Church Spire and Haussmann Facade, Paris

5 October 2017 · Paris

A Gothic church spire rises behind a classic Haussmann-era apartment facade in Paris, its slate mansard roof and wrought iron balconies stacked against an overcast autumn sky. The view is shot from an elevated riveted steel walkway — industrial ironwork in the foreground, dressed stone and Belle Époque ornament behind it. Two versions of Paris pressing against each other in the same frame: the one the city planned and the one it built around it.