St. Nicolas des Champs
Paris, France
Image Courtesy: Panoramio
Photo by: Sefano Martelli
I learned about this Saint Nicolas church when I was a child and I read a biography about Louis Braille. This very talented 17th century man is most famous for inventing the reading system for the blind which carries his name - Braille. But he was also an extremely talented organist who held that position at this beautiful church in 1834.
Louis Braille (1809-1852)
Image courtesy: Louis Braille School
Location: Town Square Coupvray, France (Braille's birthplace)
I have been waiting for the right moment to post about this gorgeous and of course, very historic, St. Nicholas church. When Anita from Castles, Crowns and Cottages put out the invitation to join her at her Paris Party today, Saturday, May 28th, I knew the moment was now!
Anita's Invitation
Image Courtesy: Castles Crowns and Cottages
Artist: Anita
When I think of Paris in the "olden days" my mind inevitable turns to the 1958 film, Gigi, and elegant ladies and debonair men walking through beautiful parks.
Leslie Caron and Louis Jourdan
Image courtesy: Hollywood Past
But this film was set at the turn of the 20th century...
The church of St. Nicolas des Champs was built many years earlier in 1420 - its first construction. By 1615 the church we see today - after several building programs - was completed. Filled with artwork by very famous artists, a magnificent organ, and 25 windows that give it its impressive light, it is truly a stunning edifice.
Interior
Image courtesy: Saint Nicolas Church
The organ in which Louis Braille offered forth music of praise
Image courtesy: Saint Nicolas Church
But as with all church buildings it's greatest treasure is the people who currently worship the Lord Jesus Christ within it:
Image Courtesy: St. Nicolas Church
As well as those who worshiped in this church long before us:
Image courtesy: St. Nicolas Church
St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660)
Co-founder of the Daughters of Charity
A church - and a city - with a one-of-a-kind history and ambiance. That's Paris! (Please visit St. Nicolas Church - the church's very own website - for more information about services, etc.)
Many thanks to Anita for inviting us all to her Paris Party! Drop on by her site - you will be in for a treat something similar to Vincente Minnelli's film, Gigi! In fact, you might just think you dropped into that set!
Gigi set
Image courtesy: Northern Arizona University
Leslie Caron, Louis Jourdan, Maurice Chevalier
28 comments:
We visited this one when on holiday a few years ago. Thanks for the memories!
Off to Norfolk tomorrow- so will see again my 'own' St N's in my home town.
Weekend blessings xxx
How lovely to catch up with you again dear. Your site is always so interesting and informative.
Have a lovely weekend. Hugs xx
Morning Ann
Sorry I missed you at the party. My travel arrangement have been totally goofed up by eblogs malfuntions of late...especially commenting. Oh well. I do intend to return to Paris though..... asap.And see this beautiful church. :)
Beautiful, been to Paris for a weekend, very romantic city.
OH ANN...this is simply IRRESISTIBLE!!! Do you know that my French students study Louis Braille, but of course our fourth grade level doesn't go into great detail; we learned that Louis did play organ, but I did not KNOW THAT IT WAS AT THIS MAGNIFICENT CHURCH! THIS IS THE PERFECT POST FOR YOU and for those of us who love all things FRENCH! BRAVO MY DEAR and thank you for your kind comments on BALZAC...what a scamp. He and Sir Edward would certainly have some grrrrrsss and hisses to exchange!!! LOVE TO YOU, Anita
Ann, i love your take on the party put on by our lovely Anita! Thanks for the introduction to another St. Nicholas! Hope you're having a great weekend ma belle!:-). XX
wow this chuch is magnificent
and thanks for the interesting facts about Braille...never knew him for anything but the alphabet. i can see he would have had so much inspiration from playing that organ...love the gigi pics too...
oh to be living in that time!
BEAR HUGS my friend
~victoria~
Ann this is just gorgeous beyond. The images are stunning!
My post for Anita's Paris Party is finally up!! Come & visit!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Once again a great post with beautiful pictures.Next time I'm in Paris I'll visit this wonderful church
Erna x
It is great to be with you in Paris darling....hope we meet again.....nice party from Anita...enjoying...love love ......bisous Ria...xxx...
The tour was wonderful...the church was BEAUTIFUL! Having so much fun meeting all the Paris Party that Anita is having!! So good to meet you!
Thank you for sharing the history of this amazing church. It is true, a church is not just made by the materials it is built with, but rather with the love and dedication of the people within.
Nancy
Dearest one, THANK YOU again for your participation. May God richly bless your lives! HUGS TO SIR EDWARD, Please. Anita
bonjour, this tour was just great, I love this idea of Paris Party.Ive learn so much and SEE so much different pictures :)) welcome to my party as well au revoir !!/Marie
Beautiful church yet again!
Amazing how you find so much beauty and history for us all to enjoy. Bravo, my dear xx
What a beautiful church! I wasn't aware of the Braille connection.
Just love your blog,
Lois
What a great theme, and I like the Braile info. I will take a tour of Paris today.
This is definitely my favorite of all Ann. Just an awe-inspiring chapel!
I have visited Paris a few years back, to bad I did not know this church was there.;)
Gigi is one of my favorite musicals.;))
xoxo
Paris has so many interesting things to see!:)
Hi Ann,
So glad I have the opportunity to visit with you this morning. I enjoyed this post. All the photos and information is wonderful but I most especially enjoyed seeing the bust of Louis Braille and hearing more about him. I didn't know he was an organist as well. He changed many lives in inventing the system of reading for the blind.
Awesome sharing!
I pray all is well with you. Sending hugs!
Oh, this post is perfect... I loved learning a little history of this church and M. Braille. My daughter is learning about braille right now, I need to show her this!
Anita's event has been such a fun experience. It's my first time doing a link party- and I hope she does this again! I love meeting you all! au revoir....xOxO
Hi Ann,
Anita's husband here. Thank you for visiting Rattus Scribus. I enjoyed your post. Beautiful historic church. Next time we go to Paris, we must visit it.
Have a wonderful day
Ruben
Dear Ann
This post is PERFECT! What a wonderful addition to Anita's Paris party.. Thank you for sharing the history and images..
I thought I had left a message yesterday, but I guess it is flying around blogland.. Thank you for visiting, and yes, I think everyone was having trouble here and there leaving comments.
Enjoy your week Ann.
Blessings,
Penny
I had no idea that there were churches dedicated to (or named for) a particular saint, its very interesting!
What a gorgeous church!
fascinating!
AnN MY DEAR!!! Yes, COME TO FRANCE WITH ME...I plan on staying all summer!!! Oh how I love your comment about the EARTHY quality of the homes..it is true; the people, the food, the homes, the lifestyle is so connected to the EARTH! It is so romantic and beautiful there and thank you for coming along and enjoying it! CHEERS AND BLESSINGS TO YOU, Ann! Anita
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