I just arrived this morning to work in one of my favorite European cities. The day dawned cold and wet and thick and gray - not unusual for March. Soon enough the clouds began to roll away leaving the sky above the Paris Opera House washed in a mother-of-pearl decadence; beautiful - put fleeting - the rain has returned. Below my window cars and people slosh about, bundled in jackets and scarves and surely wondering when spring will come. All this, and I haven't even left the room yet. Not a bad view for a working stiff.
The opulent Opéra de Paris Garnier was designed by Charles Garnier for Emperor Napoleon III. It is the most important symbol of the 19th century Second Empire baroque style.
Construction of the opera building started in 1862, but it wasn't completed until 1875, partly because an underground lake was discovered during construction. The small lake still exists under the opera building. It was the hiding place of the 'Phantom of the Opera' in Paul Leroux's famous play.
These are incredible photographs of a beautiful place indeed.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice holiday weekend.
Abraham Lincoln
Brookville
Hey my beautiful Tim---what great shots! Looking forward to your posts from Paris. Hope you have a wonderful trip. xoxoxox
ReplyDeleteKate
I want to go to Paris. Living in the Latin Quarter strolling along the riverbank take a glass of wine and feel the spring.
ReplyDeleteBut it must be next year
Happy Easter
Very beautiful photos from a very beautiful place, excellent.
ReplyDeleteGood swf post, beautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter.
Astounding skies! These are wonderful photos. You are an artist, to be sure!
ReplyDeleteWow, how nice to visit Paris! Enjoyed your photos!
ReplyDeleteTruly lovely! Thanks for the info on the underground lake, too--how cool!
ReplyDeleteSo let it be Paris ... the city of lights!
ReplyDeleteAnother 3 Aces played here.. the top was is such a great capture and a perfect Skt Watch shot..
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this coming weekend and what it brings you.
Tom
AH! I think most of us envy you your work in Paris! Nice photos.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely glorious photos!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Wonderful pictures. I loved the book Phantom of the Opera.
ReplyDeleteOH that is a beautiful set of photos, those clouds in the first photo is so neat.
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter
Not a bad view for a working stiff, at all! You see, T.R., I'm so excited by your photos because I've never been out of the country.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, Paris. Please show more? The architecture and scenes are breathtaking.
Mary
Hello! The first picture makes the sky appear as the sea. Wonderful pictures, enjoy Paris!
ReplyDeletePlease tell me you will be spending April in Paris - just like the song. I'd love to think of you there at the time.
ReplyDelete"chestnuts in blossom,
holidays tables under the trees...."
It is warm and sunny back home, TR, but "it ain't Paris." Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. Hope the rest of your trip continued to be so beautiful.
ReplyDeletewhat a life! gorgeous.
ReplyDelete