Sunday, February 06, 2011

Paris Greenhouses


Paris is not all about concrete and Haussmannian buildings... There are also many gardens and... greenhouses! This one is located in the Bois de Boulogne (which technically belongs to Paris) but easy to get to by Metro (stop Porte d'Auteuil). There are 6 000 different kinds of plants, but you can also see mascaron ornaments by Rodin, a stunning fountain... All this was really put together during the 19th century, but was really initiated by Louis the 15th back in 1761!

18 comments:

  1. I love gates to parks, my fav is the Queen Mother's gate to Hyde Park in LHR.

    What interests me in this gate is the question, what makes it look French to me? I think it is its lightness and elegance.

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  2. Gawgeous Darlin. j'adore the Bois de Bolgne. Actually j'adore everything about Paris ... but you knew that!

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  3. I was just thinking how I need to visit either a garden or a park.
    Beautiful entrance way Eric!

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  4. PHX, you have a point. It's lacy. Virginia has a point, too. And Lily, I think I just need to visit Paris!

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  5. Great photo, and I love the gate as well as the columns to which it's attached. Gates and doors are both fun to find and photograph - like that white door you posted the other day.

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  6. This is quite imposing! It does not say, "Welcome", it says, "Love me, but from afar" to me. Oh, please tell me that it is open when the greenhouse is open for viewing. I would be afraid to open such a beautiful gate without an invitation otherwise. :)

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  7. If I ever make it to Paris, this is a place I don't want to miss.

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  8. Well, that ought to keep the riff-raff out! This looks like a feminine gate—it's ethereal beauty belies its strength.

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  9. The ships carved into the tops of the gate piers have billowing sails....as if they are poised to cruise away from the clutches of the limestone! Magnificent, Eric!

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  10. Eric, I have been reading and saving cafe's and other things to do and see from your blog. My friends, sister and myself will be in Paris March 7-18th and I would like to ask you this. Could you tell me your top 5 things not to miss in Paris. They don't have to be the obvious, like the Eiffel Tower. Would love to hear them.

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  11. May I put my 2 euros in and answer that question, Donna?

    Breadbaking experience thru mygenieinparis.com. A real insight into the culture and a real bakery tour, too! I haven't stopped raving about it.

    Pariswalks.com The best way to have individual areas explained to you. Great interesting factoids. No reservations required, just show up.

    Boatride down Canal St. Martin. I only watched them go down the canal, but you will see a non tourist scenic"Amelie" area and be part of a mini mini Panama canal while in the boat.

    The Parisian Chinatown and Indian area.

    Picard....the French frozen food chain. You haven't lived until you see their version of frozen food!!!!!Keep your eyes open, they are everywhere.

    Fat Tire Bike tours. I have done them all, but for a first time, do the one at night. After 5,000 million trips to CDG, I saw Paris in a whole new way. After 3 hrs of sleep, and being a no exersize person and a little younger than Meryl Streep, it was a breeze, really! And the Parisians are very respectful of the bike lane. The company has a person lead, and they tell you when to cross the road. You could be blindfolded and not get hurt. OK, so I exagerated a bit on that last sentance.

    Bois de Boulogne in a taxi at night. A RIOT and no tourists do it. Didn't mention it on purpose in my comment on the Gate, but this lead me into it. There is a live "show" on either side of the main, ahem, DRAG. All the taxi drivers know where to go.

    I think I will expand this into a book!!!!!!!!!!

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  12. Paris has some amazingly beautiful gates. Love Alexa's comment on why it looks like a feminine gate.

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  13. Great suggestions, Phx. And please write that book!

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  14. @PHX. Thanks a million! I never know what to answer to a question like the one of Donna, because I live here. So live the - boring - life of someone who spend most of his time working and watches television the rest of the time! How on earth could I dare recommending something to do in Paris?!

    Donna, trust me, I know PHX, she knows what she's talking about when it comes to doing things in Paris!!

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  16. I love Alexa's observation, too! I must need something sweet, as I thought you were sending me off to look at macaron ornaments, Eric. ;)

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  17. Excellent post - there are so many beautiful gardens in Paris with great variety of flowers.

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  18. I love it! Can't wait for the conference too, it's going to be great.

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