Don't go thinking this is a drawing - even though it looks like one - it's a real door that I photographed yesterday on my way to the gym. It's located at rue Richer, and the reason why it's got uneven reflections is that it is currently being repainted. This is typically what we call a porte cochère, that is a door that leads to a courtyard where Parisians (the ones that could afford it) use to park their horse carriage during the 19th century. The two metal "balls" on each side are guard stones (chasse-roues); all portes cochères have them because they prevent the walls from being damaged by carriage wheels.
"Chasse-roues" Thank you, Eric. I've learned a new French word. I saw les Chasse-roues on my first visit to Paris when I stayed at Le Jeu du Paume on Ile St. Louis, but I never - until now - knew the proper term.
ReplyDeleteI just got back from Paris and wondered what those balls were for! Thanks. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous, Eric! I kind of wish they would stop painting right there ~ I love the patchiness. And thank you for the lesson in door architecture/fittings. I've heard the term 'porte cochère' used here, but it had lost a little something in translation. Yours is much more poetic. :)
ReplyDeleteVery dramatic!
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely a beautiful doorway. (and it must be somewhere I should stay, my favorite number is next to it!) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you'll give us another peek at this gorgeous door when it's all painted (although it does seem perfect just like this). Must say, in an encounter between carriage wheel and building wall, my money's on the wall to emerge unscathed. :~}
ReplyDeleteBeautiful door, I appreciate you pointing out the chasse-roues. I'm not sure I would have noticed them otherwise. I little history lesson with your photograph.
ReplyDeleteReally spectacular Eric. Your new photography activity is really paying off!
ReplyDeleteIs this a famous address? I seem to remember a #17 somewhere in Paris that was famous. Although I'm sure there are many #17s.
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