Saturday, April 23, 2011

Symbols of Paris


Here at the Métro Saint-Philippe du Roule (Line 9, color Acacia) entrance on Avenue Franklin D Roosevelt, we see not one, but two symbols of Paris. The métro sign itself consists of a "radio antenna" style yellow "M" in a circle on a pole. This Métro stop was opened in 1923 but I think that the sign came later.

Just adjacent to the metro is one of the classic dark green news stands, an icon of Paris. Can you imagine the amount of this dark green paint used each year on benches, chairs, kiosks, railings...?




Métro Saint-Philippe du Roule
Avenue Franklin D Roosevelt

20 comments:

Sylvia K said...

I do so love your views of Paris! It is one of my favorite places and I'm so happy I was able to travel there and to enjoy the French culture -- which I do! Delightful post for the day as always! Have a lovely weekend and Happy Easter!

Sylvia

o2 said...

How much paint? I have never thought about it! Maybe more than they need for the Eiffel tower!! Happy Eastern !! :) Bises ! Aude

jb said...

Do they have Domino's Pizza and Burger King too?

Anonymous said...

Paris ne serait pas Paris sans son métro. Et les vieilles stations ont leur charme. La première ligne a été inaugurée le 19 Juillet 1900, et, bien entendu, elle portait déjà un logo. Ce n'était pas le fameux "M", mais "Métropolitain". Les amateurs d'antiquités s'arrachent à prix d'or ces anciennes enseignes.
Joyeuses Pâques, Genie!

Julie said...

Line 9 ... Line 9 ... I don't think I have ever travelled on Line 9. So I had to look it up. It travels right across the city and is extremely long. My journeys usually take me NS rahter than EW. You are just at the back of the Madeleine, I see.

I am not sure about these yellow Ms. I do like the old style signs a lot, especially where they have been able to retain the covers, like up at Abbesses. However, the elegance of the 'radio microphone' is of interest. Today I travel on Line 9 from Solferino to Convention. I have another park to investigate, 'Georges Brassens'.

Julie said...

Correction, SVP. Today I travel on Line 12 ...

Malyss said...

Once I heard english speaking people saying that we , in France , had a special way to write the M of Mac Donald's!!Ü

M said...

And here I though the "M" was for Marie! Alas, you have broken my Paris-loving heart! Perfect capture of Parisian symbols and stimulation for our minds as we try to ponder the quantity of paint. Joyeuses Pâques!

Dianne said...

I love dark green
and I know I would love Paris

superb photo

the shot below is stunning

Virginia said...

NON....M IS for Marie ....and Metro of course! :)
I love the kiosks and their cut little domed "hats"!
V

Birdman said...

I like this image today.

Alexa said...

Part of what I love about the city—even the most utilitarian things were built to be beautiful. Very nicely captured, Genie!

biebkriebels said...

I like the advertisements in the back. The new M I haven't seen yet, it is new for me. Have to go to have a look this summer or so.

cath said...

toujours superbes tes photos !
bonnes pâques , Génie!

Starman said...

I wonder how many of those "M" métro signs there are in Paris? I can only think of two that I've actually seen.
@JB - hate to inform you, but yes, there is Domino's and Burger King in Paris.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your images today - another great take on Paris. Can't wait 4 weeks today.

Randy said...

I do love this shot! La Chaperon Rouge looks like something to be seen.

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Love the modern M with the antique background.

Anonymous said...

It really is a lovely bit of cultural architecture. Have a lovely Easter Sunday ~ xox Alexandra

Jann said...

what a great picture!