Apartment Art, New Church and New Cemetery
Bonjour mes amis,
From a rainy Paris, I’m happy to share that daily posts will continue. It’s always good to check with our readers so onward and upward. Blogging is such fun for me, not work, and though I may fuss and fume over Word Press and an internet that comes and goes, overall, I would be somewhat lost without the daily connection. Merci to all who responded.
Yesterday brought two new experiences. Just when we think we can’t find new adventures, they appear!
The first was a new church, Église Notre Dame-du-Travail or Church of our Lady of Labour. One blogger had the boldness to say that if he had only one day to be in Paris, this is where he would go. Take a moment to read his beautiful post.
Notre Dame du Travail: more than meets the eye
The church is located in the 14th arrondissement in the area around and somewhat behind Montparnasse in a working class neighborhood. In the mid 19th century, this area went from 2000 people to 35,000 in a short period of time, many of them workers on the construction of the Eiffel Tower. The priest Father Bodin decided to build a new church worthy of its brave inhabitants. The architect Jules Astruc disagreed with the interior ironworks which are obviously reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower. I could find no direct reference to Jules Eiffel but certainly one can infer that his influence was felt. The interior was made to insure that workers felt comfortable. “One should never say there is no place for beauty in poverty.” What a beautiful thought. Bernie and I were both taking photos so I hope we captured this unusual experience. You will probably never read about this church in the travel brochures, but it’s a rare find. 
Our next stop after lots of walking was the historic Montparnasse Cemetery. Though we did not enjoy it as much as Père Lachaise, we always find the Paris cemeteries fascinating. Specifically, we tried to find the gravesites of Jean-Paul Sartre and Camille Saint-Saëns. An hour and a half of poking around left us with nothing! Sorry. Still, the images are so interesting, and we hope you enjoy them.
We had made dinner reservations at La Coupole, a historic restaurant on Boulevard Montparnasse know for its Art Deco interior, beautiful tile work, and a famous dance club. 
Speaking of cemeteries, here is a picture of Jim Morrison’s grave at Pêre LaChaise. He died in Paris in 1971 at age 27. Musician, songwriter, and poet, he was lead vocalist for the rock band The Doors. Thanks to my friend Pat O’Brien for making this connection with my door theme. The adjectives to describe him were unpredictable, erratic, iconic and rebellious. He died mysteriously in Paris at #17 Beautrellis which is two blocks from us. We’ll check it out!
Sometimes, we miss experiences that are right under our noses, mais. oui? Such is the artwork in our apartment that we pass every day and hardly notice. Our landlady is very into African art and I thought I would share what we have. There are not the greatest photos because of the lighting, where they hang like in the staircase (!), etc. but you’ll get the idea.
So, what a day and what a post. Hope I haven’t worn you out!
À bientôt
L & B
August 10, 2021 @ 9:08 am
Wow! That church is amazing! We will have to visit it next time we are in Paris! Time is running short for us! Also loved the cemetery. We’ve been there several times and like it very much. This is a stellar blog post today Linda! I really enjoyed it. Today we are off on our souvenir buying excursion for family and friends.
August 10, 2021 @ 10:02 am
Many thanks, Peggy! Yes, you with your industrial eye would love the church. There is also wonderful street art approaching it but I forgot to include. We are off to Rue Mouffetarde today for lunch. Rue du Pot de Fer, street of the iron pot. See you tomorrow for lunch.
August 10, 2021 @ 9:09 am
Wow Linda! You really surprised us this morning with the church, a mini Eiffel Tower in its construction. We would never have known about it if it wasn’t for you. Love the African artwork in your apartment. Very Parisian!
So pleased you will continue with your daily blog, as long as it’s not a hardship. Loved all the positive comments from your readers and well deserved!
Sending love to you both xxx
August 10, 2021 @ 9:59 am
And much love and fond remembrances to you! Bernie saw where the CDC in the USA has put France on Level 4 and cautioning about a visit there.
August 10, 2021 @ 9:59 am
The church is certainly a great find! I love the interior architecture and the floral paintings of the walls in the alcoves.
August 10, 2021 @ 10:04 am
Definitely worth a visit.
August 10, 2021 @ 10:53 am
What a cultural day: art, architecture, history, so much of interest for the eye in so many places. Your heads must swirl with all you’ve seen. Thanks for sharing with those of us at home.
August 10, 2021 @ 2:10 pm
You must come over. You’re always welcome.
August 10, 2021 @ 11:49 am
So many wonderful finds today! The church at first glance looked very stark, but your’s and Bernie’s photos showed the lovely details all throughout. It’s so unique and different from any of the other churches in Paris. The cemetery was very interesting. I did know that Jim Morrison died there. I believe he expressed a desire to be buried in Paris. I was a Doors fan “back in the day”.
Another culinary delight for your meal both in decor and the food. Last but not least I enjoyed the art tour of your apartment. Isn’t it interesting the things we discover that have been there all along.
August 10, 2021 @ 2:10 pm
Merci! I love your last sentence, Cindi!
August 10, 2021 @ 12:09 pm
Thanks for continuing your daily blog! I look forward to visiting Paris with y’all every day albeit I am sitting in my den feeling I am with you because you make it so enjoyable and authentic.
August 10, 2021 @ 2:09 pm
Mary Jane, appreciate all of your comments!
August 10, 2021 @ 12:43 pm
Really interesting day. Thanks for all the pictures. The church in particular was most fascinating to me. While we were in Minnesota, we took a boat ride to see the Apostles Island. At one time, it was the center for brownstone, an industry which collapsed overnight. Our guide said that the Eiffel Tower was partly the reason, since with that structure, architects learned that they could build cheaper, stronger, and higher buildings using steel and concrete. Making the connection of the building of the Eiffel Tower, that neighborhood, and the workers who lived there is very interesting. How creative that the priest used the church building to honor the workers who were worshiping there.
August 10, 2021 @ 2:09 pm
Merci, Charles. Your story adds even more interest.
August 10, 2021 @ 12:51 pm
Whew! So enjoyable. Ironically, there was an interesting interview with Morrison’s aunt this week on CBS Sunday. Hope you can find it.
August 10, 2021 @ 2:08 pm
We did. Will blog about it tomorrow!
August 10, 2021 @ 1:34 pm
GREAT blog today Buddy, the images from the church were especially awesome. Can certainly see the influence of the Eiffel Tower in its’ construction. All of the art was also interesting and amazing, you do a terrific job of getting the right “angle”. Glad the daily blog will continue!
August 10, 2021 @ 2:07 pm
Merci, Sharon!
August 10, 2021 @ 3:11 pm
Fascinating post Linda! We would love to duplicate this full day when we are there in October. Especially loved the sculpture of Gods hand holding the lovers and the female/male hands barely touching. Yes we saw France was elevated yesterday to level 4 and Spain was as well the week before. Covid tests still required before returning to US from everywhere even if vaccinated. Hoping all improves soon. And so happy you are both enjoying so much there! I so treasure your posts every morning but totally your cutting back some if it limits you. Love to you both!
August 10, 2021 @ 4:06 pm
Merci, Carol. Hope you and Leon can duplicate this fun day!
August 10, 2021 @ 3:59 pm
CBS Sunday Morning had a segment on Jim Morrison this week. Very enjoyable. He was a prolific writer — especially poetry. His sister has gathered his works and a new book is out.
https://www.cbs.com/shows/cbs-sunday-morning/video/OaKvMAY5u5Qv2_WipVwR_tfMAo0gUQYQ/collecting-the-words-of-jim-morrison/
The recently published book is “The Collected Works of Jim Morrison: Poetry, Journals, Transcripts, and Lyrics.”
August 10, 2021 @ 4:05 pm
Thanks for sharing!
August 12, 2021 @ 1:50 am
I am glad you explored Montparnasse. Where iconic cafes are located
And if you saw the tomb of Saint Saens, my parents are buried just beside his tomb (2 meters from Saint Saens tomb)