This image shows the world famous French Gothic cathedral known commonly as Notre Dame, though there are many such churches with this prefix world wide.
The description states:
PARIS… en flanant
4 Notre-Dame
et le Square de l’Arrevêché
–The latter statement translates to ‘the square of the Archbishopric, so described since the cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Paris.
On 15 April 2019, workers performing maintenance on the roof of the cathedral ignited a fire that quickly spread out of control among the ‘forest’ of 600 year old timbers, completely consuming the roof and causing the 19th century spire to collapse, piercing the interior ceiling and crashing to the floor of the transept.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames before the rest of the structure was engulfed or compromised, but the ceiling will now need extensive repair and the roof will have to be completely reconstructed.
This image likely dates from the 1930s.
Month: April 2016
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
This image shows the iconic Eiffel Tower, located in Paris, France. When originally constructed, it was considered to be an eyesore, presumably because of it’s industrial style construction, but has since become the symbol of Paris more than any other object.
The description states simply:
PARIS… en flanant
10 La Tour Eiffel
–There are elevators to take visitors up to the second level above ground, but beyond that ascending requires climbing a prodigious amount of stairs. At the summit all of central Paris is easily visible on a clear day.
This image likely dates from the 1930s.
Château d’If, Marseille Harbor, France
This image shows the world famous island location of Château d’If, the site of the events in the novel ‘The Count of Monte Cristo‘ by Alexandre Dumas. The work ‘if’ is the French word for the yew tree, once common on the now barren island.
There is no description on the back of the card. There are regular visits to the island from tours departing Marseille harbor, including both inside and outside the main structure as shown here.
This postcard was used, but the postmark is illegible. However, the stamp is still present and was originally released in 1937. Combined with the restrictions of war time tourist travel by 1940, this image likely dates from the 1930s.
Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France
This is an image of the famous Arc de Triomphe de l’Etoile, or the Triumphal Arch of the Star, as it stands in the center of a roundabout in the Champs-Élysées.
The description on the back states:
PARIS… EN FLANANT
6 L’Arc de Triomphe de l’Étoile
–The title means Paris…while strolling. The arch was built to commemorate the heroes of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. One unknown soldier from World War One is buried beneath the arch.
This image likely dates from the 1930s.
Chateau de Chillon, Lake Geneva, Switzerland
This illustration shows the so-called Chateau de Chillon, more commonly known now as Chillon Castle, which sits on a promontory into Lake Geneva, Switzerland.
There is no description on the back of this card.
The first work on the castle dates back to at least 1005, and it has been used for much of its existence as a prison. It is now open to the public and claims to be Switzerland’s most visited historic monument.
This image likely dates from the 1930s.
Mexican Bullfighter Painting
This image shows a bullfighter ‘making a pass’ with his cape to lure the bull behind him where the cape has been displayed.
The description states, first in Spanish, then English:
EL PENDULO DE JORGE AGUILAR “EL RANCHERO’
THE “PENDULUM PASS” BY JORGE AGUILAR “EL RANCHERO”
— The move described is so named for the movement of the matador’s arm behind his back as he waves the cape. His nickname was earned charro bullfighting. He died in the ring.
This card likely dates from the 1960s.
Souvenir Stall, Mexico Border Town
This image shows a very typical souvenir stall that might be found in any of the several border towns that line the Rio Grande opposite river towns such as Eagle Pass, Del Rio and El Paso.
The description states:
MB-122. It is fun to shop in the Mexican border towns, such as Nuevo Laredo and Piedras Negras. Visitors are greatly fascinated by the beautiful, quaint shops and market places displaying colorful and inexpensive Mexican made products.
–Among the items sold are visible toys and dolls, paintings and baskets, hats and guitars, hand woven serapes and carved wooden statuettes.
This image likely dates from the 1960s.
Opening of the Bullfight, Mexico
This image shows the typical opening ceremony of the traditional bullfight, in this instance a parade of the various performers, including picadors, toreadors, and a matador.
The description states:
EL PASEO DE LAS CUADRILLAS
The opening parade at the bullfight.
— The bullfight is often referred to as a sport, but it is more a ritual custom of Hispanic nations and cities, as there is no competition involved. While it is still practiced today, it has come under criticism for its harm to the bulls.
This postcard likely dates from the 1960s.
Open Air Market, Oaxaca, Mexico
This image shows a few of the many market stalls in one of the open air markets in Oaxaca, Mexico.
The description states:
Mercado Tipico en Mexico. Typical old Mexican Market
Oaxaca, Oax, Mexico
–Among the other items for sale are the large pottery storage jars, metal cooking pots and pans, and hand woven baskets.
This image likely dates from the 1960s.
Aerial View, Piedras Negras, Mexico
This image, taken from a low elevation, shows the main square of Piedras Negras, Mexico and large buildings on two sides of the square.
The description states:
Parroquia, Palacio y Plaza Principal
Principal Square, Palace and Parish.
Piedras Negras, Coah., Mex.
–The building identified as the Parish is better known as El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, built in 1859. The Palace was likely the former government center, but there was a new government building erected in 1986.
This postcard was used and likely dates from the 1960s like the previous one.