A Pinay in Europe

If I could only turn back the hands of time, to that point when we were choosing which course we had to take so we could begin applying for a place in university, how I wish I’ve chosen Architecture.  Well, how would have I known then that I would have the slightest interest on the subject?

But after living in France for a decade and  having seen the staggering beauty of historic buildings and monuments in Europe,  I realize now that architecture is half  the reason why I’m devoted to living here.

One of the architectural styles that leave my mouth open in ignorant wonderment is  Art Nouveau, and Paris has a lot of buildings of this type.

A Haussman-style apartment building, Paris

Metro entrance as designed by Hector Guimard, Paris

The Art Nouveau building of Jules Lavirotte at 29 Avenue Rapp, built in 1901. This work won him the Concours de Façades de la Ville de Paris in 1903.
Note: I added the green rubbish bin into the frame to add colour

No Comments yet »

I was walking one day when I noticed an impressive structure with 3 domes and 2 lseries of arches.  There was not a single soul inside the grounds save for two municipal cleaners.  The serene garden and the structure would make good photographic subjects  so I went in. 

Louis XVI’s Expiatory Chapel

Like any other parks in Paris that are under the free WiFi zone, you can surf here with your laptop for as long as its battery allows it! Last time I did it in another park but didn’t stay long because my hands almost froze up. It was already winter that time.

This park is surrounded by huge buildings, along Blvd Haussman , perfect for tourists who are looking for quiet picnic areas or for residents in search of green spots.

Back of the chapel

Square Louis XVI used to be a cemetery where the mortal remains of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were buried after they were guillotined.  The Monarch was beheaded few months before his wife. Fifteen years later, the remains were transferred to the Royal Sepulcher inside the Basilica of Saint Denis and the King at the time, Louis XVIII, had a chapel built to venerate the spot.

The chapel was built between 1816 and 1826 by Fontaine.

4 Comments »