Saturday, July 13, 2019

Paris In July: Modern and Traditional

In so many ways, Paris, the City of Lights, is one of the most traditional cities in the world. It maintains its old world charm amidst the bustle of contemporary life.


But there are contrasts if you look for them. Take the Metro signs, for example.  These are the classic art nouveau-style signs designed by or based on designs by Hector Guimard, who worked between 1900 and 1913. His work ussed glass and cast iron and lettering in the Art Nouveau style. The one below is at Abbesses.


The lettering is exquisite.


I confess, I love these and this style most of all!


Many of these are long gone but those that remain are considered protected historical monuments.


The Guimard style was used but in simpler formats at other sites.


In th 1920s, the Val d'Osne variant came into being. Named after an iron foundary, this one, located not far from Les Invalides, has the globe surrounded by an ornate cast-iron frieze.


These days, the signs are a mish mash of the classical and contemporary such as this one.


But don't stop there! There are loads of Metro signs so the best thing to do is consult your map and head to the location and look for either the letter "M" or the word "Metro."


Yes, you will see cars and scooters galore in Paris. And many are very small!


Smart cars may not provide a lot of room, but it makes parking much easier!


On the other hand, you can go the traditional way. This fellow was cycling around the Arc du Triumphe. Which, I might add, took guts!


 Architecture? It doesn't take much looking about in Paris to go traditional. There is the Opera Garnier (the Paris Opera House)...


The inside is as dazzling and traditional as one can get!


But go modern, too! The Institute Arabe Monde is a fascinating building with elements that change in front of your eyes, based on the light.


The Pompidou houses contemporary art with its mechanical workings on the outside of the building rather than the inside.


In front of the Pompidou, check out The Stravinsky Fountain. But for the more traditional, visit the classic St. Merri, which you can see here in the background.


And art? There are the traditional museums, like the Louvre.


Here you can check out all the classics...


...if you can handle the crowds!


 Or be part of the art with the installations at the Atelier des Lumieres.


These photos are from the Klimt production but the current program is Van Gogh (through December, 2019). Highly recommended. The art swirls around you, on the floor, the walls and on the faces of the visitors, all with a beautiful musical score.


I found it breathtaking.


Paris is as contemporary as today's news stories...


...and as traditional as you like it.


Fortunately, some things never change. The Seine will continue to cut through the city, dividing the left and right banks.


Children will continue to sail their boats in the ponds of the Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg (here).


 And at the end of a long day (or maybe even before!) a glass of wine will be waiting.


This post is part of Paris in July, a month long blogging event featuring books, film, food, travel and all things French!


Check out Tamara's site here for the most current links!

44 comments:

Terra said...

Thank you for this tour of Paris in July. I spent two Bastille Days there and love the city, the art, cathedrals, book stalls along the Seine, etc.

Joyful said...

I enjoyed all your Paris posts especially as you were there in summer and I was there in Winter. I am actually glad I went in Winter to avoid the crowds and the very hot weather. But it is still a treat to the beautiful greenery and the people enjoying the bistros. I too love the vintage metro signs. They are absolutely beautiful and full of character.

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

I must say I really don't like the Pompidou Houses, look unfinished to me. But I envy you your experience with the Klimt production and Van Gogh.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

A fabulous retrospective of your trips to Paris. I remember most of these, too. Lovely to see them in one post, again.

Valerie-Jael said...

Paris is a great city at all times. Love the bright and beautiful fountain from Niki de Saint Phalle, too. Hugs, Valerie

Pamela said...

So many interesting sights! Don't you just want to visit again and again?

David M. Gascoigne, said...

In order to see the works in the Louvre, I think one needs to live in Paris for an extended period, and go there frequently and be first in line when the doors open. It would also be good to go on days of dreadful weather, when most gawkers would stay home. Then choose a very small section of one of the galleries and really take in the works there, having learned something of the artists, the style and the period before even going. Otherwise you have little choice but to join the shoving, bustling, photo-snapping mob, moving along like cattle attracted by a feed of hay, looking at paintings you don't understand, listening to comments such as, "It doesn't have a head," or "Who would want to paint that?" It is all rather like listening to all nine of Beethoven's symphonies one after the other, without a break, and then saying, "We're here anyway, might as well take in all the Schubert too!" And maybe to really confound things a little Schoenberg. At the end of their tour, most people have no idea what they saw, have no context, and rather like the Beethoven and Schubert it all blends into one. And in the end, you leave the gallery more confused than before you entered.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Beautiful images from Paris France. I guess it is hard to see the Classics without seeing the crowds at the museum. I like the architecture, cafe and the river. It is a beautiful city to visit. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day. Wishing you a happy new week ahead

Iris Flavia said...

Beautiful signs indeed! Life is so much better with art!
Just to imagine... the 1920´s... and here we are are, 2019! Not so golden...
Oh, those small cars. In an accident they´ll be a loser with that little weight.. I am so glad I don´t have a car anymore! (Had a Polo)
The Opera House sure is impressive! Oh, and I love the fountain!
The light show is beautiful, too - classics are great, but this is "better" for my taste.
Oh, and the kids with the boat! Cute.

Miss Val's Creations said...

The Art Nouveau is amazing on the signs and iron work. How wonderful some have been preserved. I can see how the variety of signs would be confusing to a tourist. The opera house is crazy gorgeous! So opulent. That Klimt production looks like an experience one would not forget! Your photos really give quite an insight to the city Jeanie.

bobbie said...

Fabulous photos {as always!} Thanks for taking us to Paris!

Pam said...

I love the ART aspect of Paris for sure. Thanks for sharing.

Jackie McGuinness said...

We were just there in May so I loved reading your post.
I have a metro photo of the one near Les Invalides.
We went to the Atelier which I happened to post today!!
I want to go back...

Jackie McGuinness said...

Jeanie, I can feel your excitement in your comment on my post about the Van Gogh Atelier! I'm going to look at your Klimt post right now.
How odd that you couldn't do a direct reply.

Sandra Cox said...

Lovely contrasts.

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Wonderful photos! It's been such a long time since I went to Paris (20 years or so!).

Mae Travels said...

Every word and photo of this post is perfect, a perfect reflection of Paris. It’s a little different if you stay for months and have to deal with everyday issues. But the wonders are always available.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

DUTA said...

Gorgeous pictures!
I look mainly for things that haven't changed much, as change is usually disappointing.
The smart, tiny cars are quite an attraction, but which promises little safety.

Prims By The Water said...

Love the architecture but not so much the newer signs. Janice

Susan Kane said...

Mixture of old and modern! Lovely.

Susie said...

Jeanie, I dream of Paris, of going to that very cafe and sipping coffee. I loved all your pictures, so many interesting things to see. Oh yes, I'd love to go to the museums. Blessings to you, hope all is well, xoxo, Susie

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, this post makes me want to return to Paris as soon as possible. So much to see and experience and you do a great job capturing it with your camera!

Carola Bartz said...

What a great summary, Jeanie! Another bit on the traditional side is that it will always be "gritty". That hasn't changed since I came here in 1975 for the first time.
I love the old Metro signs. They are so classy and I much prefer them to the modern ones.

My name is Erika. said...

I like the contrasts in this post Jeanie. Those vintage art deco Metro signs are my favorite.I loved them when I was in Paris and I love seeing them now. Hope you are enjoying some lake time. Hugs-Erika

My name is Erika. said...

Did my comment post? Blogger is doing some weird things tonight. I did love the contrasts you made in this post. My favorite is the Art Deco Metro signs. They are amazing! I am glad Paris decided to keep them after all these years. Happy new week Jeanie. Hugs-Erika

The French Hutch said...

Oh where to even begin! I love the Art Nouveous metro signs and they are truly art. I think the first time I saw a smart car was in Paris. There were two, in one parking space. It really left an impression. I have a pic somewhere. I would love to see the Klimt Van Gogh before it ends. I seriously doubt that will happen :( but I've enjoyed your photos. Loved this tour of Paris with you today......

Lisbeth said...

Wonderful photos showing the beauty of Paris. Just love the metro signs.

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie, this is a wonderful post that I so enjoyed. I feel as though I am in a lovely place that I have always wanted to see. Thank you!

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

I always enjoy taking a small tour with you. I'm in love with the Art Nouveau signs - classy! Have a great day

Doodle T said...

Love your Paris posts...my girls love the movie, Leap, which features the Paris Opera House...I chuckled when I saw your beautiful photos. One day I will gather this family up and "leap" to France...one day. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie! Oh, I just love your snaps of Paris! We've been there a few times and I'm always ready to go back! I hope all is well in your world.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Latane Barton said...

I absolutely adore Paris. I'd live there if I were younger. Just such delight at every turn. Thanks for the pictures.

William Kendall said...

Beautiful shots, Jeanie!

Marilyn Miller said...

I would love Paris any day of the year, but love all you shared in July from the signs to the glass of wine at the end of the day. How I wish I could go for the Klimt exhibit. This would be a dream come true.

BeachGypsy said...

some great pictures here my friend! Those first signs are very unique and interesting, the history. I love the pictures of the kids and their boats and the cafes to eat outside at, and that Opera House....oh my goodness that is so elegant and beautiful! Have you been there more than once? The Opera house. Oh...and that moving art show sounds amazing!!

Evi Erlinda said...

Wonderful Paris!
I like the scooter :)
Thank you for sharing beautiful Paris French, Jeanie.

Red Rose Alley said...

Nel has that very same photo of the lady kneeling with the crown, although yours is more vivid. I think she took it from far away. I really like this art piece, it's so enchanting. The cafes are so charming, and one of the things Jess and Nel loved about Paris so much. And the food! The Metro signs look very familiar too. I've seen pictures of them as well. Such good times for you, Jeanie, and special memories. : )

~Sheri

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

You took me on a tour of all my favorite parts of Paris, and you popped in many places that were new to me. Thank you!

Lisa's Yarns said...

This post makes my heart ache for Paris! I definitely prefer the classic beauty of the city to the modern developments. But there is room for both, of course! I love those metro signs and have taken a lot of pictures of them!!

Lowcarb team member said...

Wow! You've captured Paris so well.

I would love to see the Mona Lisa :)

All the best Jan

Arti said...

Bravo for a wonderful post! Interesting topic and very relevant, contrasting the old with the new. But then again, Paris is a fusion of both. Great observations and photos, Jeanie!

R's Rue said...

Blessings friend.

Louise said...

How wonderful you got to see that Klimt exhibition. I'd love to have seen that or the current Van Gogh one

Tamara said...

Gosh Jeanie, I love the post - the simplicity of comparing old and new. The photo's are fantastic - and then you've introduced me to new places and experiences to have in Paris... this Paris in July is rebuilding my hopes to visit Paris again soon... (oh of course, watching the Tour is also tempting me!).

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