A taste of the old times
Thursday, July 29, 2010 Posted by Eric Tenin
I took this photo in the upper part of La rue des Martyrs (the one part that is at beginning of the Butte Montmartre. It's a very traditional street, with old shops and active local life (and a few tourists too, yes!). It's been named that way after, - supposedly - Saint Denis, bishop of Paris in 250 AD, walked through it after he had just been beheaded (yes, you read it right after!). Actually he is said to have picked his head up and walked six miles after it was chopped off! See the whole story here.
July 29, 2010 12:58:00 AM GMT+02:00
charming....just charming.....
July 29, 2010 1:16:00 AM GMT+02:00
I love this shot!! It reminds me of an older French movie, most likely filmed in Black and White and directed by Truffaut or Godard. Perfect shot for this moody day! ;-)
July 29, 2010 1:34:00 AM GMT+02:00
Lovely. This is the Paris of dreams. Reminds me of "The Ballad of Lucy Jourdan," "At the age of 37, I realize I will never ride through Paris on the back of a motorcycle with the wind blowing through my hair." Well, I do have an active fantasy life.
July 29, 2010 1:44:00 AM GMT+02:00
Beautiful photo, Eric. Lovely colors. Like Tonton, this reminds me of an old movie location; what I imagine when I think of Paris.
And fascinating story of Saint Denis--thanks for sharing it. Next time I have a headache I know who to pray to!
July 29, 2010 2:34:00 AM GMT+02:00
Lovely......
July 29, 2010 2:51:00 AM GMT+02:00
Now there's a man who won't lose his head even in the most dire circumstances. They don't make men like that anymore. Really like the shot, by the way.
July 29, 2010 3:16:00 AM GMT+02:00
6 minutes, maybe. 6 miles... I don't think so. Nice shot, though.
I can date a shot like this because there was nothing sticking out of the sidewalks 20 some years ago, otherwise, it looks like a very traditional street.
July 29, 2010 5:39:00 AM GMT+02:00
interesting legend (& street to match). I love the bright colors.
July 29, 2010 6:52:00 AM GMT+02:00
The legend of Saint Denis is one of my favorites because its so funny.
I love the bright colors of the storefronts!
July 29, 2010 9:41:00 AM GMT+02:00
Miss Paris so much, so so much... :(
July 29, 2010 9:52:00 AM GMT+02:00
a ha got me I thought it was near the rue/ place Sainte -Marthe which has some very similar old shop fronts in a rainbow of colours.
Thanks for the St Denis story I always look for him on the doors of Cathederals as he is easy to spot sans tete .
July 29, 2010 10:28:00 AM GMT+02:00
Picture...YES!!!....Legend....NO!!!!....I am having breakfast each morning with PDP....and today just couldn't finish it....:)
July 29, 2010 11:59:00 AM GMT+02:00
Love the colours.
Amazing story - poor St Denis. I followed the link you gave - v interesting.
I miss Paris too.....
July 29, 2010 1:06:00 PM GMT+02:00
And thanks to the (famous) perspective, I also notice the artful way the cobbles are laid out. The whole thing is charming.
Rimabirdgirl -- I know what you mean. Darn those helmets laws anyway. :~}
July 29, 2010 2:17:00 PM GMT+02:00
Love the colors in this shot! -- Elizabeth
July 29, 2010 3:19:00 PM GMT+02:00
Um...EWW! That legend is kind of yucky. But the street! Oh, the street is lovely! (My house would be the purple one. I love it! :)
July 29, 2010 7:48:00 PM GMT+02:00
I've seen St. Denis holding his head but not this great street with the colorful shops and of course the bike adds just the right touch. Good one Eric.
V
July 29, 2010 11:13:00 PM GMT+02:00
I confess I've not wandered this street, though I love Place Abbesses. The facades have been painted since Google Map drove by. I like the bright blue and purple.
I love the legend of St. Denis. Does anyone else think of Edvard Munch's "The Scream", with the figure holding his head? It could be St. Denis. Yeah, I'd be screaming, too.
July 29, 2010 11:34:00 PM GMT+02:00
I knew you'd like the atmosphere in this photo ;-). I do too.
@Martin "Picture...YES!!!....Legend....NO!!!!....I am having breakfast each morning with PDP....and today just couldn't finish it....:)" C'mon, it's only a legend ;-))
July 30, 2010 11:08:00 AM GMT+02:00
Gorgeous, and those cobblestones... many a ruined stiletto for those who brave them. I especially love the indigo doorway with the stonework above, and the reflections in the windows. Oh, and the scooter is cool, too. ;) Superb, Eric!
July 31, 2010 12:02:00 AM GMT+02:00
I must have walked up and down this street ten times, and still never would have recognized where this photo was taken. Amazing! That's what we need photographers for.
August 10, 2010 2:17:00 AM GMT+02:00
The story is a rather unsettling one, but it's always good to learn more. This photo is beautiful!!!
August 17, 2010 8:26:00 PM GMT+02:00
Lovely colours and atmosphere!
August 26, 2010 6:19:00 PM GMT+02:00
What an eye you have! You might consider a themed calendar for next year. . ."The Colors of Paris."
Really wonderful texture of the cobblestones, too. The scooter makes it perfection. I will just sit here for a moment and enjoy this street view, thank you.
-Kim