Right: this 1875 view is looking north (towards the Seine) on rue de Rennes. This street is in the 6th arrondissement on the Left bank. The square right in front of us is place Saint Germain des Pres. This is the center of very old abbey grounds, dating at least to the 9th century. The church on the right is St. Germain des Pres, the cross street in front of it is Blvd. St. Germain. Today the building across from the church houses Cafe Flore, one of the most famous in Paris. It was a regular meeting place for the Existentialists in the 20th century and a home away from flat for Sartre. If you walk down to the buildings at the far end of the the Place, on your left, you'll come upon a number of decent restauarants. Charles Marville is the photographer, and the book, Le Nouveau Paris is edited by Philippe Mellot.
 
 
 

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Torso (Buste de Femme) c. 1873-75

Emile Zola publishes La Faute de l'abbe Mouret. He is working on L'Assommoir. (CHF)

The Reclus Geographie Universelle is published. (CHF)

January 5: The inauguration of l'Opera. The first stone was laid in 1862. (AF)

Georges Bizet's Carmen is well received at l'Opera Comique. (AF)