7th district
DISABLED
Gros-Caillou
invalids
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Military school
Maillol Museum
Eiffel Tower
The Iron Lady has caused a lot of ink to flow from the top of its 324 meters. Polemics, debates, quarrels animated his beginnings to give way to admiration. In quotes or in songs, what would Paris be without her?
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If we knocked her upside down, feet in the air? Alphonse Allais (1854-1905), beak in the air.
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“Shepherd, O Eiffel Tower, the herd of bridges bleats this morning.” Guillaume Apollinaire (1880-1918),Alcohols Poems 1898-1913.
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"The Eiffel Tower is like a naked woman, without her clothes, with at most makeup." Olivier Delahaye, The smooth belly.
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"Look, object, symbol, the Tower is all that man puts in it, and this everything is infinite. Spectacle watched and watched, useless and irreplaceable building, familiar world and heroic symbol, witness of a century and monument forever new, inimitable and constantly reproduced object, it is the pure sign, open to all times, to all images and to all senses, the unbridled metaphor; through the Tower, men exercise this great function of the imaginary , which is their freedom, since no story, however dark, has ever been able to take it away from them." Roland Barthes,Eiffel Tower, 1964
Les lights July 14 fireworks. Eiffel Tower
Monument to Human Rights
The Human Rights monument was commissioned by the City of Paris in 1989 to celebrate the bicentenary of the French Revolution.
It is one of the most intriguing monuments in Paris. Well hidden in a side alley of the Champ de Mars, nobody pays much attention to it, one wonders why it was installed in this precise place. Its architecture and its cold appearance do not attract visitors. However, this block of concrete is not lacking in interest because it conceals, for insiders, many secrets engraved on its four walls.
The Quai Branly Museum - Jacques Chirac
The Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, nestling at the foot of the majestic Eiffel Tower, is a place that amazes lovers of art and culture from all over the world. Once known by a long-winded name that seemed to encompass every continent, the museum was renamed in honour of the former French president. And what a setting it provides for its collection of nearly 300,000 works! Architect Jean Nouvel rose to the challenge, creating a bold edifice that blends modernity and elegance, where every object on display finds its place in an artistic setting. Get ready for a journey through the arts and civilisations, discovering a cultural heritage of infinite richness.
The Rodin Museum
Le Baiser Auguste Rodin (1840 -1917)
Le Penseur Auguste Rodin (1840 -1917)
Le Baiser Auguste Rodin (1840 -1917)
The Rodin Museum, a veritable sanctuary dedicated to the art of the great sculptor, is housed in a sumptuous 18th-century town house. It was here, within these walls steeped in history, that Rodin chose to reside during his final years. His vision was clear: to bequeath his incredible work to the French state and make it available to the public. Thus was born the Musée Rodin in 1919, a magical place where the master's masterpieces, such as The Thinker and The Kiss, have pride of place. A visit to the museum is like a journey through the artist's creative process, with plaster casts revealing the evolution of his works. The chronological and thematic tour highlights Rodin's personal treasures, such as his photographs and antiques. The museum also has some moving surprises in store, including works by Camille Claudel, the visionary sculptor's muse and lover. An intoxicating artistic experience that plunges us into the intimate world of the great Rodin.
Hotel invalid
Hôtel des Invalides depuis le toit du Grand Palais
Hôtel des Invalides depuis le toit du Grand Palais
The Hôtel des Invalides, a monument to heroism and duty, has stood proudly since it was built in 1671. At the instigation of Louis XIV, this imposing structure was built to help invalid soldiers who had lost all their resources after fighting valiantly for France. Designed by the combined talents of Libéral Bruant, Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Robert de Cotte, this prestigious building remains one of the architectural gems of Paris. Although it is now occupied by various organisations belonging to different ministries, the Hôtel des Invalides still retains its original function as a hospital-hospice for valiant servicemen wounded or maimed in the service of their country. It houses the Musée de l'Armée, the Musée des Plans-Reliefs and the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération, offering visitors a fascinating insight into military history. The two churches, the Église du Dôme, where the tomb of Napoleon I lies, and the Église Saint-Louis des Invalides, add a touch of solemnity to this majestic complex. Over time, the Hôtel des Invalides has been restored and embellished, restoring this exceptional site to its former glory thanks to a vast programme launched in 1981 under the aegis of an inter-ministerial commission. As a result, this fortress steeped in history now offers the public all its rediscovered splendour, bearing witness to the greatness and courage of those who valiantly defended our nation.
Residents of the Invalides
L’âge lui a modelé un visage hors du temps, hors même de la trame de l’Histoire dans laquelle la vie l’a pourtant plongé avec violence. L’image d’abord, s’impose à tous. Hiératique, sculptée, choisissant avec goût des couleurs souvent éclatantes, elle défie le temps. Statufiée ? surtout pas ! Les pommettes hautes, l’œil agile, toujours entourée, elle évoque plus une princesse des steppes qui se serait trompée de film qu’une vieille dame
Marcel Haro Il n’a plus qu’un trésor, son album photo. Il a même réussi à faire un autoportrait pendant une préparation d’artillerie dans le Tonkin, quelques minutes avant qu’il parte à l’attaque. Ces images rythment sa vie, elles en sont les bornes qu’il peut voir de loin. Sa (jolie) femme et son mariage en 1952, avant qu’il n’embarque en Indochine. Et surtout son char Renault B 1 bis, son « Normandie » qu’il pilotait en tête du défilé donné en l’honneur du roi George VI en 1938...
L’âge lui a modelé un visage hors du temps, hors même de la trame de l’Histoire dans laquelle la vie l’a pourtant plongé avec violence. L’image d’abord, s’impose à tous. Hiératique, sculptée, choisissant avec goût des couleurs souvent éclatantes, elle défie le temps. Statufiée ? surtout pas ! Les pommettes hautes, l’œil agile, toujours entourée, elle évoque plus une princesse des steppes qui se serait trompée de film qu’une vieille dame
Travel diary of Jacques Bravo & Francois Pédron
This is indeed a road book because we discovered a world unknown to us, so millions of French people who pass in front of the architectural site without doubt the human wealth it houses.
This clearly identified project turned out to be even more exciting than expected. For two months we have approached with circumspection and respect and our vision has changed: there is so much to say and show, through images and words.
We were welcomed with the greatest loyalty and little by little, over the meetings, our status changed spontaneously. The general practitioner introduced us first as "journalists", then the directors of a book, these last days when he preceded us in a room, he announced to us: "they are friends". Which gives all its meaning to the work undertaken. Impossible to remain not indifferent, but simply distant. We are now involved in these pages of human history. Men of good will, they are all like this marvelous Phillip Jackson whose father was a volunteer from 1915, resistant in 1942, deported, died under the eyes of his son. Death for France and the most beautiful idea of Liberty. Like Jacques Beaugé who sacrificed himself at El Alamein to save his fellow soldiers. Who pleads for a life justified by an invincible faith, while he has been blind and deprived of both hands for more than sixty years. It has become a reference all over the world. Like Madeleine Aylmer-Roubenne, camp companion of Geneviève de Gaulle, animated by the same energy. . And it is also these extraordinary women who come every day to a husband they pamper, like Madame Mazier has presented every afternoon for thirty years. Each resident, 'guest' as the very subtle Victor Altabert puts it with a smile, is an essential fragment of our history. What we want to bear witness to – more and more every day – since we have the privilege of approaching them. It is a look that will no longer have an object in a few years. The time of remembrance will not wait.
To have the full story on these residents of the Invalides:
https://www.jacquesbravo.com/hymne-a-la-vie
The new banks of the Seine at 7th
Maillol Museum
The new banks of the Seine in the 7th arrondissement are a real haven of peace in the heart of Paris. Formerly reserved for car traffic, these banks have been redeveloped to the delight of walkers and strollers. From now on, it is a convivial and animated space which extends along the Seine, offering an impregnable view on the magnificent quays and the emblematic monuments of the capital. The banks are dotted with carefully maintained gardens, welcoming benches where it is pleasant to sit and lively cafes where you can enjoy a good coffee while admiring the ballet of the boats. Sports enthusiasts are not left out, as many spaces are dedicated to the practice of physical activities, whether running, cycling or even outdoor yoga. The new banks of the Seine are a place of life where relaxation, culture and joie de vivre mingle, offering an enchanted interlude in the whirlwind of Paris.
The Musée Maillol, nestled in the tangled streets of Paris, is an ode to the sculptural beauty of the 20th century. Like a symphony of forms and materials, Maillol's works soar, revealing the power of human expression frozen in marble and bronze. Each sculpture, crafted with exquisite delicacy, seems to capture the ephemeral momentum of life, immortalising bodies in motion or faces imbued with striking emotion. In these rooms, time slips away, giving way to a silent dialogue between the viewer and the departed artist. It is here that Maillol's eternal presence unfolds, like a rhapsodic sculptor revealing the depths of the human soul through his unchanging creations. From the coldness of the marble emerges the warmth of a captivating humanity, touching us to the very depths of our being, reminding us that art is the timeless echo of our human condition. The Musée Maillol, a jewel box of sculpted poetry, offers us a journey of initiation to the heart of the essence of art and human destiny.
Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Médaille-Miraculeuse
The Notre-Dame-de-la-Médaille-Miraculeuse chapel is one of the top 10 most visited places in Paris! This discreet little chapel, nestling in the heart of Paris's 7th arrondissement, is home to an unsuspected treasure. The Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Médaille-Miraculeuse is a haven of peace where the faithful gather, seeking comfort and hope. The faded walls, witness to countless murmured prayers, tell tales of miracles and fulfilled expectations. The candles flicker softly, illuminating the moved faces of believers as they lay their burdens at the feet of the Virgin Mary. The atmosphere here is intimate, far removed from artifice and ostentation. Here, miracles are not measured in grandeur, but in simplicity and authenticity. People come here with their miraculous medals and time-worn rosaries, seeking comfort in the silences they share. Jacques Prévert would no doubt have found material for poetic reflections on faith and humility, on the ability of human beings to find hope in the darkest of times.
With Madeleine,Every detail counts"
215 Bd Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris
215 Bd Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris Nisi dominus cutsodierit domu frustra vicilat qui Custodit eam -"A moins que le maître ne protège la maison, celui qui la garde souffrira en vain"
215 Bd Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris
In front of the entrance to the College of Engineering, which strangely evokes the spellbinding atmosphere of Hogwarts, that famous school of witchcraft and wizardry, Madeleine takes an interest in a motto engraved in Latin on the façade. The newly-arrived student, the ignoramus, refers us to the motto of the school, which once counted Elisabeth Borne, our Prime Minister, among its pupils, which is as follows: "Qui agit intellegit" - "Who acts understands". It's an enigmatic maxim that resonates like a spell, encouraging everyone to take action in order to better understand. In Madeleine's passionate quest for detail, an innate talent nurtured by her work with visually impaired visitors whom she accompanies, she reveals herself to be an expert in the subtle art of describing shapes and colours to those deprived of sight, painting mental images. In the Rue du Bac district, where elegant facades and architectural ornamentation abound, Madeleine tracks down every architectural detail. The street is a showcase for French savoir-faire: the delights of chocolate, the elegance of shoes, the preciousness of jewellery and the finesse of interior design. Walking with her, visitors are immersed in the very essence of French art, woven of refinement and elegance. Further on, we come to a mansion steeped in history, where Chateaubriand once lived. The man who runs an antiques shop next door, looking as fascinating as his treasures, discreetly whispers in our ear that this majestic residence is now owned by one of the richest men in the world, François Pinault. In his shop, a sort of cabinet of curiosities run by the talented Pierre Farman, grandson of the famous record-breaking aviator Dick Farman, reveals some extraordinary treasures. Here we discover some astonishing objects: propellers and aircraft engines carefully dismantled and then reworked, polished, magnified, almost sculpted, so much so that they emanate a radical beauty. These metamorphoses transform them into veritable works of art. Among them, our gaze is irrevocably captivated by one of these exceptional pieces. Is it the work of the famous Brancusi? Our wanderings end in the courtyard of the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Médaille-Miraculeuse, a peaceful, discreet enclave, yet one of the ten busiest places in Paris. Fifteen or so nuns, just arrived from Guadeloupe, stand still in mysterious contemplation. Their serene faces betray the special attention they will give to this Visitation, this privileged moment of communion with the ineffable.
Orsay Museum
Despite its young age, the Musée d'Orsay has a much longer history. It has not escaped the vicissitudes of time, and goes back much further than its foundation: palace, railway station, warehouse, auction house... Since 1810, it has known many other destinies than that of a simple exhibition space! Built in the space of 28 years under Napoleon I, the Palais d'Orsay was originally intended to house the Council of State and the Court of Auditors. It fulfilled this function for around thirty years, but suffered a disastrous fate in 1871: at the height of the Paris Commune, the building was set on fire by insurgents. This fire was described by Zola in La Débâcle as "the most immense, the most enormous and the most appalling". The ravaged palace was never rebuilt and remained in ruins for almost thirty years. It was then, in 1977, that the idea was born to transform this site steeped in history into a museum dedicated to the art of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Under the leadership of the architect Gae Aulenti, a veritable metamorphosis took place, giving rise to the Musée d'Orsay as we know it today. The Musée d'Orsay is much more than just a museum. It is a journey through time, a place where the elegance of the architecture, the beauty of the works on display and the emotion that emanates from each room combine. Masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Degas and so many others find their home here. Visitors stroll between the canvases, stopping in front of the sculptures, soaking up the artistic atmosphere that reigns here.
The right stuff: Taxidermy at the Maison Deyrolle
The unassuming brown frontage of Deyrolle on rue du Bac hides one of Paris's weirdest treasures, a vast collection of stuffed animals, preserved insects and impaled butterflies that's more like a cabinet of curiosities than a shop. Deyrolle, which opened at this address in 1888, was once a magnet for thrillseeking Surrealists such as André Breton and Salvador Dalí, and its still flocks of exotic birds, prides of motionless big cats and rows of jewel-like butterflies continue to cast their intriguing spell over visitors and customers alike.
Le Bon Marché
Intérieur du Bon Marché pendant les fêtes de Noël
Intérieur du Bon Marché pendant les fêtes de Noël
Intérieur du Bon Marché pendant les fêtes de Noël
Interior of the Bon Marché during the Christmas holidays
Hotel Lutetia
Built in 1910 on the initiative of Madame Boucicaut, owner of the Bon Marché "so that its important provincial customers could be accommodated in a nearby establishment corresponding to their lifestyle, when they came to do their shopping in Paris", the Hotel Lutetia is an Art Nouveau hotel with one of the first Art Deco style bars, including a rural fresco by Adrien Karbowsky. Its proximity to the National Assembly and the Senate also led it to be popular with provincial parliamentarians and colonial officials passing through Paris.
Military School & Equestrian Statue of Marshal Joffre
At the end of the Champ-de-Mars park, you arrive in front of the impressive facade of the Military School, built during the reign of Louis XV. Today it brings together the organizations of higher military education, and can be visited on the occasion of Heritage Days. The realization of the Military School is due to the architect Ange Jacques Gabriel (1698-1782) built between 1751 and 1768 in the plain of Grenelle during the reign of Louis XV. The main entrance is on avenue de la Motte piquet, opposite the Champ de Mars with the Eiffel Tower at the other end. In 1751, King Louis XIV asked Ange-Jacques Gabriel to draw the plans for a larger and more grandiose building than the Hôtel des Invalides, already built by Louis XIV.