La Samaritaine: Pieces of Sky

Paris ~ May 4, 2004

La Samaritane from Pont Neuf

I was so sad when I read Cieldequimper's and Halcyon's comments on yesterdays post featuring one of the lighting fixtures on this beautiful building (now extinct), that I went searching for more photos. I found a few of the outside and the inside. Here's one taken from Pont Neuf.

Cieldequimper gave me the first clue when she said, "It used to be a favourite of my Gran's and I have many fond memories there. To answer your question, it's now closed - forever." (Oh, no!)

Halcyon filled in the bad news: "Sadly the Samaritaine was closed due to asbestos. It would have cost too much to refurbish. I hope someone salvaged those lamps though. They are nice. I used to like to go to the top floor and have a coffee and enjoy the view."

Does anyone else have memories of this historic and beautiful landmark?

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Light on La Samaritaine

Paris ~ May 4, 2004

La Samaritaine Department Store

I've enjoyed these lighting fixtures along the Seine side of La Samaritaine Department Store in Paris since I first saw the building in the late 1960s or early 1970s, so I was dismayed to see the fixtures gone on my last visit in 2008. I hope it was only for refurbishing and repair. The fixture looks to be somewhere between Art Deco and Art Nouveau in style, doesn't it? Or is it truly a Deco piece? What do you think? The current building was in progress between 1883 and 1933, so it spans both periods.

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