Friday, June 1, 2012

PARIS - Rooflines and Details

A unique view. . . of the upper levels



Paris-Inner Courtyard Roofline by DG Hudson


The roofline above reminds me of one of the last scenes in Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens.





Look up -  what's above you?

Most of us don't look up at what looms above us, you need a little observation time for that.  In some instances, we see more of the detail when we examine the photos of a location.   All photos in this post were taken in Paris.




Paris Rooflines - 18th Cent. Courtyard, by DG Hudson



One floor up was a picturesque roofline . . . I kept wondering what the view would be like from those upper windows, or what the rooms look like within.  We were on the fourth floor, looking across the street.  Note the interesting nautical design of an upper window on the left. The circular window tilts to let in air.




Paris, Window variations by DG Hudson


***
One note of caution, looking upwards while continuing to move forward can have unforeseen consequences, so stop before you look up.  It's the same feeling as being on a bridge and looking down at water flowing beneath in a different direction than you are walking. Disorienting. 





Paris Signage, Retro-style Train by DG Hudson




The metal train shown above was attached to the building of a shop, reminiscent of old signage shown in the Carnavalet Museum.  Even those who were unable to read could see the type of business by the merchant's sign.





Red Chimney Pot Roofline in the Marais, by DG Hudson


This residential building shown above could be seen from our apartment window, in the Marais area.  Note the detail around the ledge and molding around the upper level windows.


The best detail is in the Gothic rooflines, like the one below, taken from a side view of Notre Dame.



Notre Dame Side View Roofline, by DG Hudson



***

Have you seen any interesting rooflines?  They look different from above (the aerial view) as compared to looking up from below (the ant's eye view) 

Could your Main Character run across the rooftops shown in this post?   One author I've read had the MC do just that in an old town in France.  Please share your thoughts about rooflines in the comments. 

***