Portes de Paris: Part Deux
by habituallychic
09 . 14 . 09
Someone left a comment on my door post that they like to see what lies behind them and I had to laugh. If we saw an open door in Paris, we couldn’t resist peeking in and occasionally taking a photo or two. Even the humblest of buildings had beautiful courtyards or interiors. I saw a dirty window on a door in Saint Germain and looked through expecting to see a derelict building or a construction site only to see the pretty little plants above. You just never knew what you would find and that was the best part!
Stefan happened to walk in front of the building I planned to photograph so I made him pose. I just want to mention that I had the Nikon for places like the parks and Versailles but in Paris, I usually just pulled out my small and discreet Canon.
I loved that the interior doors of this slightly dirty building were a pretty blue. It was a lovely surprise. 
This building had a very elegant entry to the courtyard.
And a pair of doors along the side were a beautiful shade of pale grey that reminded me of Dior grey.
You have to watch your step in Paris because some of the doors open within a frame. This one is another beautiful shade of blue grey!
The side door inside of the building looks slightly green in this photos but I think it was the same as the outside door. I love the middle door knob too! 
I wish I had walked farther into this courtyard but I didn’t want to trespass although most of the ones with open doors led to businesses.
I loved the color and detail on this door too! 
Of course, the cars tend to ruin the tableau so I was glad that the one in front was cute!
This sweet entrance was on the right in the above courtyard. I wish we had more places that look like this in New York!
I think this entry led to a hotel under the beautiful awning inside but I’m not sure. 
I saw this intriguing doorway next to the Flamant on rue de Furstenberg and couldn’t help but sneek a closer look.
It led to a very pretty courtyard and…
…the Eugene Delacroix museum! What a really great surprise! We didn’t have time to go in but it’s definitely going on my list for the next trip!
I wish I had gotten a little closer to this building and courtyard since it has a very famous distinction. 
It was the site of Pablo Picasso’s studio and where he painted one of his most famous works, Guernica. We also didn’t make it to the Picasso museum so that’s going on my list for the next trip too!
I loved ivy on this outside gate to an apartment building.
This very chic and manicured little garden was behind a chic shop on rue de Faubourg Saint-Honore or maybe just the rue de Saint-Honore. I always forgot where one ended and the other began! 
I really wished I could have seen what was behind this door! That tree makes me think it’s definitely something special! 
22 Comments
It’s too bad you missed the Picasso museum. It is my absolute favorite. At least you will have something to look forward to visiting on your next trip!
Happy to hear you had a wonderful time in Paris. I was intrigued as well with all the doors and what they hid……..next time I am going to open a few and peek in…..thnak you for so graciously sharing your pics.
Haha…that was me that left the comment imagining what delights were behind the gorgeous doors!!!
The Delacroix museum is a hidden gem …don’t miss it next time…you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you for posting so many wonderful photos …I enjoyed every one of them. ~ Michelle
Wow, we don’t stumble into Eugene Delacroix museums where I live.
What a lovely post! It’s so natural for us to want to dicove what is behind closed doors.
So great that you explored and found these wonderful places!
http://beautifulinsidemymind.blogspot.com/
Heather you should check the above blog out I’m sure you’ll like it.. it’s one of the good undiscovered blogs by a young student.
Let me know what you though once you’ve had a chance to visit.
x
I just love the architectures and the classic structure of the buildings in Paris. It never fails to amaze me.
I always wanted to go to Paris. Looking at these photos made me jealous, someday, somehow I will go there.
Don’t worry – the Musée Picasso is closed for renovations and won’t open again until 2012 – But you should come back before that!
These last two posts are right up my ‘alley’. When I go to Paris, I tend to just take photo’s of architectural details, especially entry ways. There are many and so varied. I am glad you had a good time and good wheather. I know because I only live a 4 hour trainride from Paris, we have basiscally the same wheather paterns.
Isn’t Laduree amazing !! Glad you liked it too. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Looking forward to rest of stories and images of Paris.
Ron ( the Netherlands)
What I would give for a center door knob on a Dior gray front door…I don’t know, but it would be a lot!
Beautiful and poetic in it’s own way. I adore doors, and your blog, too.
Almost secret enclaves, how idyllic and peaceful. It must be nice to have such a restful place to collect your thoughts when you need to get away from the hustle and bustle once in awhile.
Wow what a nice set of pictures, it´s amazing what you can find peeking through a door… like they say, don’t judge a book by its cover.
What Nikon did you use?
the cute car is the original mini… not a lot of my American friends know the car, I don’t think it was ever released here. Its an amazing design.
I am a new subscriber and am thrilled with my timing. Loving your door and courtyard photos, thank you!
I just love someone who can find doors and door colors endlessly fascinating. I’d gladly travel to Paris with you (but for now will be happy with just your pix).
Doesn’t it make you wonder why American cities are not as beautiful as Paris? After all, it’s just hardscape and landscape and architecture. There are plenty of talented Americans, but I think we as a nation must be collectively missing the gene that makes the whole thing come together and look like these photographs. Gorgeous pics!
I didn’t read anywhere that the Picasso museum is being renovated! Good thing we didn’t walk all the way there before we found out! I have a lot to do on my list for the next trip and look forward to returning. The architecture was definitely my favorite part and wish American architecture would take a turn to more classic designs again.
Heather, these are amazing photos so full of wonder and mystery. I love the French Iron work, the swept courtyards..and most of all the mystery that seems to entice in all of these photos. Thank you so much.
I love those pictures! It looks like such a lovely place with drop dead architecture. Thanks for bringing your camera along and sharing with us.