Strolling Saint-Germain des Pres To La Grande Epicerie De Paris

Another lazier sort of day we spent strolling the Saint-Germain des Pres area, then heading for the Bon Marche and the Grand Epicerie of Paris, across the street. It's an enjoyable walk, one we've done more than once before.

The main attraction along the way, apart
from all the shops and cafes, etc., is the
abbey church of Saint-Germain, one of
Paris' oldest

Late Romanesque; was renovated in 2012 and painted to reflect
how it looked way back when (from traces of paint on the structure)

Everything touched-up, presumably

Organ

Altar, etc.

Helpful signage; the abbey was one of Paris' largest and wealthiest

After the Revolution, not so much

Burial and monument of philosopher/mathematician Rene Descartes;
I know I have posted this before with assorted Cartesian humor;
others buried here included Childebert, son of Clovis, 6th century
or so, who authorized the abbey

Assorted Romanesque capitals; painted

"Is there a bathroom in this place?" Even Job can
hold it for just so long...

Stained light on the floor and column

And on Vicki

Still trying to figure out the color-coded candles...must be some
theological significance...has Dan Brown looked into this?

Meanwhile, adjacent to the church is Les Deux Magots, former
haven of philosophers and literati; now of tourists; way out of
philosophers' and literati price range now; this was once abbey
land...further proof of my contention that in time all famous places
become restaurants

Other famous one, not so trampled; not on formerly holy grand

Art Nouveau, Gothic, and Romanesque towers?

Seafood at the Grande Epicerie

"100% Old and Fat Cow"; and in English, too

Old and fat cow parts getting older

Original entrance to Bon Marche; we're not fans,

but for its proximity to the Grand Epicerie