Les toits de Paris
Monday, August 09, 2010 Publié par Eric Tenin
I don't know why exactly, but there is something really special about the Paris rooftops. First of all, because you can easily see them (buildings must not be higher than 25 or 31 meters depending on the areas - with a few exceptions though) and second because most of them are shaped the same way, and made of Zinc with orange chimneys. I love them. And I'm not the only one... They have inspired several artists, including film maker René Clair or Hiner Saleem and of course, this very famous song by Berthe Sylva!
August 9, 2010 12:38:00 AM GMT+02:00
I think I see St. Roch, le Louvre, et l'Eglise Saint-Germain. I'm guessing you are looking out a window from...le 9eme arrondissement, where all the really hip people live!
I love views over the rooftops, also. Georges, over priced but on top of Beaubourg, offers a great view.
August 9, 2010 12:59:00 AM GMT+02:00
I love them too! ♥
August 9, 2010 1:29:00 AM GMT+02:00
I lo-lo-love them !!!
The first thing that made me love Paris was just that!!
August 9, 2010 1:35:00 AM GMT+02:00
I never tire of seeing pictures of Paris rooftops. I find it strangely calming.
August 9, 2010 2:02:00 AM GMT+02:00
Oh! I don't remember to come here often enough!
This is very like a friends view from her tiny roof garden...good memories! Thank you:D
August 9, 2010 2:27:00 AM GMT+02:00
Great photo above the rooftops. I don't get to see that where I live that much
August 9, 2010 3:17:00 AM GMT+02:00
Great photo!!! I've been looking for a photo of Parisian rooftops! Thanks so much!
August 9, 2010 3:19:00 AM GMT+02:00
Fantastique! And thanks for all the great links. Would love to know where you were when you took this photo—and merci beaucoup for not including that major exception to the height rule, the inexcusable Tour Montparnasse.
August 9, 2010 6:38:00 AM GMT+02:00
Thank you for this shot, Eric. I'm always charmed by the Paris rooftops. It seems they haven't changed since Victor Hugo made them come to life in the opening of Notre Dame de Paris.
August 9, 2010 7:38:00 AM GMT+02:00
Cetait une photo de appartement??
The view is magnificent, as always.. Reading a book while sipping iced tea up there would be just heaven
August 9, 2010 8:09:00 AM GMT+02:00
"I don't know why exactly, but there is something really special about the Paris rooftops"
My sentiments exactly. Most people feel that way.
August 9, 2010 8:29:00 AM GMT+02:00
Fantastic picture and a fantastic way to start the week...the rooftops are like a sea of never ending dreams....
August 9, 2010 8:38:00 AM GMT+02:00
Thank you Eric for the song! My all time favourite is "Sur le ciel de Paris"...
If there is someone out there who likes French music I would recommed songs of Etienne Daho :)
Once I heard his song on the radio, here in Poland, and I could not forget his voice... One year later, while in Paris, I heard his song in a shop. The shop assistant told me the name of the singer and I went straight to buy his CD :) He is the best!
August 9, 2010 9:31:00 AM GMT+02:00
We are most likely so attracted to Paris roofs because they are a unique characteristic of that beloved city.
August 9, 2010 9:42:00 AM GMT+02:00
Love your shot ! .... absolutely stunning !!!
August 9, 2010 9:49:00 AM GMT+02:00
Beautiful .Paris always looks so bright as the light reflects from the zinc.
The film Le toits de Paris never made it to the cinema here but a friend said it was an wondedful film. I saw Gainsbourg at the weekend and there is a scene in that when he is out on the rooftops .
August 9, 2010 10:01:00 AM GMT+02:00
I don't know, it's a photograph of chimney pots, leaden roof tops, opaque sky lights, discoloured walls, unsightly antennae, cranes and an ugly mish mash of un-coordinated edifices paled by a light grey hue of smog silently suffocating the unsuspecting parisian commuters as they wind their way around the city hidden beneath. Call me a romantic! Dermo
August 9, 2010 10:36:00 AM GMT+02:00
C'est une magnifique photo et tous les petits elements qui s'y ajoutent sont des instants magiques qui me donnent envie de rester au lit toute la journée à penser, rêver, surfer avec toutes vos références, vos échos, vos mots, vos images. Formidable. Et cette chanson ou ces chansons redécouvertes ... Daho. Je l'aime bien surtout quand il chante Paris.
Admiring. I thought of writing something yesterday as soon as I read but i was not able. It happens sometimes. When you are breathtaken. And it is what i was feeling until these words i started in French which are the least I had been able to. You are so much stronger than me ... Beautiful Paris. Beautiful PDP.
August 9, 2010 10:54:00 AM GMT+02:00
Flore, my thoughts exactly - only I am at work right now... :(
God, I wish I could be in Paris again wondering around the streets of Marais or Quartier Latin...
August 9, 2010 1:02:00 PM GMT+02:00
fully agree with everybody! And never better than from the terrace of that well known shopping paradise, a fire-red name starting with L and ending with ETTE... - simply brilliant.
Thank you Eric; you do wonderful photos of your Paris!
August 9, 2010 1:19:00 PM GMT+02:00
What a coincidence. I just watched the film the other day.
August 9, 2010 1:52:00 PM GMT+02:00
Wonderful. I'm one of your very very best fan. I think I'm like these teenagers who admire a famous idol. And love it and love all what he/she likes!! Can't say much or you'll think i'm mad ;-)
August 9, 2010 2:39:00 PM GMT+02:00
It is beautiful. A very unique look at this beloved city. (But I have to admit, a good view of the ET would have to be my favorite! :)
August 9, 2010 4:27:00 PM GMT+02:00
Eric, you never fail to find an interesting photo of your beautiful city! I thought back to the times I cropped out edges of rooftops in favor of the "view", leaving snippets of the flavor of the city behind. I will crop less, appreciate more. Thank you for your blog -- I've been a follower for a long time now. Your pictures and words allow me to visit beloved Paris every day.
August 10, 2010 12:12:00 AM GMT+02:00
On one of our first trips to Paris we had a small hotel room with the bed in a loft. I climbed up on the bed and balanced on the the night table. I opened the window in the ceiling, stuck my head up and out the window and took a photo of the rooftops. My husband thought I was a little crazy but it's one of my favorite pictures. Thank you for sharing yours!!
August 10, 2010 12:12:00 AM GMT+02:00
Eric, I would have picked this one instead
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf4wUmBM6gk
August 10, 2010 12:51:00 AM GMT+02:00
@ Ella said...
" Thank you Eric for the song! My all time favourite is "Sur le ciel de Paris"... "
SOUS le ciel de Paris. (UNDER the sky) Yeah, it's a very famous song.
Yves Montand's interpretation is probably my favorite. He did sing so well.
August 10, 2010 1:16:00 AM GMT+02:00
Nice cliché photo.
August 10, 2010 2:18:00 AM GMT+02:00
This photo produces a contented sigh in my spirit, Eric. Lovely.
August 10, 2010 5:52:00 PM GMT+02:00
Certainly one the nicest and original Eiffel Tower pictures I've even seen, congratulations!
Very inspiring
October 15, 2010 8:02:00 AM GMT+02:00
Completely I share your opinion. In it something is also idea excellent, agree with you.