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

Rue Jean Ferrandi - un lion

The details of the architecture are a delight,

particularly when you can see the sharp fangs of a lion.

He looks hungry...

3, rue Jean Ferrandi

75006, Paris

Rue de Courcelles - un lion

Rue de Courcelles

If you are walking in Paris and feel that there are eyes watching you,

just look up and you may meet the gaze of a lion,

or a giant, 

or a horse, 

or a nymph,

or a gargoyle!

They are everywhere you look.  

If you are with children, make a game of finding animals, 

characters, and faces in the architecture with a prize at the end of the day.

Rue de Courcelles

75008, Paris

Porte -- Rue des Capucines

First cousin to the lions at Hôtel de Ville,

this one seems a bit grumpy...

(Il est grognon)

 
Rue des Capucines
75008, Paris

Hôtel de Ville - le lion

This bronze sculpture has taken a striking patina and sits on the west side of Hôtel de Ville, what I would call the "back door" of this historical building on Rue de Lobau.

This majestic lion, one of a pair flanking the "back door," was likely sculpted in the 1880s by one of the 230 sculptors engaged to create the bronzes during reconstruction.  The building was almost destroyed by fire in 1871 leaving only the stone shell.

He looks very content and proud to be guarding the doors of Hôtel de Ville.

Hôtel de Ville

Rue de Lobau

75004, Paris