The Little Book of French Signs

A celebration of the stunning graphic design and lettering artworks that grace the streets and buildings of the cities and countryside in France.
There is the ornate gold-leaf signage of charming cafés, the ancient medieval signs hanging off facades, and the vibrant glow of neon lights.
The ghostly remnants of faded advertisements that whisper tales of bygone businesses are shown together with iconic plaques depicting street names and house numbers. Contemporary street art that transforms urban landscapes into open-air galleries is displayed beside beautiful, painted shop fronts.
This collection of images serves not only as a testament to the remarkable diversity of the signs, but also as tribute to the artists and craftsmen who brought them to life. Some signs are merely functional objects—others are works of art—but all are windows into the past and reflections of the present, capturing the essence of the French spirit and its change over time.

Kim Buddee is an Australian architect and filmmaker best known for his designs in film and television. His passion for finding beauty in everyday places has drawn him to explore and capture images from around the world. He has crafted his photographs and text into books on Cuba, France, Myanmar, and Thailand.