Author Description

WONDERGROUND THE ART OF THE PARIS MÉTRO is a visual journey through the artistic and intriguing parts of this subterranean labyrinth that is the life-blood of Paris. This vital network, as iconic as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe is explored in this series of original and beautiful images. Combined with the interesting and informative commentary, you can discover the Métro's art and architecture and its fascinating background that is inextricably linked to the history and culture of Paris. This rail network spreads across the city like a magic carpet, transporting passengers effortlessly between ethnically diverse and culturally different locations. From the sublime high end precincts with their luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Givenchy, in minutes you can travel to seedy districts on the down-at-heel fringes. The Paris Métro is not just a means to an end. With its 300 stations and hundreds of kilometres of track and tunnels, it has a diversity as rich as the city itself. There are the sensuous art nouveau entrances, some with rare dragon-fly shaped canopies. Many platforms have decoratively finished walls and ceilings reflecting aspects of the destination like the sculptures and artwork within the Louvre station or the words of the French constitution in the tiles at Concorde. There are unusual variations of the iconic signage and unique stations not just underground but elaborate structures flying over the streets. Some entries are integrated into buildings while others can be easily missed or disappear altogether like the ghost stations slumbering untouched for decades. The winding tunnels connect to striking viaducts and bridges that afford spectacular views of the city and its waterways. Each station has its own name, its own story and takes its special place in the landscape, texture and story of the city. Lovers of Paris will be captivated by this fresh perspective on the City of Light while others as they traverse underground may perhap