Aero: Henry Livingston – France 2018 – City Life

Posted by LEAF Architect on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Aero: Henry Livingston – France 2018 – City Life

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Henry Livingston

During my stay in France I mainly visited two major locations, Paris and Vitré; each one contained its own set of eccentricities and individualisms. I found both to be unparalleled by any American town, both in their physicality and attitudes. Similarly, even the two places that I visited in France are not equal in comparison because of their vast differences. I found that both cities had their own desirable and undesirable aspects, although I found them equally enjoyable.

Unlike most small towns in America, Vitré doesn’t resemble the smaller rural communities of America, rather it looks more compact and congested than most others. The streets are considerably narrower than most major roadways in the U.S, and there are vastly more roundabouts incorporated into the streets, which themselves are often made of cobblestone. The buildings are evidently much older than most rural American housing, being constructed out of stone, concrete, and wood. Additionally, they are very close in proximity to each other, nothing like the vast spaces that separate the homes in the U.S. The addition of a train and bus station in the town particularly emphasized the urbanized nature of the town. People in the town of Vitre seemed more inclined to speak with and assist us in our daily adventures. Overall the attitude portrayed in Vitre was more trusting than that received in Paris. The architecture of the city was exquisite, with grand castles, churches, and statues scattered throughout the town and surrounding countryside.

Paris was a comparatively different experience that that of Vitré, with some similarities. Unlike most large American cities, the metropolis encompasses a large geographical area, but the construction of the city appears not to be as elevated like the skyscrapers of New York city. Similar to Vitré, the architecture is vastly more detailed and ancient than in America, and there were considerably more ornate works of art around the city. The metro system used in the city’s transportation seemed to be older than most others, with the doors still utilizing latches and fewer escalators throughout the stations. There were also more scammers surrounding the city’s major landmarks, than are found elsewhere, probably due to the city higher rate of tourism. Additionally, there were vastly more sit-down cafés and restaurants throughout the city, than in America. Smoking was more common places among the residents of both Vitré and Paris, which was prominently displayed in the streets and outside of the cafés.

The vehicles that most Parisians used were considerably smaller than the cars in America, and most tend to be electrically fueled, which is understandable given the space of the city and the cost of gas. Like in most large cities I found that the people were usually preoccupied with their daily business, however I did encounter various individuals, both from Paris and otherwise, that were outgoing and willing to help. Overall, I found Paris to be steeped in history, with an exceptional selection of stores and markets, with numerous exciting attractions throughout the city. The sheer size of Paris gave me a multitude of options for every aspect of daily life, however Vitré was more navigable and had a calmer demeanor. Both cities each had their own great aspects which makes me want to visit each one again.

Henry Livingston
Study Abroad – France 2018 @ FLCC

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