Every once in a while I head out on a Sunday to one of the oldest markets in Paris, Le Marché aux Oiseaux, that come rain or shine, takes place on Sundays on Ile de La Cité, next to the oldest hospital of Paris called Hopital Dieu, which by the way is a monumental historical building of Paris to the side of Notre Dame, that merits a post of its own!
I had taken photos before of the flower market that takes place everyday, and the bird market too, but for some reason, I felt compelled to go again this Sunday , even though I had tons of things I needed to be doing in preparation of my flight tomorrow to the states.
Seeing birds and flowers is always a joy for me, grounding me in the myriad virtues of nature at her finest! I am a joy seeker at heart, and just wanted to take a few more photos, before walking to Rue du Bac to buy some medals and rosaries for my aunt and grandchildren.
Honestly, I have mixed feelings about any bird market, in that as much as I adore seeing all the pretty birds for sale, I really cringe in thinking about their poor pitiful lives imprisoned in cages. Then I worry about them being cruelly separated from another birdie friend, God forbid a mate, that they may have formed an alliance with in captivity.
Fortunately for the select few, I do see signs that only couples can be sold, as in the case of love birds and doves. I wonder if that should apply to other species of birds but perhaps my birdie friends , who read my posts can inform me!
The Marché aux Fleurs et Oiseaux dates back to 1808. It was an outcropping from the original Les Halles that had been going on for eons across the Seine.
For those of you who are not aware of the history of Paris, the main central market of Paris, Les Halles, which was called the belly of Paris, offered everything imaginable to eat and drink.
The flower pavilions are somewhat resemblant of certain parts of the original Les Halles , before it was torn down in 1972. This very unfortunate event destroyed one of the most important historical and architectural edifices of the city of Paris, which is in my opinion extremely lamentable to this day.
Paris is a city of cultural continuity, so at least the city has faithfully preserved this rather ancient activity of selling flowers and birds on Ile de la Cité. Hopefully it will continue to do so, as the marché, like Notre Dame, is practically in the dead center of the city and the real estate value as you can imagine is extremely expensive.
The Marché aux Oiseaux does not sell just birdies, but one can find all sorts of little animals and rodents, like guinea pigs, hamsters, and rats. Additionally there are always several adorable dwarf rabbits for sell in addition to chickens, ducks and pigeons.
As seen in the photos, there are certain very fancy chickens, which I can’t imagine being bought for a small Parisienne appartement.
The cutest scene going was a plump fluffy mother hen, who remained totally undaunted by her chicks darting under her breast and wings, while another little one was hopping on her back! It just goes to show that mothers learn early to put up with all sorts of things from their offspring.
Somehow, I never seem to get tired of going, as if it is a ritual of sorts, knowing that it connects me to the Paris of the past, as so many other activities here. History confronts you at every corner it seems.
After I left the bird market, I headed south to Blvd Saint Germain des Prés to pick up some chocolates at Patrick Roger for my son.
Continuing to Odeon, then down to the church of Saint Sulpice, I instinctly headed south again to reach Sevres Babylon, and on to Rue de Bac to the Miraculous Medal Chapel.
As usual the chapel was crowded with pilgrims in search of the beautiful energy there. After purchasing two rosaries and medals, I found the sweetest nun to bless them for me!
With the plan of Paris seemly etched in my brain, and a wonderful sense of direction, I rarely need to follow any maps to get wherever I want to go.
I leave you with my photos of the Seine really high right now, which has been flooding in other parts. The rest are bursting with flowers, and the adorable birds that I hope will all find loving homes. A bientot!
Every once in a while I head out on a Sunday to one of the oldest markets in Paris, Le Marché aux Oiseaux, that come rain or shine, takes place on Sundays on Ile de La Cité, next to the oldest hospital of Paris called Hopital Dieu, which by the way is a monumental historical building of Paris to the side of Notre Dame, that merits a post of its own!
You have reminded me of so much my Dear Cherry !!
Thank you dear Katerina! Hope to see you soon in Paris.
Cherry, please come by when you get here, if you come back home! I’m leaving for two weeks after Memorial Day and I would love to see you!
Unfortunately, I will not be going to sweet sunny Louisiana this trip but to see my adorable grandchildren in St Louis and my very dear aunt, uncle and cousin in Houston.