Probably one of the most famous photos of Paris is Robert Doisneau's "Baiser de l'Hôtel de Ville" (Kiss at City Hall).Crossing the plaza (le parvis) of the Hôtel de Ville the other day, I noticed that for once it had the same look of the Doisneau photograph. Most of the time there are igloos or skating rinks or volleyball beaches covering the square.
I prefer the plaza uncluttered like this.
I don't think this couple was about to make out or anything. I could have asked them to embrace for the camera, I guess.
Nah.
4 comments:
That famous photo was part of the decor of my adolescent bedroom. When I bought the photo I knew so little about France that I thought the photo was in front of a Hotel.
The Hotel de Ville is my favorite building in Paris...it is the most beautiful in the city. Never, ever again would a government entity take the time, expense and trouble to obtain statues of the most prominent citizens in its history and of the time and place them on a building.
They've always been my favorites --both the SO-romantic photo and the majestic building. I do wish that the city fathers wouldn't fill the area in front with all the popular attractions. It takes away from the grandeur of the building, in my mind.
Anyway, that's why I was gobsmacked to see the plaza empty -- it almost never is!
There's just something about Paris that just cries out for black & white photography. Lovely shot, and I wish the plaza was that empty more often!
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