Saturday, July 16, 2011

A new place to visit


This morning I went to rue des Archives, in Le Marais, and noticed that the door to the gardens of the Hotel de Soubise (that I already mentioned here) were open. To me, that was a first, so, of course, I entered... And I discovered a huge area in which you can see this stunning facade (this building is actually the place where the French national archives are located) and gardens. I found out later on the Web that the doors have only been opened to the public since the end of June and that there is a total surface of 8 000 sq meters (86 111 square feet). All this in the heart of Paris, not bad!

16 comments:

  1. Oh, Eric, thank you so much for this! This is one of my favorite buildings in Paris. zon my first visit it was closed. I regretted never having gotten to go inside. The second time it was open but the garden gate was locked, just as you say, and I could only look wistfully out the window at it. Now, apparently, its time for me check the dates the gate will be open, so I can book my next trip to Paris! : )

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice luck to find it open. One of the many great pieces of architecture in Le Marais.

    You made me think of the pretty boulangerie/pattisserie in Le Marais. Then I thought of baguettes. Then I felt the need for a cafe dinner. Then I got hungry. Then I decided not to go home and pay all my bills but, instead, to go out for dinner.

    It's all your fault, you bad Frenchman.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great opportunity you took!
    Is it only me or the front building looks a bit like a 'small' Buckingham Palace, located in Le Marais ?!? Minus the grids and the guards of course... ;) Well un petit air..., n'est-ce pas ?!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is a beautiful French building - I love the rooftop, arched windows and manicured landscaping.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an awesome surprise! It is beautiful..kind of like a secret locked away.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is so beautiful...I have walked by hundreds of times and have never been able to get this view! I see the couple in the left rear corner found it romantic enough to embrace! Thank you for this peek, Eric!

    ReplyDelete
  7. what a wonderful discovery. well done, eric.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The interesting mix of architectural styles and the slightly uncomfortable positioning of the colonnades on each side in relation to the main building, in spite of the architect's best efforts, are evidence of a good deal of re-modelling over the centuries.
    Another one to add to the list, must organise a visit to Paris - soon!

    Watched the fireworks video - are there any fireworks left in France?
    Fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  9. LOL Jeff!!

    This is beautiful! Can't you just imagine gorgeous gowns being photographed here? It would be an amazing place for a photo shoot. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow. And your famous perspective certainly shows off the full effect of all that real estate smack in the middle of Paris!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I just looked at the fireworks display too—and the finale made the NYC fireworks (which were spectacular) look like a couple of 10-year-olds waving sparklers!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Another great find.

    Those shaped-bushes are all over Paris. They are shaped like chocolate kisses. They are lovable.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lovely angle and great sun light falling on that piece of architecture.

    Regards

    Valery

    Barcelona Daily Photo

    ReplyDelete