II.1.3. LORDS STEP OUT FROM THE SHADOWS

 MENU : 2.1.3. Lords step out of the shadows

NOBLES ARE AT THE HEART OF FRENCH CULTURE: SETTLED ON THE ROUTE TO VERSAILLES TO BE NEARER THE KING, THEIR DESCENDANTS LIVE THERE STILL 

Certain antiquarians offer a start to encountering them.  

Magnificent door knockers emphasize the closed portals: The American by Henry James (1877) describes the restricted society within.

An antiquarian's window

Follow the river.

Quai Voltaire and pont du Carrousel

Adapted from Mappy

In brief

• Recollection

• An attempt to understand them

• Push open this door

• Farther on

• Plaques reveal this river bank's prestige

• More antiquarians

• "A neighborhood of impressive appearance and noble dwellings"

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Next,

Recollection