Strolling through Paris, you can still see buildings that survived partially unscathed from Haussman's grand renovations, and Boulevard schemes. All of the building that Americans find endearing and beautiful are really just from the turn on the 20th century. Haussman's reconstruction did a great job by allowing light onto streets, into buildings and quick access throughout the city, but at the same time it kind of incredible if you think of the history that has been eliminated to allow this flow (but without it Paris would be a warren of even more incomprehensible streets and directions). I personally like things a bit older and crustier and strange shaped. I bet these buildings are dreadful to live in but I like their fairytale nature. The crooked house that the crooked man lived in, old woman in the shoe, all apt descriptions of what these interiors probably look like.
The green and yellow buildings in the photo directly above are tiny, with mini windows, that have completely been built around. Above that is a medieval house which houses a student dormitory or something of that sort. It is completely crooked, walls slanting at slightly acute angles.
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