Those of you who have already been to Paris and taken the metro have certainly noticed that there are a few stations that are somewhat different from the ordinary stations.

Sometimes, something obvious is commemorated, such as at Bastille or Louvre, but sometimes the displays are mysterious and confusing.

I went through quite a few metro stations in recent days and have compiled a report about quite a few of the metro displays. Parisians rarely have the time or the desire to look at this stuff, but I hope that tourists show a little more interest, since isn't that one of the reasons that you are coming to Paris?

Anyway, for those who are not totally mesmerized by the buses, here are some of the things that you can see in the metro: http://tinyurl.com/metroquirks

This is not at all a complete report, and I plan to add more items shortly.

marking - always very very interesting stuff - thanks a lot!

Cool. Our subway has large coloured tiles, all one colour. Thanks for seeing how beautiful it can be.

As one who LOVES the Metro (and every other underground rail system I have ever been in), I love this! Thanks, kerouac.

I'll have to share this with my husband - after every trip to Paris, I find at least a dozen pictures of various Metro stations. He's a fan, too. Our favorite discovery last time was at the Solferino station (I believe) where you can see "Dir. Montmartre" above the tunnel. I'm sure it's been there forever (and probably at other stations as well), but we noticed it this time since it was guiding us "home."

Amazing...how do you come up with this stuff, Kerouac? I love a station dedicated to potatoes! Paris is so fantastic, even the subways are interesting and lovely.

Fantastic views. Thanks for all that effort.
I remember that on my first visit to Paris when I was 16, it was the Metro which impressed me the most. It was more like a big organism with its own art, music, and smell -- and not just a public transport.

When I was in Paris as a child, I would have happily spent the whole day underground, moving around from line to line, particularly if I could use those electric push button maps from time to time. In the early 1960's, those were the coolest things EVER!

And, as you can probably tell, I still love the metro.

Kerouac: thanks so much. another great photo story!

I love your photos!! I also love the metro stations.

Super cool!

kerouac, you are truly amazing! We have enjoyed each of your photo journals and reports, and this on the Metro is super! We visit Paris at least twice a year and love the Metro - this will make it even more enjoyable. Thank you, and keep them coming.

Thanks Kerouac! You have a keen ability to take a mundane subject and make it an intersting study. Sensational!

Great.
Actually, there are other cities in which some of the Metro stations look interesting...Prague and Moscow come to mind.

Wonderful photos Kerouac!

You always supply us with such interesting topics and great photos.

Thank you

Fantastic Job, Kerouac!

Makes me realize I need to break out of my old, comfortable habits and discover some new areas if metro stations are indicators.

Kerouac, merci yet again. Loved your images of the Metro – nothing like that in New York or Boston. Your piece put me in mind of one of my favorite poems:

In a Station of the Metro

The apparition of these faces in the crowd ;
Petals on a wet, black bough.
— Ezra Pound

Lovely, esp Arts et Metiers. I have always been within walking distance so never needed to take the Metro. See what I was missing!

If you should come to Boston, the MIT stop on the Red Line subway has wonderful chimes and a couple of other "music machines". Better stations, better subways!

Terrific, thanks.

many thanks!

Very interesting and nice, as usual.
Thank you a lot.