Monday, March 19, 2012

Val de Grace Church


Here is a church I've never shown you even though I pass by it several times a year. This time I stopped and took a photo... It's called l'Eglise du Val de Grace and it's the church of a former royal abbey and at night, it's really beautiful. It was built during the 17th century dans was designed by famous French architect François Mansart. You can read everything about it on Wikipedia, and pay it a visit if you come to Paris. I've never been inside, but I'm sure it's worth it (has any of my visitors seen it?).

13 comments:

  1. Have never been inside (or outside, I don't think), but it's another French beauty bathed in that golden Parisian light. I'm always in awe of your night photography, Eric!

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  2. This is an excellent night photograph, Eric. Why is no one there?

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  3. Eric, if I hadn't seen your title I might not have recognized this church I love so much. In 2009, our apt. overlooked the back of the dome. I photographed it in every light, and every weather. I walked around twice and attended services there on Sunday. One thing I never did, was see it so beautifully lit at night from this side. Thank you for this lovely photograph.
    V

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  4. So pretty! Last time I was there (alas, way too many years ago) I tried to visit, but the guard said you could only go in during Sunday services, and that didn't work out. Maybe next time....

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  5. Next time I'll try to see this church. Widipedia says it's the best example of a Baroque church in Paris. I love Borromini's Sant'Agnese, said to be the best example of a Baroque church in Rome, maybe anywhere. And, yes, pretty night photo.

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  6. I am gobsmacked by the symmetry

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  7. A great photo that brought back many fine memories of Christmas in Paris, 2010. My wife and I visit Paris as often as possible and write a blog called Parisian Fields. Here is a link to the one we did on Val de Grace
    http://parisianfields.wordpress.com/2011/01/28/hiding-in-plain-sight/

    Hope all of you enjoy it as much as I do the ParisDailyPhoto
    Best regards

    Norman in Toronto

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  8. Beautiful photo! I love the lightening.

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  9. What a great shot! Here's another one for the list (which has gotten very long since I started coming here).

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  10. Hey! Norman's "Parisian Fields" blog is really good, folks. Very informative. (As a city planner, I like his information.) I definitely want to see Val de Grace now. Love the baldacchino! I wish there werre more photos of the interior. Thanks, Norman, I'm a fan now.

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  11. The Val de Grace is open to the public a few days a week and the interior is breath-taking. Here is some information about it: http://www.bonjourparis.com/story/val-de-grace-paris-best-kept-secret/

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  12. Hi Norman. I really enjoy your blog and check in regularly. The recent snow photos post was really interesting. Thank you!

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  13. Eric...I so enjoy your photos...in order to visit the inside of Val de Grace during the week...we had to also visit the Military Medical Museum that is attached to it. During the visit we had the opportunity to enter the church also. All was well worth the entry fee last April. Plan to attend Mass there this September while we are in Paris for a month.

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