Samaritaine, the famous department store standing near
Pont Neuf (the "new" bridge), started as a small shop founded in 1869 by Ernest Cognacq and his wife, Louise Jay. Their names are still famous in
Paris because the first TV studios were built on the
rue Cognacq-Jay.
The name of the store comes from
an old hydraulic pump located by the
Pont Neuf where Parisians got their water from 1609 until 1813. On the front of the pump was a
bas relief (sculpture) of the Good Samaritan. Now, unfortunately, because of violations of safety codes, much of the store is closed for major renovations. It may reopen in 2011 or it may not… The store was famous for the views of
Paris from its famous rooftop café.
This view of the store is taken on the
Pont Neuf and shows people relaxing in one of the small half-moon-shaped overhangs originally built for vendors and street entertainers. That's Henry IV (grandfather of Louis XIV) on his horse in the center; this bridge was constructed under his reign as well as many other famous
Paris landmarks (the Louvre's Grand Gallery,
place Dauphine,
Vert-Galant square, etc.). His widow, Marie de Medicis, ordered this statue to be constucted. Although it was destroyed in 1792 during the Revolution, it was rebuilt in 1818 by melting down two statues of Napoleon. Ahh, the French history--so captivating.
Samaritaine, the famous department store standing near Pont Neuf (the "new" bridge), started as a small shop founded in 1869 by Ernest Cognacq and his wife, Louise Jay. Their names are still famous in Paris because the first TV studios were built on the rue Cognacq-Jay. 
