The Place Vendôme, is a very famous spot in Paris, and though I never showed it on this blog (I did take a photo there once, though, but the place was not visible). What you mostly can see on this shot is the "Colonne Vendome" which was erected in 1810 by Napoleon to celebrate his army. Precisely, this column is made of 1,200 melted canons that were taken from Napoleon's enemies during his wars.
This just reminds me of French lessons at school - it was always "Ou est la place vendome s'il vous plait?" or la gare, la poste, la place de la concorde, strangely i don't remember learning to ask where the Eiffel Tower is. Presumably because you can easily see it! So, seeing this i'm back in the classroom. I like the viewpoint here in your photo.
ReplyDeleteI like how the sun reflects golden off those beautiful buildings, and the detail on the column - must see that close up. I assume that's Napoleon standing on top? What a lonely place to be... poor fellow.
ReplyDeleteSun-gilded early morning Paris looks appropriately "Ritzy" in that square.
ReplyDeleteA fantastic use of melted canon, and a great shot of Place Vendôme.
ReplyDeleteIt also shows how short and dark the Paris days are becoming at this time of the year.
This late morning shot could be mistaken for one taken at dawn.
Last time I was in Place Vendome I went inside The Ritz, out of curiosity.
ReplyDeleteI was checking their menu prices at the entrance, I remember the orange juice was about 14 euros. Well, it's The Ritz, so no surprise!
I love people gazing in front of the Ritz hotel. Monica - 14 euros for a glass of OJ?!!? Damn. I don't even spend one fourth of that for a whole half-gallon, and I buy a very good brand! Must be nice to have that kind of money to blow on a glass of OJ at the Ritz before hitting the Cartier store next door.
ReplyDeleteOh, Eric, and a slight little correction, it should be "that were take from Napoleon's enemies" (not "to Napoleon's enemies.")
Eric, I love the lighting in your photo, and thank you for the information on what the column is made from. That's fascinating. I did not visit La Place Vendome, but remember it from a Catherine Deneuve film by that name. In either the opening scenes or the closing credits the camera slowly pans the figures on this column. The background you give it brings so much meaning to it now. And Monica's mention that the Ritz is nearby gives me an idea of the neighborhood, too!
ReplyDelete-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo
:)
ReplyDeleteLove this square, I once walked by Catherine Deneuve entering Chaumet (her, not me!)... Just a shame it is not forbidden to cars ot drive around the colums. I'll be in Paris next week end and will for sure walk on Rue de la Paix and Place du Marche Saint Honore nearby, all just fro the beauty of it.
ReplyDeleteSi tu as toujours le fichier raw, un petit traitement hdr lui ferait du bien a cette photo.
ReplyDeleteI did too, immediately thought of Catherine Deneuve, when I saw this picture. But, of course, Audrey Hepburn also made a movie or two around there.
ReplyDeleteAnd to all those of you who seem to wish for Paris to become completely car free, you guys mean well, but remember, it *is* a city, after all, and people do need to get around, somehow, and so do garbage trucks, delivery trucks, etc...
I once worked at La Place Vendome. Athough I miss it and Paris so much (I'm now in Dubai), I do not miss working there!
ReplyDeleteJust a funny note on all of Napolean's statues, his back is always to his worst enemies, the British. I never checked on this fact but got it from a very knowledgable person.
Oh la la...La Place Vendome...and Charvet and all those beautiful ties and shirts!!! Sigh!!
ReplyDeleteFor my taste, too much sharpening applied.
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