Low-rise Paris threatened by skyscraper envy

One of the great charms of central Paris is the generally uniform height of the buildings, with monuments like the Eiffel Tower the towers of Notre Dame cathedral and Sacre Coeur visible over the pretty mansard roofs. But, as this article in Britain's Guardian points out, that may be changing, as city leaders seek to appear more open to modern city design, and that threatens to upend centuries of careful planning (with the exception of Tour Montparnasse) and preservation.

This glass triangle tower recently gained approval, overcoming opposition to allowing such a massive (600 feet tall) building in the largely residential 15th arrondissement.

This 600-foot tall glass tower will soon loom over southwestern Paris.

Ironically, despite it's low-rise appearance, central Paris is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. I think that's because people actually live there, rather than coming to work in charmless office buildings but going home to somewhere else. I hope Paris's city planners recognize the difference before allowing more of this kind of building.

Another building in the works is a new Palace of Justice, going up at the northern edge of the city. At least both of these buildings are located at the fringes of Paris and not smack in the historic center.

Rendering: Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

I'd hate to see Paris allow this trend to move any closer to the center, or get any taller. Doing so would hide the city's unique appearance, which adds so much to its appeal. The best United States comparison I can think of is Washington, D.C. to New York, or even to Philadelphia. Washington has an intimacy that skyscraped cities just can't match. Unfortunately, there's not as much life away from work in Washington as in Paris, since so many of the buildings house government and business offices and not apartments.

In Europe, the worst example is London, where clashing towers loom over and dominate classical and historic structures like Saint Paul's Cathedral. And, judging by the cranes visible in this photo, there are more to come.

Skyscrapers, and cranes building more of them, in London's City financial district.

Compare that view to this one, from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower.

A gargoyle watches over Paris from the heights of Notre Dame.

It would be unimaginable for that view to be blocked by a tasteless behemoth built solely for commercial purposes. Let's hope those who watch over Paris always see it that way.

Want a great view out your apartment window? This cozy one bedroom in an authentic neighborhood in the Right Bank is across the street from the Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs church and very near the Musee des Arts et Metiers. There are easy Metro connections nearby, making it easy to reach all the popular sights.

View from the Central Charm apartment.

Living room.

See more examples of vacation rental apartments we offer in Paris and Barcelona at www.likelivingthere.com. There are a lot more, so please fill out a Trip Plan or send an email to info@likelivingthere.com with basic info about your trip and we'll quickly suggest some options that fit your needs and desires.