Today’s courtyard was a stroke of sheer luck: no sneaking around, no Courtyard Sprints, no waiting for someone to open a door, and no frustration wondering what’s behind a certain door. The courtyard at the Catholic University is open to the public and anyone can just meander through.
The Catholic University is one of the largest French language classrooms in Paris with an annual attendance of 15,000 students, and 4,500 of them are international students. It comprises 21 organizations: 6 faculties, 4 specialized institutes, 11 graduate schools, and 1 doctoral school with 20 research centers along with the Catholic University of Paris Seminary, which prepares its seminarians for ordination and priesthood.
I took French lessons at The Catholic University two times a week for three months when I first moved here and had an excellent teacher who was born in Brooklyn, out of all places.
The courtyard is a large open plaza ad there were lots of students coming in and out of the surrounding buildings the day I was there. They have benches and chairs all around and students were relaxing, studying, and eating lunch in the courtyard. Some of the buildings have intricate tile and brickwork and there are arched walkways with pretty sea blue and gold mosaic tiled pillars. The other buildings are made of limestone and appear to be from the 1600s.
I sat myself on a bench for a few moments to savor the sun, blue sky, the summer red and pink geraniums, the looming tall trees, and imagined what went on in these hallowed buildings over the centuries.
All the photos today were taken with my I-Phone. What do you think?
Catholic University of Paris
21 rue de Assas, 75006
Metro: Rennes or St. Sulpice
New Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of a new set of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 20 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Since you did ask... They are lovely photos, but a teensy bit fuzzy. Not quite up to your usual crisp photography.
Posted by: Susan | September 20, 2012 at 09:00 PM
With your iPhone?! Gorgeous. I love them! What a great courtyard. I'm sure you are going to popularize it.
Posted by: vicki | September 20, 2012 at 09:01 PM
Thanks Richard. That one is a stunner!
Posted by: michael | September 20, 2012 at 09:02 PM
The photos have come across with wonderful light and contrast. Love it.
Posted by: sherri | September 20, 2012 at 09:29 PM
Nice light, and nice photos. I liked the one through the arch best.
Posted by: Anne | September 20, 2012 at 09:30 PM
The I phone photos are awesome.
Posted by: richard | September 20, 2012 at 09:31 PM
Nice pics.
Posted by: linda | September 20, 2012 at 09:32 PM