Metropolitain

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If someone asks me what it is in Paris that is very typical and different from other cities - I would say it is metro. Metropolitain is the symbol of the city, notable for its station architecture, influenced by Art Nouveau.

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The first line opened on July 19, 1900, during the Exposition Universelle world's fair and now Paris is the second busiest metro system in Europe after Moscow metro.

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The Métro's original art nouveau entrances are iconic symbols of Paris, and 83 survive. Designed by Hector Guimard in a style that caused some surprise and controversy in 1900, there are two main variants:

* The most elaborate feature glass canopies. Two still exist, at Porte Dauphine:

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and Abbesses :

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* The rest have a cast-iron balustrade decorated in plant-like motifs, accompanied by a "Métropolitain" sign supported by two orange globes atop ornate cast-iron supports in the form of plant stems.

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Image by Arek

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Image by Arek

Later stations and redecorations have brought increasingly simple styles to Métro entrances.

* Classical stone balustrades were chosen for certain early stations in prestigious locations (Franklin D Roosevelt, République)

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*Simpler metal balustrades accompany a "Métro" sign crowned by a spherical lamp in other early stations (Saint-Placide).

Image by Irene Suchocki

*Minimalist stainless-steel balustrades (Havre — Caumartin) appeared from the 1970s and signposts with just an "M" have been the norm since the war (Olympiades, opened 2007).

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A handful of station entrances have entirely original architecture (Saint-Lazare), and a number are integrated into residential or standalone buildings (Pelleport). But I like so much more the old art nouveau stations - so exquisite, unique and modernist!