Parisian Metro III

I love the signage associated with early 20th-century European metros. One of the coolest things about them is the lack of consistency from stop-to-stop. Often, each stop has a design associated with the location and the era that neighborhood first became hot. Many new train lines all around the world try to embrace this concept but the ones that developed organically — like Paris and Barcelona — are unique in that the signage is authentic because it was actually created at the time the neighborhood earned it... rather than being awarded the honor half a century later. 

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90. 

Parisian Metro I

The art deco Metro station signs in Paris have more than stood the test of time. In fact, I think the patina they have gained over the years makes them more alluring. It's easy to imagine Hemingway and his cohorts rushing down these stairs past this sign nearly 100 years ago.

I find it hard to believe that any new underground train line in today's era would spend the time to have artisans craft such appealing signage. It reminds you that there was an era where the train was a luxury and not a second or third choice. 

This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90.

Parisian Metro II

The art nouveau metro stops of European cities like Paris and Barcelona really set their style apart from the rest of the pack with their more modern, more legible and more boring alternatives. Look at that sign. What a great first thing to see when climbing the stairs from the underground tunnels of the metro. This particular stop is on the Louvre block so the background doesn't hurt, either.

This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.