Rue de Lyon - les details

the door

Typical of many Paris doors from the 19th century, the details of the stone architecture are unique in design and frame beautifully the well-preserved heavy doors.  The cart belongs to the postman (le facteur) to transport the mail as s/he walks the neighborhood.  The ornamental wrought iron piece at the foot of a door is called a "chasse-roue" and was a practical implement to protect the door or gate from the carriage wheels.  You will see them all over Paris, some of wrought iron as seen here, and others of stone.  It would be interesting to photograph a collection of the different designs.

Rue de Lyon

75012, Paris

Église Saint-Quiriace - la porte rouge

Église Saint-Quiriace

The setting for this Twelfth Century church

 is rich with history. 

We watched as she entered the red doors on gloomy day.  

You can catch just a brief glimpse of her blue robes in the puddle.

bon dimanche

Église Saint-Quiriace

Place Saint-Quiriace

77160, Provins

Boulevard Haussmann - l'architecture

La grande porte

This grand entrance can be seen from a block away with its imposing doors, ornate carvings, and grill-work.  The courtyard drive entrance could have been a film set and I expected to see a large black car exiting past those archway columns.  It reminded me a bit of the scene in les Intouchables in which a car was parked in the "no parking" zone, blocking the entrance.  Omar Sy should appear at any moment.

Paris architecture

134, boulevard Haussmann

75008, Paris

Paris Bleu

This post is for all of my readers who love the blue doors of Paris. There is an abundance of bleu in all shades and tints in the streets of Paris.

May your skies be as blue today as this door in the Marais.

Toc! Toc!

Toc! Toc! Qui est-là?

The massive doors of Paris, closed to the outsider, the stranger. present a mystery. Without a key or a secret code for entry, the stories inside remain hidden.

While walking the streets, camera at the ready, I got very close to the dark wooden door to photograph the ornate hardware. On about the third click of the camera, the door opened inward suddenly... I do not know who gasped first, but I almost fell on him and he nearly stepped into me. I quickly withdrew and then we both laughed at the surprise. (Whew)