It is my last day enjoying the “joie de vivre” in France before I leave Paris for the United States. Over the past three weeks, I have been traveling in and around Paris, Lyon and Nimes to document modern structures on this blog, hoping to raise awareness of the international modernist movement’s historical importance. I believe that, in France, modern architecture continues to be viewed as an experiment, only to be found in secluded fields and alleyways or designed so as not to detract from the splendor of older historic buildings. Those modern sites that are neither hidden nor unobtrusive (such as the Centre Pompidou and Firminy Site) appear to receive more censure from the French people, who describe these sites to be “laid” (ugly) and “étranger” (foreign). Still, these modern structures should not be overlooked, for they represent the ever evolving modern lifestyle and how people throughout the twentieth century responded to the changing social conditions. What I love about most French modern architecture is that its designs are often heavily influenced by the past, almost always paying homage to the country’s historic background that allowed these cities and towns to develop politically, economically, socially and, most importantly, architecturally (this is most evident in the Lyon Opera House and Museum of Contemporary Art at Nimes, but smaller historical influences do exist throughout the other buildings as well). For me, it is the reverence for history and the desire to combine the old and the new that creates a unique idiosyncrasy in French modern architecture apparent in most sites I have seen.

I would also like to conclude my trip with a few words of advice on traveling in France. First of all, no pair of shoes (no matter how durable, expensive or chic) can withstand the wrath of French streets. Sadly, I had to lay my walking shoes to rest today after I noticed that they were literally torn to shreds. Secondly, the rental bike system in Paris, though ingenious and very useful, suffers from poor bike craftsmanship, which forced me to dismount twice in one day due to a broken steering wheel and, later, a flat tire. And, lastly, no matter how valiant one's efforts are, it is impossible to avoid the irresistible lure of a pain au chocolat.

-Ian
Philip Johnson Glass House Intern