This perfectly conserved fire alarm is the last remaining example of the first fire alarms to pop up on the streets of Paris.
The Fire Brigade of Paris was established in 1811 by Napoleon I, and fire alarms first appeared in 1886. This specific example, though, wasn’t made until 1947. It stands red and shiny outside the fire station at Hôtel Chavigny on rue de Sévigné, in the Marais area.
The building itself has a long history, dating back to 1265 and Louis IX. It is home to the popular Fireman’s Ball on Bastille Day and normally opens its doors to the public as part of Journées de Patrimoine in September. I was restricted to peering in from the street, but maybe I’ll time my trip next year to get inside.
Travel with Intent 
Very interesting, I didn’t know that the Fire Brigade of Paris was established by Napoleon ! I live in Waterloo, where he lost the battle !
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Neither did I until I stumbled across this. And last weekend I came across what is apparently the only monument to Napoleon outside France – more on that soon.
On Tue, Oct 14, 2014 at 4:31 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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Fascinating! Your title also reminds me of that curious notice you sometimes see on emergency exits: DOOR ALARMED. I try very hard to imagine a door showing a sense of alarm, but I can never do it. !o!
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When were you in Paris Debbie. It seems to me that you are moving a lot this year. You have taken excellent shots of perfectly alarming fire alarms 🙂
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Very nice set of images and story. Thanks for sharing.
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I thought before it’s a mail box 🙂
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Does look like one at a quick glance
On Tue, Oct 14, 2014 at 6:28 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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wow – love Paris history with Debbie!! and cool shots of the modern day trucks too – 🙂
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perhaps cool shots of the firemen next time 😉
On Tue, Oct 14, 2014 at 1:13 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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