek Roefler Collection)

 

 Musée de Montmartre

12 rue Cortot 75018

 

Reminder:

Ends February 15, 2026

 

   

Wintry Wednesday

 

 

Place Dauphine in rare winter white in early January.

 

***

  

Last year FocusOnParis quietly passed its 10-year mark, and today, its 11th anniversary quietly arrived, and so quickly. What began as an experiment with an iPhone, a parenthetical activity inspired (and encouraged) by other photographers - as well as a way to make use of some of the countless photos I'd accumulated as I went about my days - has led to unexpected and rewarding experiences and lasting connections. Obviously I don’t post 98% of my life, and it takes me just minutes to post, usually in the morning over a second cup (the first is reserved for My French Half), and I can post/edit from anywhere: a café, a park bench, waiting in line for a chai latté, from my couch, while traveling. I appreciate and thank my many loyal visitors - including those who tiptoe around in wee hours their time - and look forward to posting more. And of course my thanks, always, to this beautiful city, my city, for the endless images it doesn't cease to offer up. - BPJ