We got off at the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile station, and I was greeted by this vibrant industrial design. The station was older, with the signature white tile and curved ceiling. However, the metro added new, modern elements that formed a stark contrast.

I haven’t ridden the metro enough to determine how consistent the designs are from station to station. From my limited usage, I saw a lot of variation, making it compelling photographically. There’s a much-needed playfulness, and the bits of streamlined modernism contrast with much of the baroque historic buildings in the city center. The single orange seat attracts my attention. Was this done on purpose, or did they replace a damaged red one? Is there a station with all orange seats except a single red one? What other colors are used in the system?

For people knowledgeable about Paris, this station is a dead giveaway of our next tourist attraction. That’ll be coming up soon.

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