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!